As the Robertson family prepare to make their reality TV return in the upcoming Duck Dynasty reboot, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, Jase Robertson has revealed that off camera, the Robertsons are coming to terms with the declining health of his parents, Phil and Kay Robertson.
On Thursday’s episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast, Jase told listeners that his dad’s health in particular “hasn’t been good” following multiple setbacks in recent years. He also detailed a recent life-threatening accident that his mom had in February that the Robertsons were afraid might kill her.
As The Ashley previously reported, Jase opened up on the family’s podcast in December about his father’s ongoing medical issues, telling listeners that doctors were “sure that [Phil] has some sort of blood disease” that was causing “problems with his entire body.” In addition, Jase noted that Phil– who shares Jase as well as sons Willie, Alan and Jep with wife Kay– was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
“If you put those things together, he’s just not doing well,” Jase said last year. “He’s really struggling.”
During Thursday’s episode, Jase noted that— despite a great team of medical caregivers, prayer and physical exercise– his dad has shown no improvement over the last few months. He also stated that he is forthright with fans and friends when asked how his parents are doing, claiming that he gives them the “blunt truth.”
“ … We’re making them comfortable and we’re doing the best we can,” he said. “So I think that’s just what you do.”
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While Phil’s health has been declining for some time, Jase also spoke about his mom’s health on the family’s podcast this week, telling listeners that Kay is on the mend after suffering a fall back in February.
“ … it’s been a lot better this past week, because she was really not doing good,” Jase said. “She got an infection from a fall, from a cut that had happened earlier.”
Jase, who described his mom’s injury as “severe,” said that while his mom currently remains in the hospital, it’s now “more rehab, physically, and trying to get her to eat.” However, he revealed that for a while, the family was fearing the worst.
“We were kind of dealing with the fact that maybe this is it,” he said. “That’s what it seemed like in the moment. It seemed close, so it was difficult.”
Although Miss Kay’s health is now on the “upswing,” the siblings stated that she is still in a hospital facility, which means she’s not able to physically be with Phil, which has been difficult on both parties.
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“You know, they’ve been together 60 years now, and they haven’t been able to be together– in proximity— for a few weeks, but when they FaceTime each other— we’ve been doing that quite frequently ’cause they’re in different places— the spark that comes in both of their eyes when they see one another is really touching,” Al Robertson said.
“We’re trying to get them back together but they’re both dealing with severe issues,” Jace added.
During the December episode, Jase also revealed that his dad could “barely walk around with crying out in pain,” and that he was “unable to sit down and literally have a conversation.” According to Taste of Country, in addition to Alzheimer’s and a blood disorder, Phil suffered a fractured vertebrae in his back in recent years.
It was reported back in January that Kay would be returning to TV with her family for the ‘Duck Dynasty’ reboot, but it did not appear that Phil would be joining her, presumably due to his declining health. It’s unknown if Kay’s recent health issues will be documented on the new show, or if she is still planning to return to TV at all.
As The Ashley previously told you, many fan favorites from the original A&E series will return for ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival,’ including Willie and wife Korie, as well as their children John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella and Rebecca and their growing families. Kay, Uncle Si and others are also set to appear on the new series.
‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ premieres this summer on A&E. The network has reportedly ordered 20 one-hour episodes or two seasons.
You can listen to the full episode of the Unashamed podcast below.
RELATED STORY: A&E Announces New Series ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ Premiering This Summer: Get Info on Robertson Family’s Reboot
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5 Responses
God bless the duck commander and miss Kay.
I really needed that encouragement today. Thank you wayward…
Its tough dealing with aging parents and grandparents. My family is going threw a similar situation.
I pray for this family and others who are at this point. Huge thanks to the caregivers!
So sorry to hear you’re going through that right now. It’s tough to watch those we love struggle. Sending good thoughts your way. 🩵