Hulk Hogan’s wife, Sky, has shared an emotional statement following the wrestling icon’s sudden death.
In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram on Friday, Sky, who married the 71-year-old in 2023, opened up for the first time after the wrestler's death was announced on Thursday (July 24).
Sky wrote that her late husband "had been dealing with some health issues," and shared: "I truly believed we would overcome them... I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time.”
The heartbroken widow remembered Hogan, born Terry Bollea, as a man who deeply loved his fans, calling him “a legend” who would do anything for his supporters, even in recent months when his physical strength had deteriorated.
"You meant everything to him," she continued. “This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart."
The WWE star died after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater Beach, Florida. He was 71.
According to TMZ, emergency responders arrived around 10AM and spent over an hour attempting to save him before he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.
Major Nate Burnside of the Clearwater Police Department confirmed a medical investigation is underway, and noted that there are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity at this time.
Just weeks before his death, Hogan made what would be his final public appearance on Fox News, promoting his Real American Freestyle wrestling venture.
Instead of enthusiasm over the project, fans expressed concern over his appearance, describing him as gaunt and noting stark changes in his signature look.
Tributes have poured in from the worlds of wrestling, entertainment, and politics following the death of one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment history.
WWE said in a statement: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Fellow wrestling legends expressed their shock and sorrow. Ric Flair shared: “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!”
The Undertaker wrote: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable, and for that, I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson paid tribute on Instagram, sharing a clip of their iconic match at WrestleMania 18 alongside a heartfelt message.
"Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old - I’m standing in the middle of the ring and facing you - one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA. The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time," he said.
"When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher - just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC…all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you.
"You may have 'passed the torch' to me that night, but you, my friend… you 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time," he added.