“I Still Hear Him Sing…” – Hulk Hogan’s Grandson Breaks Silence With Story About Their Final Song Together That’s Making Fans Weep
A nine-year-old boy recounts the moment his grandfather held his hand and sang him the familiar lullaby one last time – but it was the words that came after the song that left the family speechless…
“I Still Hear Him Sing…” – Hulk Hogan’s Grandson Shares Heartbreaking Story of Their Final Song Together
On July 24, 2025, the world lost Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, a towering figure in professional wrestling whose charisma and showmanship transformed the sport into a global phenomenon. At 71, Hogan passed away in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions of fans worldwide. Amid the outpouring of tributes from wrestling icons, celebrities, and political figures, one story has emerged that has left fans in tears: a heartfelt recollection from Hogan’s nine-year-old grandson, Oliver, about their final moment together—a lullaby that carried a profound message.
A Larger-Than-Life Legacy

Hulk Hogan, with his trademark blond mustache, red and yellow bandana, and infectious “Hulkamania” persona, was more than a wrestler. He was a cultural icon who headlined seven of the first eight WrestleManias, won six WWE World Heavyweight Championships, and starred in films like Rocky III and No Holds Barred. His theme song, “Real American,” became synonymous with his all-American hero image, resonating with generations of fans. Beyond the ring, Hogan’s reality show Hogan Knows Best and his larger-than-life personality made him a household name.
Yet, for all his public achievements, it’s a private moment shared with his grandson that has captured the hearts of fans. Oliver, the son of Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan, spoke publicly for the first time since his grandfather’s passing, sharing a story that reveals the tender side of the wrestling legend. In an emotional interview facilitated by Brooke and her husband, Steven Oleksy, Oliver recounted the final time he heard his grandfather sing—a moment that has left an indelible mark on the family.
The Final Lullaby

Oliver, one of Brooke’s fraternal twins born in January 2025, described a quiet evening just days before Hogan’s death. The family had gathered at Hogan’s Clearwater Beach home, where he had been recovering from recent neck and heart surgeries. Despite his health struggles, Hogan remained a pillar of strength for his family, particularly for his grandchildren, Oliver and Molly. “Grandpa was sitting with me on the couch,” Oliver recalled, his voice trembling. “He held my hand, and he started singing this song he always sang to me when I was little. It was ‘You Are My Sunshine.’”
The lullaby was a tradition between Hogan and Oliver, a ritual that began when Oliver was a toddler. Hogan, known for his booming voice in the ring, would soften his tone to a gentle hum, singing the familiar lyrics to comfort his grandson. “He’d sing it when I was scared or couldn’t sleep,” Oliver said. “It was our special thing.” On this particular evening, however, the song carried a different weight. Hogan, weakened by his recent medical procedures, sang with a quiet intensity, as if pouring his heart into every word.
As the final notes of the lullaby faded, Hogan did something unexpected. He looked at Oliver and said, “You know, buddy, this song’s for you because you’re my sunshine. But you gotta keep shining, even when I’m not here. Promise me you’ll be strong like the Hulkster, okay?” Oliver, too young to fully grasp the gravity of the moment, nodded and squeezed his grandfather’s hand. “I promised him,” Oliver said, tears welling up. “I didn’t know he was saying goodbye.”
A Family in Mourning
The story, shared through a family statement and amplified by Brooke on social media, has resonated deeply with fans. Brooke, a singer and television personality, explained that her father’s bond with Oliver was particularly special. “Dad was always larger than life, but with Oliver, he was just Grandpa,” she wrote on Instagram. “That moment was so pure, and it’s something we’ll hold onto forever.” Brooke, who has navigated her own complex relationship with her father’s public persona, emphasized the importance of preserving these private memories amid the family’s grief.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(703x164:705x166)/hulk-hogan-kids-072723-tout-767d36dddb124f068c0f340eb3f9a1d0.jpg)
Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, who was by his side when he passed, also shared her reflections. “Terry loved those kids more than anything,” she said in a statement to PEOPLE. “He’d light up every time Oliver or Molly ran into the room. That lullaby was his way of telling them he’d always be with them.” Sky, a yoga instructor who married Hogan in September 2023, noted that despite his health challenges, Hogan remained dedicated to his family until the end.
Nick Hogan, Oliver’s father and Brooke’s younger brother, also broke his silence, calling his father his “best friend.” In a heartfelt post, Nick wrote, “Dad taught me to be tough, but he also showed me how to love. Hearing Oliver talk about that song—it’s like Dad’s still here, singing to us.” Nick’s own struggles, including a 2007 car accident that led to legal troubles, had strained his relationship with Hogan at times, but the family had grown closer in recent years.
A Message That Transcends the Ring

Hogan’s final words to Oliver—“Keep shining, even when I’m not here”—have struck a chord with fans, many of whom see them as a reflection of his enduring “Hulkamania” spirit. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with fans sharing their own memories of Hogan’s impact. One X user wrote, “Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a hero who taught us to believe in ourselves. That story about his grandson… I’m not crying, you’re crying.” Another posted, “Oliver’s story reminds us that behind the muscles and the bandana, Hogan was a man who loved his family. Rest in peace, brother.”
The wrestling community has also rallied around the story. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who faced Hogan in the iconic “Icon vs. Icon” match at WrestleMania X8, shared a tribute that referenced their shared history and Hogan’s influence. “That lullaby story with his grandson—it’s pure Hulk Hogan,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “He was a hero to millions, but to his family, he was just love.” Ric Flair, another wrestling legend, added, “Hogan’s heart was as big as his biceps. That story with Oliver shows who he really was.”
A Song That Lives On
Hogan’s connection to music was a significant part of his career, from his iconic entrance theme “Real American” to his collaborations with country artists like Dolly Parton and Morgan Wallen. The choice of “You Are My Sunshine” as his final song to Oliver adds a poignant layer to his legacy. The song, simple yet profound, encapsulates the love and hope Hogan instilled in those around him. For Oliver, it’s a melody that will forever remind him of his grandfather’s strength and tenderness.
As the wrestling world mourns, Oliver’s story has given fans a new perspective on Hulk Hogan—not just as the “Hulkster” who slammed André the Giant or led the New World Order, but as a grandfather who used his final moments to impart a lesson of resilience and love. “I still hear him sing,” Oliver said, clutching a red and yellow bandana that belonged to his grandfather. “When I miss him, I sing the song, and it’s like he’s here.”
For fans, the image of Hogan singing to his grandson is a reminder that even legends leave behind quiet, human moments that resonate louder than any championship victory. As “Hulkamania” lives on in memory, so too does the lullaby that bound a grandfather and grandson together—one last time.