Linda Hogan opens up after Hulk Hogan's sudden death

Linda Hogan has broken her silence just four days after the sudden death of her ex-husband, legendary WWE icon Hulk Hogan, reflecting on their decades-long love story, heartbreak, and an emotional final goodbye that never happened.

The 71-year-old wrestling star, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away unexpectedly on July 24 after suffering cardiac arrest. His death, confirmed by Clearwater Police and his management team, sent shockwaves through the sports world, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, peers, and family.

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However, few tributes have been as raw, personal, or emotional as the one from Linda Hogan, his partner for over 25 years and the mother of his two children, Brooke and Nick.

A Love Story That Defined an Era

"I had no idea he would pass away this soon," Linda wrote in a heartfelt Instagram comment on July 28, responding to an earlier post featuring a nostalgic photo of her and Hulk in happier times. "We all really thought he would make a comeback! Big surprise. We are all devastated."

Her words paint the picture of a woman still processing the loss of a man who defined a massive chapter of her life. Linda met Terry when he was 28, and she was just 22. Their journey spanned nearly three decades of fame, family, and very public struggles.

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Fame, Betrayal, and the Complicated Aftermath

"I loved Hulkster more than he loved me," Linda continued. "It hurt when he cheated. But he was sooo famous. I sort of understood, but it was crushing. It hurt."

The honesty in her message reveals a complicated love story, not just a tale of glamour and wrestling stardom, but of betrayal, heartbreak, and ultimately, forgiveness. Despite their divorce in 2009, Linda never fully closed the chapter on Hulk. And while they hadn't spoken directly for some time, she shared that their son Nick would often keep her updated on his father's life.

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"Even though I never spoke or saw him, Nick did… and Nick would tell me things and vice versa. Just news about life," she wrote. "I still love him."

A Family Torn and Wounded

In the latter part of her comment, Linda revealed that the emotional wounds from the family rift ran deep, leaving her "broken."

"We still were a family," she wrote. "It's so hard to know he's just gone. I tried to stay strong for Nick… but I'm me."

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Her closing words were as vulnerable as they were final: "I love you Hulkster. You were my man. The only man for me. RIP."

Hulk's Final Days

Just five days before his death, Linda posted a nostalgic tribute to "The good old days!" with a flashback photo.

Even longtime friend Jimmy Hart told the press Hulk was "doing great" just two days before the tragic turn. That only deepened the shock when Clearwater Police confirmed they responded to a medical emergency, and that Hulk was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

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Following his passing, the wrestling community reacted with emotion. WWE champion Ric Flair posted a powerful message:

"I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @hulkhogan… He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living… Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!"

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Hulk Hogan wasn't just a six-time WWE Champion or a cultural icon; he was a real human being whose complicated life touched people in real, emotional ways. Linda's open-hearted message reminds us that behind the headlines and stage lights was a man who meant everything to those closest to him.