Duck Dynasty’s Patriarch Phil Robertson Dies at 79, Family Speaks Out [WATCH]

Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander and central figure of the hit A&E reality series Duck Dynasty, has died at the age of 79, his family confirmed Sunday.

Robertson passed away following ongoing health struggles that included Alzheimer’s disease and other medical complications.

The announcement was made by his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson through a post on Instagram.

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

Korie Robertson also noted that the family will hold a private memorial but plans to share information regarding a future public event honoring Robertson’s life.

“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 added.

“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.”

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We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve. pic.twitter.com/UTlw1SvlcH

— Duck Dynasty (@DuckDynastyAE) May 26, 2025

Before his rise to fame through reality television, Phil Robertson had a notable athletic career.

He played football at Louisiana Tech University, where he was the starting quarterback and future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw served as his backup.

Robertson left football behind and founded Duck Commander in 1972, a business that would later launch a multi-generational enterprise.

His company, which specialized in duck calls and hunting gear, eventually became the focus of Duck Dynasty, which debuted on A&E in 2012.

The show aired for 11 seasons before concluding in 2017 and followed the lives of Robertson and his family, who were known for their outspoken Christian faith and southern lifestyle.

In December 2023, during an episode of the family’s podcast Unashamed with the Robertson Family, the family shared that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a follow-up interview with Fox News Digital, his son Willie Robertson elaborated on his father’s condition, saying, “He’s battling a lot of different things right now.”

Willie continued, “He’s got a blood disorder, and then he’s got the mental issues that could be early [on-set] Alzheimer’s … and probably some ministrokes because of his blood. And so, it could be some stroke stuff happening, that has happened. So, we’re still checking on all that.”

He also revealed that Phil had suffered a fractured back, which was contributing to ongoing pain.

In April, Phil’s son Jase Robertson offered an update on his father’s condition, describing it as “not good.”

Speaking about the family’s efforts to keep Phil comfortable, he said, “We’re making him comfortable and we’re doing the best we can. I think that’s just what you do.”

Phil Robertson leaves behind his wife, Kay Robertson, several children and grandchildren, and a legacy that spans decades of business, faith, and television influence.

Further details regarding a public memorial are expected to be shared by the family in the coming weeks.

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