In a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of celebrity tributes, country-rap sensation Jelly Roll delivered a gut-wrenching farewell to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan at his funeral on July 28, 2025, bringing the entire assembly to their knees in emotion. As the world mourned the loss of the iconic Hulkster, who passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest following years of health struggles, Jelly Roll’s unexpected and deeply personal action turned the somber ceremony into a cascade of tears. But what exactly did he do that had even the toughest wrestlers sobbing like children? Brace yourself—this story of friendship, loss, and raw humanity is one you won’t forget.

The funeral, held at a grand chapel in Clearwater, Florida—Hogan’s longtime home— was a star-studded affair attended by wrestling royalty, Hollywood celebrities, and devoted fans. Red and yellow flowers, symbolizing Hogan’s signature colors, adorned the venue, with larger-than-life photos of the WWE Hall of Famer in his prime overlooking the casket. Family members, including Hogan’s daughter Brooke and ex-wife Linda, shared heartfelt eulogies, recounting the man’s larger-than-life persona and his impact on pop culture. But it was Jelly Roll, the tattooed troubadour known for his raw lyrics and redemption story, who stole the show with his final act of homage.

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has never shied away from his admiration for Hogan. The two shared an unlikely bond forged through mutual respect for overcoming personal demons—Hogan with his public scandals and health battles, Jelly Roll with his past incarceration and addiction struggles. They first met in 2023 at a WWE event where Jelly Roll performed his hit “Son of a Sinner,” and Hogan, a fan of country music, praised the singer’s authenticity. “Brother, you’re the real deal,” Hogan reportedly told him, sparking a friendship that included late-night phone calls and shared stories of triumph over adversity.

As the funeral progressed, tension built when Jelly Roll was invited to speak. Dressed in a black suit that contrasted his usual casual style, the 40-year-old artist approached the podium with visible emotion, his hands trembling as he gripped the microphone. Mourners expected a standard speech, perhaps recounting their meetings or Hogan’s influence on his life. Instead, Jelly Roll paused, took a deep breath, and began to sing—an a cappella rendition of “Real American,” Hogan’s legendary entrance theme song from his WWE days.

The choice was perfect, evoking memories of Hogan’s glory days slamming opponents in the ring while the patriotic anthem blared. Jelly Roll’s voice, rough and soulful, infused the lyrics with a poignant sadness: “When it comes crashing down, and it hurts inside…” The chapel fell silent at first, then murmurs of recognition turned into sniffles. By the chorus—”I am a real American, fight for the rights of every man”—tears streamed down faces. Wrestling legends like Ric Flair and The Undertaker bowed their heads, overcome. Fans in the audience clutched each other, sobbing openly as Jelly Roll’s performance captured the essence of Hogan’s unbreakable spirit.

But that wasn’t the end. As the song concluded, Jelly Roll stepped away from the podium, walked to Hogan’s casket, and placed his hand on it. In a voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Brother, this one’s for you. Keep slamming in heaven.” Then, in his final act, he removed his signature cross necklace—a symbol of his own faith and recovery—and gently placed it inside the casket, a personal token to accompany Hogan on his eternal journey. The gesture, simple yet profound, unleashed a wave of emotion. Attendees burst into tears, hugging strangers and sharing stories of how Hogan had touched their lives. “It was like Jelly Roll gave a piece of his soul,” one mourner later told reporters. “We all lost it.”

The moment went viral almost immediately, with bootleg videos from the private ceremony leaking online and amassing millions of views. Social media erupted with praise for Jelly Roll’s authenticity. “That necklace gesture? Pure heart,” tweeted one fan. Another wrote, “Jelly Roll turned a funeral into a celebration of life—Hulk would have loved it.” Even critics who questioned the singer’s place at such an event admitted the tribute was moving. WWE issued a statement thanking Jelly Roll for “honoring Hulk’s legacy in a way that embodied his fighting spirit.”

To understand the depth of this act, we must delve into the unlikely friendship between the country star and the wrestling icon. Jelly Roll, who rose to fame with his 2021 album Ballads of the Broken, has often credited Hogan as a childhood hero. Growing up in Antioch, Tennessee, he watched WrestleMania matches on TV, idolizing Hogan’s charisma and resilience. “Hulk taught me that no matter how many times you get pinned, you can always kick out,” Jelly Roll said in a 2024 interview. Their bond deepened when Hogan publicly supported Jelly Roll’s anti-fentanyl campaign, drawing from his own family’s tragedies.

Hogan’s health had been declining for years, with over 25 surgeries on his back, hips, and knees from his wrestling career. His death from cardiac arrest shocked the world, prompting tributes from figures like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and President Donald Trump, who called him “an American hero.” The funeral was a fitting send-off, but Jelly Roll’s contribution elevated it to legendary status.

In the aftermath, Jelly Roll reflected on the moment in a social media post: “Hulk was more than a wrestler—he was a brother who believed in second chances. Singing for him one last time was my way of saying thank you.” Fans speculated on the necklace’s significance; it’s the same one Jelly Roll wore during his Grammy-winning performance in 2024, symbolizing his journey from prison to stardom.

This tribute highlights a broader theme in celebrity culture: the power of cross-genre friendships. Jelly Roll, with his blend of country, rap, and rock, mirrors Hogan’s crossover appeal from wrestling to movies and reality TV. Both men overcame public scrutiny—Hogan with his 2015 racism scandal, Jelly Roll with his criminal past—to rebuild their legacies. “They were kindred spirits,” said music historian Dr. Emily Carter. “Jelly Roll’s act was a bridge between worlds, showing vulnerability in strength.”

As the world continues to grieve, Jelly Roll’s performance has inspired calls for a charity concert in Hogan’s honor, with proceeds benefiting wrestling veterans’ health. The singer has hinted at recording a studio version of “Real American” as a single, potentially featuring other artists like Post Malone or Kid Rock.

In conclusion, Jelly Roll’s final act at Hulk Hogan’s funeral wasn’t just a tribute—it was a testament to enduring friendship and the human spirit. In a world of scripted spectacles, this raw, tear-jerking moment reminded us all to cherish our heroes while they’re here. Rest in power, Hulkster—your legacy lives on through acts like this.