Nick Hogan has officially spoken out for the first time following the passing of his father, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. In a heartfelt and emotional Instagram post, he paid tribute to the man he called not just his dad, but his “best friend and hero.”
The post, shared on Sunday, July 27th, is Nick’s first public statement since his father passed away on July 24th at the age of 71. He thanked fans for their support and opened up about his overwhelming grief.
“My Hero… My Best Friend”
In his statement, Nick Hogan described his father as the “most incredible person” he had ever known. He expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love from around the world.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and comforted me over the last few days,” Nick wrote. “Hearing so many kind words and stories about my dad’s life, interactions and experiences with everyone has been incredible and comforting.”
He shared how much their time together meant to him, especially in recent years. “I spent a lot of time with him the past few years after moving back to Florida to be closer to him and I am so grateful for those memories. They are the best moments in my life.”
“He was not only the best dad but also my mentor and my best friend,” he continued. “I would do anything to have him back… I love you so much Big Dog and I will miss you forever.”
A Family In The Spotlight
The relationship between Hulk Hogan and his son Nick was one that fans got to see up close for years. Their family was the subject of the hit VH1 reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which ran from 2005 to 2007. The show gave fans an unprecedented, albeit highly produced, look into their family dynamic and made Nick and his sister Brooke household names in their own right.
While the show often focused on comedy, it showcased the deep and loving bond between the father and son. This bond was tested in the years that followed, as the family navigated a series of very public and difficult struggles.
A Bond Forged Through Adversity
Nick Hogan’s tribute is made all the more poignant given the public adversities the family has faced together. Hulk Hogan stood by his son during his most difficult times, including a 2007 car crash that resulted in Nick serving jail time. Through all the highs and lows of living a life in the public eye, their father-son bond endured.
Nick’s emotional post, in which he calls his father his “hero,” is a powerful testament to that unbreakable bond. His tribute provides a deeply personal look at the man behind the legend, and it has been met with an outpouring of love and support from the entire wrestling community.
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