Phil Robertson, the beloved patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the hit reality series Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79, his family confirmed Sunday evening.
Best known as the founder of the Duck Commander empire, Robertson transformed a humble duck call business into a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions of television viewers. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, announced his passing in an emotional Instagram post, sharing that the family was finding peace in their faith.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” she wrote. Quoting Scripture, she added, “You do not grieve like those who have no hope… We believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”
Korie noted that while the family plans to hold a private service, a public celebration of his life will be announced in the near future. She also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans whose lives were touched by Robertson’s bold faith and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel.
Long before his rise to television stardom, Phil Robertson made a name for himself on the football field. As the starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech, he famously played ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. Choosing hunting and family over a possible pro career, Robertson turned his passion into a business, founding Duck Commander in 1972. The brand would later be catapulted into the national spotlight with the debut of Duck Dynasty on A&E in 2012, a show that ran for 11 seasons and drew millions of viewers with its unique mix of humor, faith, and Southern charm.
In recent years, Robertson had been facing a number of serious health challenges. His family publicly revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Son Willie Robertson spoke with Fox News Digital at the time, saying, “He’s battling a lot of different things right now,” including a blood disorder, suspected ministrokes, and a back injury.
“He’s got a blood disorder, mental issues that could be early Alzheimer’s… and he fractured his back,” Willie said. “So, he’s kind of battling many different things at the same time.”
In April, son Jase Robertson offered a somber update on his father’s condition, saying, “The No. 1 question I get everywhere I go is, ‘How’s your dad doing?’ And now, I’m just giving the blunt truth. I say, ‘Not good.’ We’re making him comfortable and doing the best we can. I think that’s just what you do.”
Robertson’s legacy extends far beyond television. He was a devout Christian, outspoken conservative, and a cultural icon who used his platform to speak about faith, family, and freedom. His larger-than-life personality and devotion to his beliefs resonated deeply with viewers across the country.
As the Robertson family grieves, they are holding fast to the hope that defined Phil’s life. “We are grateful for his life on earth,” Korie wrote, “and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”
