Hulk Hogan’s Wives: All About the Pro Wrestler’s 3 Marriages Before His Death
The world of professional wrestling has seen many larger-than-life figures, but few have had as profound an impact as Hulk Hogan. Known for his charisma, larger-than-life persona, and unparalleled career in the WWE, Hogan (born Terry Bollea) became one of the most iconic figures in the history of sports entertainment. However, behind the glitz and glamour, Hogan’s personal life has been far from smooth sailing. Over the course of his life, Hogan has been married three times, with each relationship being marked by both public highs and private struggles.
Hulk Hogan’s marriages — most notably his long and tumultuous unions with Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel — have often played out in the public eye. After his split with both of his former wives, Hogan eventually remarried Sky Daily, his third wife, in a ceremony that had its own share of drama. Hogan’s personal life was as eventful as his career in the ring, with controversies, legal battles, and emotional struggles often spilling into the headlines. Here’s a look at the key marriages in the life of the wrestling legend before his death on July 24, 2024.
Hulk Hogan’s First Marriage: Linda Hogan
Linda Hogan (née Claridge) was Hulk Hogan’s first wife, and their relationship was at the center of both Hogan’s personal and public life for over two decades. The couple tied the knot in 1983, and together they had two children, Brooke and Nick. Linda and Hulk became a staple of the pop culture scene, largely thanks to the success of their reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. The show depicted the family’s everyday lives and struggles, further cementing Hulk and Linda as household names.
However, despite the outward success of their marriage, the couple’s relationship eventually deteriorated. In 2007, they announced their separation, and in 2009, their divorce was finalized. The end of their marriage was a deeply public affair, marked by heated legal battles over their finances and personal matters. One of the most significant points of contention was their shared property and the split of their substantial assets.
Linda Hogan went on to have a highly publicized relationship with a man 30 years her junior, which further fueled the media frenzy surrounding her and Hulk’s split. Hulk, meanwhile, was faced with personal struggles, including a public scandal involving a leaked sex tape with his then-best friend’s wife. Despite their divorce, Hulk and Linda maintained a cordial relationship, largely for the sake of their children and their shared history.
Hulk Hogan’s Second Marriage: Jennifer McDaniel
After his divorce from Linda, Hulk Hogan’s personal life remained in the spotlight, and he soon found love again with Jennifer McDaniel. The couple married in December 2010, with McDaniel, who was much younger than Hogan, becoming his second wife. The marriage appeared to be a fresh start for the wrestling legend, and the couple kept their relationship relatively private compared to Hulk’s first marriage.
Jennifer McDaniel, a makeup artist, was often seen by Hogan’s side at various events and public appearances. However, the relationship was not without its own set of challenges. Like his first marriage, Hulk’s second union was also affected by external controversies, including the infamous Gawker lawsuit, in which Hulk Hogan sued the media company for publishing a sex tape of him. The case resulted in a $31 million settlement in his favor.
Despite the legal battles and public scrutiny, Hulk and Jennifer remained together for several years. However, the couple ultimately separated in 2020 after being married for nearly a decade. Their divorce was finalized quietly, with little fanfare compared to Hulk’s first marriage. McDaniel went on to live a private life away from the spotlight, while Hogan continued his career and public appearances, now with his third wife by his side.
Hulk Hogan’s Third Marriage: Sky Daily
Hulk Hogan’s third and final marriage was to Sky Daily, a woman who would play a significant role in his life as his wife until his passing in 2024. The couple married in a private ceremony, and their relationship seemed to be the most stable of Hogan’s marriages. The news of their wedding was kept relatively low-key, but their public appearances together painted a picture of a loving, supportive relationship.
Sky Daily, a fitness enthusiast and businesswoman, became Hogan’s rock in the latter part of his life. Despite the many controversies that have swirled around Hogan throughout his career, Daily remained by his side, both in public and private. Hogan’s personal life seemed to stabilize with Daily’s support, and the two were frequently seen together at high-profile events.
Perhaps one of the most notable appearances of the couple came during the Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry main event in Tampa, Florida, on July 20, 2024. Hogan and Daily made a memorable entrance, solidifying their place as a power couple in the world of professional sports entertainment. Their chemistry was evident, and it seemed like Hogan had found a sense of peace and stability with his third wife, especially after the public turmoil of his first two marriages.
Hulk Hogan’s Controversies and Legal Battles
Throughout his life, Hulk Hogan found himself at the center of several major controversies, many of which directly impacted his marriages. One of the most infamous incidents involved the leaked audio of a racist rant from Hogan, which he later admitted was “unacceptable” and expressed regret over. The incident led to Hogan’s temporary removal from WWE and significant damage to his public image.
Additionally, the Gawker lawsuit, which stemmed from the leaking of a sex tape featuring Hogan and his best friend’s wife, was another public controversy that overshadowed his personal life. Hogan’s subsequent legal victory, which resulted in a $31 million settlement, put him back in the media spotlight, but it also strained his relationships.
Despite these controversies, Hogan’s third wife, Sky Daily, remained unwaveringly by his side, offering support during some of the most challenging periods of his life.
Hulk Hogan’s Legacy and Final Days
Hulk Hogan’s final years were marked by a sense of reconciliation and personal growth, largely attributed to his marriage to Sky Daily. While his earlier marriages had been fraught with conflict and public drama, his relationship with Daily seemed to bring a sense of stability and quiet joy to Hogan’s later years.
When Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2024, the wrestling world and his family were left to grieve the loss of a man who had been both an icon and a deeply flawed individual. His legacy as a wrestling legend is secure, and his personal life, including his marriages, will remain an integral part of his story. Hogan’s marriages reflect the complexities of a man who lived his life in the public eye, navigating both love and scandal in equal measure.
As the wrestling community mourns his passing, the memories of his time in the ring will live on, as will the impact of his relationships, particularly his third marriage to Sky Daily, which provided Hogan with the peace and support he needed in his final years.