Sad Details Emerge on the Death of ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson After He Passes Away at 79

Phil Robertson, the outspoken patriarch of the famed Robertson family and star of the hit reality TV series Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79 after a private but difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

As tributes pour in from family and fans alike, new and somber details have emerged about his final days and the legacy he leaves behind.

A Life Remembered

The news of Phil’s death was shared publicly by his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson in an emotional Instagram post Sunday night.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie wrote.

“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.’”

My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again! #PhilRobertson #Jesus

— Jase Robertson (@JaseDuckman) May 26, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

In her heartfelt tribute, Korie reflected on Phil’s unwavering Christian faith and his passion for spreading the Gospel.

“Thank you 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,” she continued.

“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.”

She concluded by acknowledging the outpouring of love from the public: “We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”

Phil’s son Jase Robertson also honored his father on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”

The Struggles of His Final Years

Though Phil Robertson’s life was defined by strength, faith, and resilience, the last chapter was not without hardship.

In December 2023, the family revealed that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a painful decline that took a toll on the family and brought Phil’s public appearances to a close.

“It’s causing problems with his entire body,” Jase said at the time. “He’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.”

Only two days before Phil’s passing, his son Willie Robertson—who is married to Korie—shared a health update with Christian Post, explaining that Phil would not be appearing in the upcoming A&E series Duck Dynasty: The Revival, which is set to premiere this summer.

If there’s a man that turned his life around for the glory of God, this man #PhilRobertson may he Rest In Peace🕊 pic.twitter.com/v9oQrvq2p7

— Kristi🇺🇸💃🏻 (@magamomabear) May 26, 2025

“He was unable to film,” Willie said. “He’s not great. Alzheimer’s is kind of a cruel situation to go through. But there are glimpses we have, some good times and some moments with him, but it certainly has progressed.”

Despite the sorrow of watching his father fade, Willie spoke with deep gratitude and admiration for Phil’s life and influence.

“We feel good about the life he’s lived, and he certainly does as well, and just the impact,” he said.

“Such a powerful voice. He did everything I think God wanted him to do on this Earth and he’ll be ready to move on, for sure.”

A Legacy of Faith

Phil Robertson was not only the bearded duck call inventor and TV personality America grew to love—he was a man deeply devoted to God, unflinching in his message of salvation. That message rang loud and clear in interviews throughout his life.

“Fame is rather fleeting, as you know, or should know,” he said in a 2013 interview.

“Money can come and go, and fame comes and goes. Peace of mind and a relationship with God is far more important, so this is the precedent that we’ve set in our lives. The bottom line is, we all die, so Jesus is the answer.”

Please join me in praying for Miss Kay and all of the Robertson family as Phil Robertson has passed away. Now he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. I always appreciated that Phil stood firm with the Word of God and took every opportunity to talk about his faith in Jesus… pic.twitter.com/OGLIiOQsOR

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 26, 2025

He continued, “Many have told me through the years: ‘I think I’ll take my chances without Jesus.’ And I always come back and say, ‘so what chance is that?’”

For Phil, everything came back to the Gospel. “So basically, I don’t ever move too far past the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, because it’s of first importance,” he explained.

“And I make sure it’s of first importance with anyone I’m talking to. It all comes down to that, really, when you get right down to it. So it’s not complex. Jesus removed our sins and guarantees we can be raised from the dead. I’m still waiting on someone to enlighten me on what story beats that one.”

Phil Robertson’s journey has now come full circle, and while his presence here will be deeply missed, his words, actions, and faith will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.

Rest in peace, Phil Robertson—a man of conviction, courage, and Christ-centered legacy.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.