There is a particular kind of heartbreak that comes after losing someone who has always been part of your world. For Miss Kay Robertson (Marsha Kay Carroway Robertson), that heartbreak has arrived in full force. After 60 years of marriage to Phil Robertson, the heart behind Duck Dynasty, she’s now facing life without him. It’s not just the heartache of loss that’s been hard on her; Miss Kay’s health has also taken a turn.
Since Phil’s passing, she’s stayed mostly out of the spotlight. Her sons have offered glimpses into how she’s doing, days marked by sorrow and pain. And now, the family is holding tightly to each other more than ever before.
“She lost her partner of 60 years.” Miss Kay battling grief and her own health issues
Now 77, Miss Kay’s health struggles began earlier this year when she suffered a fall that led to a severe infection. Her son, Jase Robertson, opened up about it on the family podcast Unashamed, saying there was a moment when they feared they might lose her. Since then, she’s needed round-the-clock care. And now, with Phil gone, the emotional toll has only worsened. “Some of it is, she is just depressed,” Willie Robertson shared. “She lost her partner of 60 years.”
Miss Kay had been part of the early episodes of the new Duck Dynasty revival, but as her condition worsened, she had to step back. She was also noticeably absent from the June 1 premiere event in Monroe, Louisiana. During her time in a care facility, friends and family rallied around her. Jase described the steady stream of visitors as “Kay’s Kingdom.” Fans are hoping she gets better.
Phil Robertson’s son says he was the real deal
Phil Robertson passed away on May 25, 2025, after battling Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79. Diagnosed just months earlier, in December 2024, he spent his final moments surrounded by the people who loved him the most. Willie, known for his strong faith, shared memories of those last days in an Instagram post. “Most of our conversations were not about hunting or business, but about sharing the Gospel,” he wrote. “He was the Real Deal.” Phil’s life wasn’t just about fame; it was about faith.
Their final moments were marked by prayers. “Not sure how people deal with loss without the Lord,” Willie said. “Sleep well, Dad. Can’t wait to see you.” Phil was the founder of the Duck Commander company and the face of Duck Dynasty. He was a devout Christian and outdoorsman who left behind a family still grounded in the values he lived by.