Beloved ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson Dies at 79
Phil Robertson, best known as founding the Duck Commander hunting company as showcased on the A&E reality series "Duck Dynasty," passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.
"We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord," an Instagram post by his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, reads.
"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," the post continued.
"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 to 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."
In conclusion of her post, Robertson said that the family will hold a private celebration in the meantime but will soon announce a permanent "public celebration of his life."
"We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life."
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Robertson was one of seven children, the New York Times reports.
He received a football scholarship from Louisiana Tech University and taught for a number of years in Louisiana schools after earning a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in physical education.
From 2012-2016, Robertson starred on the A&E series "Duck Dynasty," alongside his wife Kay, their sons, their sons' wives, uncle, and a few grandchildren as they focused on his family's duck hunting gear company.
In recent years, Robertson suffered from a number of health issues, including early-stage Alzheimer's.
"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," his son, Willie Robertson, told Fox News Digital last December. "And so, it could be some stroke stuff happening, that has happened. So, we're still checking on all that."
"But then he also has a back issue. He's fractured his back, and that's where the pain's at. So, he's kind of battling many different things at the same time."
During an April update, however, the patriarch's health appeared grim.
The No. 1 question I get everywhere I go [is], 'How's your dad doing?' Now, I'm just giving the blunt truth. I say, 'Not good,'" son Jase Robertson said.
"We're making him comfortable, and we're doing the best we can, he added. I think that's just what you do."
Granddaughter Sadie Robertson paid tribute to her Pawpaw Phil this morning, quoting 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV, which says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Along with the quote she shared, "As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth—going from dead to alive by the power of Christ!
"It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.
"One of the last things he said to me was 'full strength ahead!' Amen!"
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Patrick Smith/Stringer
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/NBC NewsWire/Contributor
Originally published May 26, 2025.
