Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty Star and Family Patriarch, Dies at 79

Phil Robertson, the beloved patriarch of the hit reality TV show Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A passionate outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and devout Christian, Robertson left behind a legacy that extended far beyond television screens.

A Quiet Goodbye from the Robertson Family

News of Phil’s death was shared on May 25 through heartfelt tributes from his family members on social media. His son, Jase Robertson, posted an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands… We will see him again!”

Granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff honored her grandfather on Instagram, posting a montage of cherished family photos and moments.

In a joint statement, Willie and Korie Robertson wrote,

Today, we celebrate the homecoming of our beloved father, husband, and grandfather, who is now in the presence of the Lord.. We’re thankful for the love and prayers from everyone whose lives were touched by his.”

While a private memorial service has already taken place, the family plans to organize a public celebration of life, details of which will be announced soon.

A Courageous Fight Against Alzheimer’s

Phil’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was publicly shared by his family in December 2023 on the Unashamed podcast. Jase revealed that his father was in the early stages of the illness, though the condition progressed rapidly.

By April 2024, the family disclosed that Phil’s health had deteriorated significantly. “We’re keeping him comfortable and doing all we can,” Jase shared. “He’s really struggling.”

Despite the toll of the disease, Phil remained surrounded by his family, faith, and love—cornerstones of his life philosophy.

The Man Behind Duck Commander

Born and raised in Louisiana, Phil Robertson wasn’t just a TV star—he was the visionary behind Duck Commander. In 1972, after inventing his own patented duck call, he founded the now-famous hunting gear company, serving as its president and building it into a household name.

The company’s success laid the groundwork for Duck Dynasty, which debuted on A&E in 2012 and ran for 11 seasons. The show followed Phil, his wife Kay, their sons Jase, Willie, and Jep, and a cast of relatives and friends as they balanced business with backwoods wisdom.

The show became a massive hit, drawing in millions of fans and spawning popular spin-offs such as Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty and Duck Family Treasure, solidifying the Robertson family’s fame across America.

A New Chapter for the Duck Dynasty Legacy

Even after the original show ended in 2017, the Robertson family’s story continued. Younger generations, like Sadie Robertson Huff, have built their own platforms, sharing messages of faith, family, and purpose.

A&E confirmed in January that the franchise will return as Duck Dynasty: The Revival, set to premiere in summer 2025. Though Phil won’t be part of the revival, his influence will undoubtedly shape its tone and message.