• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Dwayne Johnson pays tribute to his late father in touching post

1:56
The Rock visited protesters fighting to keep a telescope off a sacred Hawaiian site
AP
ByHayley FitzPatrick
January 17, 2020, 7:30 PM

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is mourning the loss of his father, Rocky Johnson, who died at the age of 75.

The World Wrestling Entertainment announced the death of the former professional wrestler on Wednesday. The details of his death were not disclosed.

"The Rock" shared a touching Instagram post on Friday, featuring a video of his father, a WWE Hall of Famer, in the ring with a message reflecting on Rocky's legacy.

"You broke color barriers, became a ring legend and trail blazed your way thru this world," he wrote about Rocky.

Related Articles

MORE: Dwayne Johnson sends message singing 'Moana' song to 3-year-old battling leukemia

"I was the boy sitting in the seats, watching and adoring you, my hero from afar," he continued. "The boy you raised to always be proud of our cultures and proud of who and what I am. The boy you raised with the toughest of love. The intense work. The hard hand. The adoring boy who wanted to know only your best qualities."

He stated that his father gave him "life’s invaluable lessons."

Editor’s Picks

Dwayne Johnson singing to his 6-month-old daughter is exactly what you need today

  • Oct 18, 2018

Dwayne Johnson ties the knot in secret Hawaiian wedding: 'We do.'

  • Aug 19, 2019

Dwayne Johnson sends message singing 'Moana' song to 3-year-old battling leukemia

  • Nov 20, 2019

He also included what he wishes he could've told his father.

"Dad, I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you, before you crossed over to the other side. But you were ripped away from me so fast without warning. Gone in an instant and no coming back," Johnson wrote.

He described that his father's death is taking an emotional toll on him, but added, "it’s just pain and it’ll pass."

"Now I’ll carry your mana and work ethic with me, as it’s time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish," Johnson continued. "Finally, I want you to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman. Pain free, regret free, satisfied and at ease."

In this 2008 photo provided by WWE, Inc., Rocky "Soul Man" Johnson, left, speaks at his WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony, as his son, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson watches. Rocky Johnson died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. He was 75.
AP

"I love you dad and I’ll always be your proud and grateful son," he added. "Go rest high."

The emotional post was met with condolences from close friends and fans of both Johnson and his late father.

"Rest In Peace Legend," J. J. Watt commented. "Love you bro," Kevin Hart added.

Editor’s Picks

Dwayne Johnson singing to his 6-month-old daughter is exactly what you need today

  • Oct 18, 2018

Dwayne Johnson ties the knot in secret Hawaiian wedding: 'We do.'

  • Aug 19, 2019

Dwayne Johnson sends message singing 'Moana' song to 3-year-old battling leukemia

  • Nov 20, 2019

Up Next in Culture—

King Charles III, Prince William share sweet Father's Day tributes: See the photos

June 15, 2025

Taylor Swift visits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Florida, surprises patients

June 14, 2025

Lauren Alaina welcomes baby girl and releases emotional new song

June 14, 2025

Prince William, Kate Middleton and kids step out at Trooping the Colour

June 14, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News