Mick Foley delivered heartbreaking news to fans on January 26, 2026, revealing that his mother has passed away following a long battle with dementia.
The WWE Hall of Famer shared the update in a deeply personal Facebook post that explained why he wrestled with whether to make the loss public at all, while ultimately deciding to honor her life with a tribute that could also help other families going through the same experience. Foley opened by acknowledging the weight of the moment and the private nature of his mother, explaining that even this post came after a great deal of internal debate.
He shared that her will requested no visitation, no funeral, and not even an obituary, but the family ultimately felt a tribute would be meaningful not just for them, but for others living through similar pain.
Foleys post became a moving portrait of the woman who raised him. He detailed her upbringing on a farm during hard financial times, how those experiences shaped her discipline and thriftiness, and how those lessons carried into their home.
He recalled the warmth of their household despite limited space and resources, from neighborhood wiffleball games to unforgettable family dinners, including his humorous but heartfelt comparison of her cooking to wrestling greatness.
Foley also revealed powerful details about her strength, including that she had battled polio as a child without ever speaking of it for decades.
He credited her love of reading and learning as the foundation for his own creative life, saying her encouragement played a direct role in his success as an author.
The post also reflected on how his mother became woven into wrestling history through the nickname Mrs. Foleys Baby Boy, a phrase that evolved into part of his on-screen identity after a 1997 interview with Jim Ross.
As the tribute moved into the realities of dementia, Foley didnt shy away from the most painful moments the confusion, the wandering, the heartbreaking realization that she could no longer recognize her own sons.
He shared that just weeks before her passing, his family was still able to say goodbye while she was alert, holding onto the hope that she could hear every word spoken.
Foley closed his tribute with a message that was both raw and universal, urging people to cherish their loved ones while they still can.
This wasnt just an announcement it was a deeply human moment from one of wrestlings most beloved figures. Foleys willingness to share the reality of loss, dementia, and family pain stripped away the performer and left only the son, speaking from the heart.
What part of Mick Foleys tribute resonated with you most, and have you experienced something similar in your own family? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.
