Hulk Hogan's death has rocked the wrestling world as many tributes have poured in with his former manager and life long friend Jimmy Hart revealing his last conversation with the wresting legend.
The depth of their bond extended far beyond professional ties. Hart revealed they regularly gathered to view wrestling programmes multiple times weekly, with their most recent encounter occurring approximately four weeks prior to Hogan's passing.
The 81-year-old Hart had attempted to reach Hogan mere hours before his death on Wednesday, speaking instead with an assistant who assured him the wrestling icon was "doing great". Hart's response was simple: "Well, tell him I love him."
By Thursday morning, everything had changed. "So just overnight it all happened, but it was so positive the day before," Hart revealed.
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Monday evenings saw them enjoying karaoke sessions alongside Hogan's son Nick at the family's establishment, Hogan's Hangout in Clearwater, Florida.
Hart fondly recalled their final meeting: "He was great... he had great food to eat that night. He was talking with the fans. He was just phenomenal."
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Following Hogan's neck surgery, the pair hadn't met in person.
"We didn't go to see him at the house and at the hospital, because we wanted to make sure that he didn't get any infections or anything else," Hart explained.
The wrestling legend's passing has left his family in profound mourning.
His wife Sky Daily, whom he wed in 2023, was photographed receiving comfort from friends in the hours following his death. The following morning, she was observed walking outside a friend's residence whilst engaged in a telephone conversation.
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|Jimmy Hart recalled his final meeting with Hulk Hogan with fondness
The tragedy occurred against a backdrop of familial discord that had developed over recent months.
His daughter Brooke had been separated from her father for several years, with their most recent communication occurring in September 2023, a fortnight before his marriage to Sky.
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According to TMZ, Brooke first discovered her father's passing through a text message her brother Nick sent to her husband, NHL veteran Steven Oleksy.
Despite the years of estrangement, Brooke managed to express her feelings to her father during their final exchange.
TMZ reported that she was able to convey her love to him in what would become their last conversation.
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Her husband Oleksy acknowledged the outpouring of sympathy on Thursday evening, responding to a friend's social media tribute by writing on Instagram: "Thank you for the love and support for my beautiful wife."
Hart, reflecting on his friend's legacy, likened the phenomenon of "Hulkamania" to "traveling with Elvis Presley" due to the extraordinary fan devotion.
"Now he's happy because he's free of pain where he's going," Hart added, finding solace in his belief about Hogan's peaceful transition.