Phil Robertson, the man behind Duck Dynasty and founder of the Duck Commander brand, has died at the age of 79. His family shared the news on Sunday, May 25, a few months after they made his Alzheimer’s diagnosis public in December. Robertson passed away surrounded by loved ones at his home in Louisiana.
His children and grandchildren have since taken to social media to honor him, posting heartfelt tributes and sharing memories. His son Jase wrote on X, “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed, but we know he is in good hands.” Willie Robertson and his wife, Korie, posted jointly on Instagram, saying, “Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life.”
What did Phil Robertson die of?
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In December 2024, Phil’s family revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His son Jase shared the news on their Unashamed podcast, explaining that Phil was in the early stages at the time. By April, the family said his condition had worsened, affecting his whole body. “We’re making him comfortable, and we’re doing the best we can,” Jase said.
Phil’s passing comes just as A&E is preparing to release Duck Dynasty: The Revival, a new version of the show that will catch up with the Robertson family today. The reboot is set to premiere on June 1 and will highlight how the family has grown, with many of the younger members now starting families of their own.
Phil Robertson started Duck Commander in 1972 with a handmade duck call and a strong belief in doing things his own way. He had once played college football and even turned down an opportunity to go pro. Instead, he chose the quieter life of hunting and building a business. He married Kay when she was just 17 after she became pregnant with their first son. Over time, they raised a large family and built a life centered on faith, hard work, and the outdoors.
In 2012, Duck Dynasty launched on A&E and introduced Phil, Kay, and their sons to the world. The show followed the family’s daily life in rural Louisiana and their work at the Duck Commander shop. It ran for 11 seasons and became one of the most-watched reality shows on cable. The Robertsons became household names almost overnight.
Phil Robertson was popular for his controversial opinions
He was also known for his strong beliefs and deep Christian faith. While many admired his honesty and values, others were often upset by his outspoken views. One major controversy happened in 2013 when Phil gave an interview to GQ magazine. His comments on homosexuality and race caused public backlash and led to a short suspension from Duck Dynasty. A&E later reinstated him after strong support from fans and family.
Despite the backlash, Phil stood by his words, often saying he was simply sharing what he believed the Bible taught. His family also defended him, urging people to see past his blunt way of speaking and focus on his faith-driven life.
Over the years, Phil remained active in conservative circles. He gave speeches at political events, received a free-speech award, and voiced support for Republican leaders like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. In 2019, he even joined Trump on stage during a rally in Louisiana, where he shared his thoughts on faith, freedom, and duck hunting.
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Still, despite all the headlines, those close to him say he was much more than a controversial figure. To them, he was a loving father, a faithful husband, and a man who loved sharing the gospel. His granddaughter Sadie called him “one of the most joyful people I’ve ever known.” The family is holding a private service for now and plans to announce a public celebration of Phil’s life soon.