A Sentimental Tribute by the Sea
Brooke Hogan recently turned to the ocean to find solace and commemorate the memory of her father, the legendary Hulk Hogan. In a touching Instagram post shared on May 20, the 38-year-old expressed how the beach environment brought her closer to the man who famously adored the water.
«Needed some time with my thoughts, my daddy and the ocean he loved so much,» Brooke reflected. «Every wave hit my heart like a memory that felt like it was yesterday. The waves carried the bass in his voice, the salt water felt like his hugs. The smell of the ocean smelled like so many days on the boat we spent together.»
She further recalled cherished childhood moments, noting, «I remember him whisking me across the surf like King Triton holding his Little Mermaid… if I could breathe underwater, I’d spend forever under the sea if it meant being that much closer to him. The tears were endless today.» The post featured a series of images, including a sun-drenched photo of Brooke and vintage snapshots of the wrestling icon at the helm of a boat.
Addressing Family Dynamics and Legacy
The relationship between the father and daughter was known to be complex, with reports indicating they were estranged leading up to his death. Notably, Hulk Hogan did not include Brooke in his will. Addressing this publicly in September 2025, Brooke remained stoic, stating, «His decision is no surprise to me. It’s what I asked for, I stand by it with no regrets. My dad knows I’m a hard worker and I have been surviving without his money for a long, long time.»
Following her father's passing, Brooke released the song «Wanna Go Back,» which drew mixed reactions from fans who questioned her motives given their past distance. In response to critics on social media who claimed she was capitalizing on his legacy, Brooke stood firm in her expression of grief.
Support from Her Inner Circle
Amidst the public scrutiny, Brooke has found strong support from her husband, former professional ice hockey player Steven Olesky. The couple, who married in 2022 and share twins Oliver and Molly, have navigated these personal challenges together.
Olesky voiced his support for his wife’s artistic tribute, sharing on his Instagram Story: «This song is so deep. I am so blessed to call you my wife. Your strength could never be measured. I love you!»