Steve Carrier on September 19, 2024
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson just got real about the devastating loss of his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson.
During a recent sit-down with Patrick Bet-David on Valuetainment, the Hollywood megastar didn’t hold back as he reflected on his tumultuous relationship with his dad—and how he never got the chance to say goodbye.
The Rock has always been open about the tough love he received from his father, who faced his own struggles growing up. That complicated relationship came to a head in December 2019, when the two got into what Dwayne described as their “biggest fight ever.” Tragically, just weeks later, Rocky passed away from an embolism, leaving the former WWE Champion with no closure.
“No, I wasn’t prepared for it because my dad died suddenly—just like that,” The Rock shared, his voice cracking. “An embolism traveled up and ended his life. It happened suddenly; I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. And here’s the thing, and brother this is just…it’s life.”
The emotional rollercoaster was intensified by the fact that their fight had tainted the holidays, with The Rock admitting, “I felt like sh*t, he felt like shit, my mom was involved, and admittedly I was angry. Three weeks went by, we didn’t reconcile. He died, and that was it.”
In true Rock fashion, he turned his pain into a life lesson. Reflecting on what the sudden loss taught him, Dwayne stressed the importance of treasuring every moment with loved ones.
“We hear it all the time: Hug your loved ones, hug your little ones. But until you go through something like that, that’s when those words really hit home.”
Rocky Johnson, a legendary figure in wrestling, paved the way for generations of talent. From his start in 1964 to winning championships across NWA and WWF, his nearly 30-year career is one for the books. Sadly, he passed away on January 15, 2020, at the age of 75.
As for The Rock, he’s left grappling with the void of unfinished business. “Man, I wish I had a shot just to hug my dad one more time…to say ‘It’s all right; we’re good.’ I never had a chance to do that.”
As The Rock continues to grapple with the loss, his words serve as a powerful reminder to cherish every moment with the ones we hold dear, because we never know when it might be the last.
How do you cope with the sudden loss of a loved one? What’s your advice for those dealing with unresolved conflicts? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Please credit Ringside News when using the above quotes for your publication.
September 19, 2024 6:13 am
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