Phil Robertson Dies: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch Was 79
The Robertson family has lost its patriarch. Phil Robertson, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, has died at the age of 79, his family announced on May 25.
Willie Robertson and wife Korie Robertson released the following statement about the Duck Dynasty star’s death on behalf of the family: “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. 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.'”
The family thanked fans 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. 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. We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life.”
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The statement concluded with the news that the family will have a “private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”
Robertson, who was once a professional duck hunter and owner of the hunting and outdoor recreation company Duck Commander, gained widespread recognition on Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017. He appeared on the show with brother Si Robertson and sons Willie, Jase Robertson, and Jep Robertson, as well as their respective families.
In December 2024, two of Phil’s sons, Jase and Alan Robertson, confirmed their father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis on their podcast. “According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase shared. This, along with the early stages of Alzheimer’s he was experiencing, left Robertson “really struggling.”
“He is literally unable to — I think he would agree — to just sit down and have a conversation,” Jase admitted.
Robertson married his high school sweetheart, Miss Kay, in 1966. They went on to welcome their four sons. In 2020, Robertson discovered he had another adult child named Phyllis from an affair he had in the 1970s. He’s also survived by several grandchildren, including Sadie Robertson, and great grandchildren.
Before creating Duck Commander, Robertson was a college athlete, playing quarterback for Louisiana Tech’s football team. However, he declined pursuing a career in the NFL to focus on his hunting. After graduation, he taught for several years and eventually became a commercial fisherman.
The creation of Duck Commander came about after Robertson grew frustrated with duck calls and wanted to make a call that sounded exactly like a duck. The call was invented in 1972, with the company created in 1973. Willie eventually took over as CEO of Duck Commander.
Amid his time as a reality television personality, Robertson faced some controversy when he referred to homosexuality as “sinful” in 2013. He was briefly suspended from Duck Dynasty, but his family members stood by him and refused to film, so A&E added him back to the cast.
“We at A&E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article and reiterate that they are not views we hold,” A&E said in a statement. “But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance, and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A&E Networks also feel strongly about.”
The Robertson family is set to return to TV with Duck Dynasty: The Revival on June 1, but the patriarch was not part of the cast amid his health issues.
Conversation22 Comments
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R
Good for his family to stand by their patriarch and not be bullied into conforming to the views of the cancel culture. We don’t all have to agree on everything but you can’t keep “cancelling” people just because they don’t think like you - especially when it goes strongly against a person’s deeply held teligious beliefs.
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O
When are they going to find a cure for this sad disease ?
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B
Never they want us to die off
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O
I think Phil is so happy right now. Thank you, Phil, for fighting the good fight, with love.
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R
So sorry for everyone's loss. He was a true son of God almighty. Our lose but heaven gained big time. May the Lord give you that peace that is beyond understanding. God bless y'all. 🇨🇦
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P
REST WITH GOD, PAPAW PHIL. Love the show & how they all stick together,as family.
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O
A family guy who choose family over playing in the NFL! May he RIP 🙏
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G
Me and my husband love the show Phil was the coolest The Roberson Family will be in our prayers
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G
Phil was a legend in own time and was certainly a Icon in his personal and professional life. He will be greatly missed and I have always loved all the seasons of the Duck Dynasty...one of my very favorites....I liked the episode where Phil taught his grandaughters how to clean fish or was it frogs? Doesn't matter...everyone was on board and. Always Always loved our lord..God bless Phil as I know the pearly gates welcomed him with open wings😇
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M
that was really fast-rip
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O
I havent read a full book for many years until I came across HAPPY,HAPPY,HAPPY about Phil Robertsons life.thats been at least 5 years ago and haven't read another one since.nothing but respect for Phil for his honest criticism of himself and his commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that he attributes to turning his life around that allowed him to be a family man and sower of seed of Christ to so many.R.I.P Phil.you were an inspiration to myself and countless others.
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O
I wish I could've met him. My heart goes out to the family ❤️
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G
So sorry for the loss of Brother Phil. May God grant you all, 'the peace that surpasses all understanding'.
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M
si looks worse than phil did.
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C
Loved the show & everything the family stood for. They had their trials & tribulations early on but they persevered & came out on top once God came into their lives & became the focus in their lives. Having watched the documentary of their lives it's hard to believe they could have had this transformation had they not trusted God & changed their lives to worship him & spread his word to others. Yes, they've still had their hardships even today but they have had their rewards for trying to live a clean life & try to set a good example for their children & grandchildren. Best wishes to the entire Robertson family. RIP Phil Robertson.
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You are home with the Fsther Phil! You must be rejoicing and worshipping the Almighty with such joy! Ptl for people like you whom were unafraid and stood firm in the faith... I'm sure you will hear " well done my good and faithful servant "! Family, keep on in the faith. Fear no man.
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G
So sorry for your loss. He's praising and honoring our Lord and Saviour. Ptl!
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B
Will be sadly missed and God gained another fantastic Angel.Prayers going up for family.
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P
The Gospel was the most important thing to Phil ! Well Done
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O
The song that fits Phil Robertson, is How Beautiful Heaven Must Be
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O
aint he gonna be surprised when he discovers the almighty is LGBQT ... LOL! comeuppance time, sparky
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O
Too bad that isn't the case weirdo
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