Phil Robertson— star of Duck Dynasty and the patriarch of the Robertson family— has died following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and other health issues. He was 79.
Members of the Robertson family announced Phil’s death on social media on Sunday, thanking fans for their support and prayers.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” a message posted to the Instagram accounts of Willie Robertson and his wife Korrie reads. “He reminded us often of the words of Paul, ‘you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.’ Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus.
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“We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again,” the message continued. “We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”
“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today!” Phil’s son Jase Robertson wrote on X on Sunday. “He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”
A message was also posted to the official ‘Duck Dynasty’ Instagram page, announcing Phil’s death.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family,” it read. “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve.”
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Phil’s passing comes just a week before the family’s new reality show Duck Dynasty: The Revival is due to premiere on A&E. Due to his health issues, Phil was not announced as one of the stars of the new series, so it’s unknown if his death will be covered on the upcoming season. The new show will cover the lives of Phil’s children and (now mostly grown) grandchildren, including Sadie Robertson Huff, who, in an Instagram post on Sunday, opened up about her grandpa’s death.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV,” she wrote. “As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth—going from dead to alive by the power of Christ! It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come. One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
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As The Ashley reported, Willie’s brother Jase Robertson took to the family’s podcast last month to discuss his parents Miss Kay and Phil’s declining health, just months after he revealed that Phil– who shares sons Jase, Willie, Alan and Jep with Miss Kay– was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Jase had also noted on the podcast that his father was suffering from “some sort of blood disease.”
“We’re making him comfortable, and we’re doing the best we can. I think that’s just what you do,” Jase said on the podcast in April.
Despite his father having a great team of medical caregivers, Jase shared with listeners that Phil had shown no improvement over the last few months. Miss Kay’s health, however, was on the “upswing” after she suffered a fall back in February.
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Phil grew up in Louisiana and married Kay in 1966. In 1972, he invented his unique duck caller called the Duck Commander. One year later, Phil incorporated his Duck Commander Company, which is now run by Willie. Phil and his family starred on the original ‘Duck Dynasty’ TV series on A&E— which covered the business as well as the Robertsons’ personal lives— from 2012-2017.
Phil– a devout Christian– became a contributor for Conservative Review (CRTV) and hosted the TV show In the Woods with Phil. In 2023, a feature film called “The Blind- The True Story of the Robertson Family” was released in theaters.
‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ premieres June 1 on A&E.
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RELATED STORY: A&E Announces ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ Will Premiere on June 1: Get Details on the New Show
(Photos: A&E; Instagram)
11 Responses
A man who refused to have anything to do with his biological daughter he had out of having an affair. That is cruel to not be a part of your daughters life. It was not her fault she was conceived. It was good that kay had zero self respect for her self or even self esteem to take him back… he was not that great people
yeah this man made horrible homophobic remarks. He said 16 is the perfect age to marry. and blamed satan of cheating on his wife. If this were David Eason people would be so happy but since he is a “good Christian man” he was allowed to be awful.
He spoke out against homosexuality yes…but he wasn’t homophobic.
Having a phobia means you’re afraid of something…there’s nothing to be afraid of with them and he knew that.
But homosexuality IS sinful behavior (an abomination).
Love the sinner and hate the sin, that’s what the man did!!!!
I agree. If it were anyone else people would hate him. Look at how they drug Dave Grohl over the coals.
My condolences, such a cruel illness.
My dad recently died. He read Phil’s book before he died. I was told today my dad would be happy to meet phil in heaven.
This is sad to hear.
Phil was a fine American in every way. May he rest in peace.
God bless the duck commander
Well, that’s gotta be tough for them, he was the family leader.
RIP.
My condolences to your family, from my family three years ago I started to travel to florida to help my wife’s migraine headaches. We were going to stop in to see where all this started and to meet you all in person. Now with all the politics going on I don’t know if it will ever happen. I watch every series on tv and read three books enjoyed all of them. Thanks for sharing it all , take care ,my prayers and thoughts are with you all