Hulk Hogan’s funeral program incorporated all of his children, including daughter Brooke Hogan, who chose not to attend the service.
“As a devoted family man, Terry cherished time with his loved ones,” the program viewed by Us Weekly stated during the former wrestler’s Tuesday, August 5, memorial service.
“He was a proud father of Brooke and Nick, a stepfather to Maddox, Hayden and Leighton, and embraced his role as a loving husband to Sky,” the program continued. “His beloved family will carry on his legacy, and his impact on the wrestling world and popular culture will be felt for generations.”
The funeral pamphlet also featured a collage of photos featuring Hulk (real name Terry Bollea). Some pictures were solo shots of the athlete, while others were throwback pictures featuring the father with his children, Brooke and Nick.
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On Tuesday, family and friends gathered at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, to say farewell to the WWE Hall of Fame wrestler one final time.
The Rocky III star died on July 24 after he suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. His official cause of death was later revealed as acute myocardial infarction, most commonly known as a heart attack. He was 71.
More than 800 people gathered inside the large church to hear a priest deliver a speech about Hulk finding Jesus prior to his death. Ex wife Linda Hogan and her son Nick were sitting up front while Hulk’s wife, Sky Daily, was seated close by with her kids from a previous relationship.
“There was no drama, just respect,” a source exclusively shared with Us. “No one mentioned Brooke’s absence, and the atmosphere remained classy and filled with love. People were understandably upset and still in shock, as Terry’s passing was unexpected.”
In a social media post, Brooke acknowledged that she did not attend her father’s funeral. Instead, she chose to honor him via a visit to the ocean with her own children.
“I’m so grateful for all celebrations and events organized to honor him, as his daughter, I had to make my own decision to honor him the best and most genuine way I knew how…privately…the way that made me feel the closest to him,” she wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. “Daddy, we honored you in the simplest way that agreed with my soul. We took our babies to the beach, and put them in the same salty waters you loved.”
Before Hulk’s funeral, Brooke appeared on an episode of the “Bubba the Love Sponge” podcast. During the show, the former Brooke Knows Best star suggested that Hulk’s wife may have been a Scientologist. (Daily has not publicly commented on the claims. Us reached out for comment.)
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According to a source, Daily left Scientology 20 years ago and the religion was not mentioned during Hulk’s service.
“His deep Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life,” Hulk’s funeral program stated. “Baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, Terry found solace, strength and guidance in his relationship with God, which influenced his values and life approach.”
In lieu of flowers, Hulk’s family asked for donations to be made to The Hulk Hogan Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives that reflect his lifelong commitment to helping others.
