NBC NEWS has just confirmed the heartbreaking news that wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. Just thirty minutes ago, Nick Hogan’s wife — who has remained quiet throughout Hogan’s health struggles — broke her silence with an emotional and deeply personal revelation that is now making waves across the media.

In a trembling voice, she recalled her final exchange with the iconic figure. “That night, he held me and said: ‘Tomorrow, I’m going to finally let go. I’ve fought enough. I’m tired now.’”

Her words come as a shock to millions of fans who still saw Hulk Hogan as the larger-than-life character he had always portrayed in the ring. Known for his strength, charisma, and unshakable presence, Hogan — real name Terry Gene Bollea — was the face of professional wrestling for decades. His yellow bandanas, handlebar mustache, and booming voice shouting “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” were burned into the hearts of fans across generations.

But behind the scenes, it appears Hogan had been preparing for this moment for quite some time.

According to sources close to the family, Hogan had been battling a range of health complications in recent years, many of them the result of decades of physical punishment from his wrestling career. Friends say he had been in and out of medical care, but always kept a brave face, especially around his children and grandchildren.

Nick Hogan, who had remained unusually quiet over the past few weeks, reportedly spent every waking moment with his father in the final days. One family insider told PEOPLE: “Nick didn’t leave his side. He was there day and night, even sleeping in the same room to make sure his father was never alone.”

The revelation from Nick’s wife now gives the world a clearer glimpse into what happened behind closed doors.

“Hulk didn’t want pity. He didn’t want cameras or hospital photos. He wanted peace. He said he had made peace with everything — with the ring, with the fame, with the pain, and with life itself. And he wanted to go quietly, surrounded by the people who truly knew him,” she shared.

It was a side of Hulk Hogan that fans rarely got to see — not the superhero slamming giants in the ring, but the aging warrior, ready to hang up the boots one final time.

News of Hogan’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media. Celebrities, wrestlers, and fans alike have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to honor the man who helped define a genre. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted: “Without Hulk Hogan, there would be no Rock. He paved the way and made us believe that anything was possible. Rest easy, brother.”

WWE issued an official statement mourning his death, calling him “a foundational pillar of professional wrestling whose impact will never be forgotten.”

John Cena also paid tribute, writing: “He taught us that pain is temporary, but legacy lasts forever. Hogan didn’t just build a brand — he built belief.”

Beyond wrestling, Hulk Hogan also left a mark in pop culture. He starred in movies, reality TV shows, and commercials, becoming more than just an athlete — he was a symbol of power and perseverance. But in his final moments, it seems he wanted only simplicity and love.

Nick Hogan, while still silent to the media, is reportedly “shattered” by the loss. Family friends say he has asked for privacy but appreciates the global support. “He lost more than a father — he lost his hero, his best friend,” a source said.

Plans are already underway for a public memorial in Tampa, Florida, where fans will be able to pay their final respects. The family is considering a live broadcast of the ceremony so fans around the world can say goodbye.

As fans light candles and share memories, one message rings louder than all: Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a warrior who fought until the very end, and he chose to leave this world not with fear, but with dignity, love, and acceptance.

Nick’s wife ended her message with a simple tribute that has already gone viral:

“He didn’t die. He simply stepped out of the spotlight — like a true legend does.”