Hulk Hogan's wife Sky Daily has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the wrestling legend following his sudden death at the age of 71.
The WWE star, who inspired Hulkamania, sadly passed away yesterday following reports of a cardiac arrest in his Florida home.
After making his WWF (the predecessor to WWE) debut back in 1979, Hogan became a fan favourite in the mid 80s, fighting the likes of Andre the Giant before his popularity really exploded when he became heavyweight champion for the first time.
He would hold that title six times and was unsurprisingly inducted into the Hall of Fame, before later being removed in 2015 after some racist comments came to light. He was reinstated in 2018.
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Tributes have already flooded in from family members, WWE stars and even Donald Trump, but now his wife Sky has spoken out for the first time.
Posting on Instagram, she wrote: "I wasn’t ready for this…and my heart is in pieces.
"He had been dealing with some health issues, but I truly believed we would overcome them. I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time.
"This loss is sudden and impossible to process. To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.
"Hulk loved his fans so much and despite his growing physical discomfort, he did everything he could to show up, sign autographs, take photos, and connect with the people who supported him through it all. You meant everything to him.
"He was a believer in Christ, and I take comfort knowing his soul is at peace and he’s been welcomed home.
"Please keep his family and all of us who loved him in your prayers as we try to navigate this new reality."
An emotional tribute was also posted by the 71-year-old's family on his own Instagram page late last evening.
It read: "It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend.
"Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends.
"May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten."
James Moorhouse