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Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife Linda, who was married to the wrestling superstar for 26 years, has finally broken her silence. His daughter Brooke and her husband Steve Oleksy have also now spoken out with their first public statements coming several days after the WWE Hall of Famer’s “shocking” death at the age of 71.
“I had no idea he would pass away this soon,” Linda Hogan wrote in the comments of a photo she posted on Instagram last week of the couple in happier times. “We all really thought he would make a come back! Big surprise. We are all devastated. It’s hitting me so hard. I loved Hulkster more than he loved me. It hurt when he cheated. But he was sooo famous. I sort of [understood] but it was crushing. It hurt.
“I [never] got over him or started a real relationship w anyone. I missed HIM! I’ve been weeping all day. The finality. It’s just shocking. We spent every minute together for so many years. I’ve known him since he was 28 yrs old! I was 22. I still love him. Even tho I never spoke or saw him, Nick did and Nick would tell me things and vice versa. Just news about life.
“I still felt, although broken, we still were a family,” Linda continued. “It’s so hard to know he’s just gone. I tried to stay strong for Nick, but I’m melting down now. It’s very sad. I love you Hulkster. You were my man. The only man for me. RIP.”
Hulk Hogan’s son Nick paid tribute to his dad along with many WWE wrestlers during a 10-bell salute to open Monday Night Raw. Prior to that, Nick wrote on Instagram, “I would do anything to have him back but I know now that he will always be watching over me. I will always remember the lessons and advice he gave me and carry on in a way that I know would make him proud. Thank you for being the best dad in the world and thank you for being my best friend.”
Hulk’s daughter Brooke Hogan had a very public falling out with him and her mother Linda back in March. It began when Linda revealed on social media that she had not spoken to Brooke in years and blamed Hulk for her daughter’s estrangement. Brooke responded to her mother with claims that she had been mentally, verbally, and physically abused since childhood.
Linda Hogan responded to those claims by saying, “Brooke is a narcissist just like her dad … going out … spewing lies to everyone.”
On Tuesday, Brooke Hogan’s husband Steve Oleksy wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself, Brooke and Hulk, “My wife and I have not released any official statement about the death of my father in law. We are grieving and processing privately and ask for the respect to do so. If you see or hear something it did not come from us. There are many disturbing AI videos circulating that do not represent our family, feelings, or opinions. Thank you very much for the love, support, and understanding.”