Hulk Hogan 'begged for forgiveness' in final conversation with estranged daughter

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan begged his estranged daughter, Brooke, for forgiveness just days before he died aged 71. Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on July 24 after suffering a heart attack.

For years, the retired ex-WWE star hadn't been in contact with 37-year-old Brooke after their relationship broke down. That same fractured relationship was brought into the spotlight when she shared an emotional tribute on social media following Hogan's death.

Now it's emerged that they had a 'tearful conversation' only a few days before he passed away at his home in Florida. According to the National Enquirer, Brooke reached out to her dad and they reconcile their relationship.

"It was a tearful conversation, albeit a short one," an insider told the outlet. "Brooke told her dad how much she loved him, how much she missed him. Hulk said he loved her, and he was sorry.

"That was huge for Brooke to hear. Everyone knew how stubborn Hulk could be, but his fading health obviously softened him up. He knew he was dying and begged her forgiveness."

READ MORE: Hulk Hogan honoured by WWE stars in poignant tribute at Friday Night SmackDown

READ MORE: Vince McMahon makes true Hulk Hogan feelings known after WWE icon's death aged 71

The report adds that Brooke is still estranged from her mother, Linda. Along with 35-year-old brother Nick, Brooke was one of two children who Linda had with the former wrestler, who went on to marry two more times following their 2009 divorce.

Five days after Hogan's death, Brooke took to Instagram and released a statement, insisting that their bond had 'never broken', despite him never meeting her twins. "My dad's blood runs through my veins. His eyes shine through my children. And our bond had never broken, not even in his final moments," she wrote.

"We had a connection deeper than words, one that spanned lifetimes. I am so grateful I knew the real version of him. Not just the one the world viewed through a carefully curated lens.

"We shared a quiet, sacred bond, one that could be seen and felt by anyone who witnessed us together. When he left this earth, it felt like part of my spirit left with him. I felt it before the news even reached us.

"He used to remind me, 'All of this is temporary and I'll always find my way back to you'. I truly believe that we will find each other in every lifetime.

"I know he's at peace out, out of pain, and at a place as beautiful as he imaged. He used to speak about this moment with such wonder and hope. Like meeting God was the greatest championship he'd ever have."

In a subsequent Instagram post, Brooke said: "My Dearest Daddy, You were my everything, and I will always be your girl. I am PROUD to be your daughter - for all the love, light, and goodness you brought into this world.

"Thank you for choosing me in this lifetime, and for loving me so deeply. Our bond is eternal. That truth brings me comfort and hope, even in your absence. I love you more than all the stars in the sky, 4LifeAfterLife. Forever yours, Brooke."