Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was laid to rest on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during a private funeral service held in Florida. The ceremony, attended by WWE icons, celebrities, and close friends, marked the final farewell to one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment. However, the absence of his daughter, Brooke Hogan, sparked widespread curiosity, an issue she addressed in a heartfelt public statement.
The funeral took place at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, not far from Hogan’s home in Clearwater where he passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. The cause of death was an acute heart attack, though it was later revealed he had also been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia and atrial fibrillation, health conditions that had not been previously disclosed to the public.
Security around the invitation-only ceremony was tight. Local police, K-9 units, and church security were stationed around the perimeter. A number of prominent names from the wrestling and entertainment worlds paid their respects, including Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Kid Rock, Ric Flair, and longtime friend Jimmy Hart. In a symbolic touch, pallbearers wore yellow boutonnieres, a tribute to Hogan’s signature yellow ring gear.
Noticeably missing from the service was Brooke Hogan, Hogan’s only daughter. Her absence fueled speculation online, but she later took to Instagram to explain her decision.
In the post, Brooke revealed that her father had long expressed a dislike for funerals, calling them overly morbid and contrary to his personality. “He didn’t want a funeral,” she wrote, via Us Weekly. “He wanted celebration, not sorrow.”
Instead of attending the formal service, Brooke chose to honor her father privately at one of his favorite beaches in Florida. She was joined by her newborn twins, having recently become a mother.
Brooke also shared that she had removed herself from her father’s will some time before his passing. She said the decision was made proactively “to avoid future conflict,” though she did not elaborate on the circumstances, PEOPLE detailed. Her brother, Nick Hogan, did attend the service and has since paid tribute to their father through social media and WWE channels. He has not commented publicly on Brooke’s decision.
Brooke’s explanation sparked mixed reactions online. Many fans supported her choice, citing her father’s wishes and her new role as a mother. Others speculated about underlying family dynamics, though no official disputes have been confirmed.
Despite the speculation, Brooke’s absence did little to overshadow the overwhelming show of respect for Hulk Hogan from fans and public figures alike.
While the funeral remained a private affair, tributes poured in from across the nation. Former President Donald Trump shared a nostalgic photo of himself arm-wrestling Hogan, praising the late wrestler as a true American icon. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially declared August 1st as “Hulk Hogan Day,” ordering flags across the state to fly at half-staff in his honor.
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, left behind a towering legacy, not only in professional wrestling, but in music, television, and pop culture at large. His sendoff, while intimate, underscored the enduring impact he had on generations of fans around the world.