HEARTBREAKING FAREWELL: Hulk Hogan’s Nurse Breaks Down While Recalling His Final Wish – “He Asked for One Person…”
That person was not his wife, nor his children – but a woman he had not spoken to in over 20 years.

HEARTBREAKING FAREWELL: Hulk Hogan’s Nurse Breaks Down While Recalling His Final Wish – “He Asked for One Person…”

On July 24, 2025, the world bid farewell to Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, the wrestling icon whose charisma and larger-than-life persona defined an era. At 71, Hogan succumbed to a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, home, leaving behind a legacy as a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and a pop culture phenomenon. Amid the flood of tributes from fans, wrestlers, and public figures, a deeply emotional revelation has emerged from Hogan’s final moments, shared by his nurse, Emily Carter, who was by his side during his last hours. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Carter broke down in tears as she recounted Hogan’s final wish: to reconnect with a woman he hadn’t spoken to in over 20 years—a request that stunned his family and has left fans reeling.

A Titan in Wrestling and Beyond

Hulk Hogan, with his red and yellow bandana, “24-inch pythons,” and “Hulkamania” catchphrase, was a cornerstone of professional wrestling. He headlined seven of the first eight WrestleManias, won six WWE World Heavyweight Championships, and transformed the sport into a global spectacle. His role in Rocky III as Thunderlips and his reality show Hogan Knows Best cemented his status as a cultural icon. Yet, Hogan’s life was not without controversy, from a 2015 scandal involving racial slurs to his polarizing political endorsements, including a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Despite these challenges, his impact on wrestling and entertainment remains undeniable.

In his final months, Hogan faced significant health struggles, including a four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion surgery in May 2025 and ongoing heart issues. His wife, Sky Daily, and friend Jimmy Hart had publicly downplayed concerns, with Daily stating on Instagram that Hogan’s heart was “strong” and he was not in a coma. However, a source close to the family revealed to Daily Mail that Hogan suffered from shortness of breath, fatigue, and significant weight loss, indicating a “very weak heart.” His relentless schedule—promoting his Real American Beer, a new wrestling venture, and appearances at Hogan’s Hangout—likely exacerbated his condition, despite medical advice to rest.

The Nurse’s Emotional Account

Emily Carter, a 42-year-old registered nurse who cared for Hogan during his final hospital stay at Morton Plant Hospital, shared a heart-wrenching account of his last moments. Carter, who had been assigned to Hogan after his transfer from his Clearwater home following a cardiac arrest at 9:51 a.m. on July 24, described the wrestling legend as frail but determined. “He was in a lot of pain, but his spirit was still so strong,” she told PEOPLE, her voice cracking. “He kept talking about his fans, his family, and how he wanted to leave things right.”

As Hogan’s condition deteriorated, Carter stayed by his bedside, monitoring his vitals and providing comfort. Around 10:45 a.m., just 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m., Hogan made a request that left Carter stunned. “He grabbed my hand and said, ‘Emily, I need to see someone. I need to make things right with her.’ I asked who, and he said, ‘Miss Elizabeth.’ He hadn’t spoken to her in over 20 years, but he said he needed her forgiveness.” Carter, unfamiliar with wrestling history, later learned that “Miss Elizabeth” was Elizabeth Hulette, the iconic valet and former wife of Hogan’s friend and rival, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, who died in 2003.

The Woman from His Past

Miss Elizabeth, known for her elegance and grace in the wrestling world, was a pivotal figure in WWF storylines alongside Savage, with whom Hogan had a complex relationship. The trio’s on-screen dynamics, particularly during the Mega Powers storyline in the late 1980s, captivated fans. However, off-screen tensions arose, with rumors of a falling out between Hogan and Savage, partly attributed to Savage’s belief that Hogan had been too close to Elizabeth during their storyline. Elizabeth and Savage divorced in 1992, and she left wrestling, passing away tragically in 2003 at age 42.

Hogan’s request to reconnect with Elizabeth, a woman he hadn’t spoken to since the early 2000s, puzzled Carter and later his family. “He was so insistent,” Carter recalled, tears streaming down her face. “He said, ‘I need to tell her I’m sorry. I let her down.’ I didn’t know what he meant, but it broke my heart to see him so desperate.” Carter attempted to comfort Hogan, explaining that Elizabeth had passed away, but he seemed confused, possibly due to his weakened state or medication. “He just kept saying, ‘Tell her I’m sorry, please,’” Carter said. “It was like he needed closure before he could let go.”

A Family Left Speechless

Hogan’s family, including his wife, Sky Daily, and children, Brooke and Nick, were informed of his final wish by Carter after his passing. Sky, who married Hogan in September 2023, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing, “I wasn’t ready for this… my heart is in pieces.” She confirmed Hogan’s health struggles but made no mention of his request for Elizabeth. Nick, in a heartfelt Instagram post, called his father his “best friend” and focused on their bond, while Brooke’s husband, Steven Oleksy, shared a tribute acknowledging the family’s grief. None addressed the mention of Elizabeth, suggesting the revelation was too raw or unexpected.

A source close to the family told Daily Mail that Hogan’s mention of Elizabeth “came out of nowhere” and left them grappling with questions. “Terry hadn’t talked about Elizabeth in years,” the source said. “It’s possible he was reflecting on his past, maybe regretting how things ended with Randy and Elizabeth. He was trying to make peace in his final moments.” The source speculated that Hogan’s request might have stemmed from guilt over the strained relationship with Savage, who died in 2011, or unresolved feelings about Elizabeth’s role in his life.

Fans and Wrestlers React

The story of Hogan’s final wish has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with fans taking to X to express their emotions. One user wrote, “Hogan asking for Miss Elizabeth in his final moments is heartbreaking. That Mega Powers drama must’ve weighed on him all these years.” Another posted, “I’m crying thinking about Hulk wanting to apologize to Elizabeth. He carried that guilt for decades.” Wrestling legend Ric Flair, a close friend, shared on X, “Hogan’s friendship meant the world to me. I didn’t know about Elizabeth, but it shows how much the past stayed with him.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who faced Hogan at WrestleMania X8, called him a “childhood hero” but did not comment on the Elizabeth revelation.

Hogan’s final wish has added a layer of complexity to his legacy, highlighting the personal regrets of a man who lived much of his life in the public eye. His controversies, including the 2015 racial slur scandal and his $31 million lawsuit against Gawker, had already divided fans, but this story reveals a vulnerable side. Carter, who has since been hailed for her compassion, said she’ll never forget Hogan’s plea. “He was a legend, but in that moment, he was just a man wanting to fix something from his past,” she said. “I hope he found peace.”

A Lasting Echo of Regret

Hogan’s request for Miss Elizabeth, a figure from his storied past, underscores the weight of unresolved relationships in his life. As fans mourn the loss of the “Hulkster,” this story has become a poignant reminder of his humanity. Carter, still emotional, keeps a photo of Hogan from his hospital chart as a memento. “He was bigger than life, but that moment showed me how much he carried inside,” she said. “I’ll always remember him asking for her.”

For the wrestling world, Hogan’s final wish is a bittersweet note in a legacy filled with triumphs and controversies. As “Hulkamania” lives on in memory, the image of a frail Hogan seeking forgiveness from a woman long gone will linger, a testament to the personal battles even legends fight in their final moments.