Rocky "Soul Man" Johnson, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Dad, Dies

Regardless of your relationship with your parents, it's always hard when they pass away. When your parent is an icon of the world of wrestling and you yourself are squarely in the public eye, it's no less difficult.

It's a lesson that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is currently living right now. His father, Rocky "Soul Man" Johnson - known as one half of the first African American tag team in WWE history to become champions - has died at the age of 75.

Oddly enough, the younger Johnson's first acting role was a gig on That 70s Show, playing his father. It was probably one of the funnier episodes of the series back in its first season, as I recall. Of course, Dwayne Johnson has gone on to star in such films as the more recent Jumanji movies, Rampage and Hobbs and Shaw, in addition to still making the occasional appearances in the WWE.

Johnson acknowledged the role his father has played in his life in a Fathers' Day post on Instagram. He noted that while it was natural for little boys to idolize their dads, he learned a great deal about love from Rocky Johnson as well.

"They want to be just like em, do whatever they do and are always looking for their approval," the younger Johnson wrote about his father. "Funny thing is the day I stopped looking for that approval was the day I understood what it meant to be man and more importantly, a father. That shift lifted me to a new level of gratitude for the tough love he always gave."

Rocky Johnson had a significant hand in training his son in the ways of wrestling, and it would seem that the older Johnson's winning ways transferred over to his son, who went on to hold multiple titles while he was working full-time in the WWE.

While Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has yet to comment through social media about the loss of his beloved dad, it's clear that he enjoyed a close relationship with him. People recounted a story where The Rock discussed the aftermath of his father's hip replacement and how quickly he was willing to support his father.

“My pops just had his hip replaced and called me and said ‘Hey Mr. D the surgeon really feels like I should have a bigger car since my hip rehab..’ I cut my dad off and just started laughing because I knew what he was hustling for,” Dwayne posted. “I said ‘say no more..I got you.. just go down and pick out what you want’ then we hung up and hours later I get this pic,” noting that it was a picture of a Chevrolet Escalade.

He added that he was grateful for the tough love that his father showed him through the years, though he hated it as a child. It's fairly clear, though, that the men were close, especially given Rocky Johnson came to his son's aid during Wrestlemania 13 during his match with the Sultan and the Rock honored his father in 2008 when Rocky was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Dwayne Johnson has yet to comment publicly about his father's passing, and that's all right. Yes, he's got millions of fans and is probably one of the best loved stars on the planet - but even though he's 47 years old, deep down, he's still a kid who just lost his father.

I don't know Dwayne Johnson, but having lost both my parents in 2004 and 2013 respectively, I know that the loss of a parent is a deeply personal, often painful experience we all ultimately have to go through. While he's no doubt incredibly busy, it's my hope he does take some time to grieve before occupying himself with the significant number of projects he takes on in any given year. It's my hope that he leans in to the love of his family and friends during this tough time.

Rest in peace, Rocky Johnson. Your son has done you proud.