Phil Robertson’s Bold Christian Faith Remembered ‘When I Die, Don’t Cry … Celebrate’
The popular podcast that Phil Robertson helped launch celebrated his bold faith Tuesday with old clips -- some inspiring, some hilarious -- from the late Duck Dynasty star.
"When I die, don't cry -- dance, sing, but don't cry when I die," Robertson said in a clip played on the podcast Unashamed with The Robertson Family. "When I die, you say, 'He made it because I watched him as he walked through the years -- faithful to Jesus.' Celebrate. Celebrate."
The podcast aired one day after Robertson died at age 79 following a battle with Alzheimer's and other health issues.
The bearded patriarch of Duck Dynasty and bestselling author of books like I Could Be Wrong, But I Doubt It was never shy about his faith in Jesus. Each episode concluded with a scene of the Robertson family at the dinner table -- with Robertson or one of his sons leading in prayer.
"We don't want you to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope," Robertson said, citing a verse from 1 Thessalonians 4 that declares the promise of heaven.
The clip was recorded five years ago when Robertson was 74.
"That's the hope, and that's the promise, and that's the guarantee. So I'm looking at it like, 'Well, you're 74 -- you don't have many, many years to live.' I'm like, 'Oh, I'm just fixin' to begin to live on the other side -- on the other side.' It's a comforting thing.
"Before I was converted, I was leasing a beer joint," Robertson said.
"The reason I was converted is my younger sister, Janice Ellen, told a preacher, a proclaimer. She told him, 'If you convert my brother, he'll convert thousands,'" Robertson continued. "I was converted, and by me being converted would, in fact, as my sister had predicted, reach thousands."
He added, "From beer joints to sharing the Good News."
His conversion was the focus of the movie The Blind.
Later in the podcast, Robertson and his sons shared the memorable story of him leading a Bible study while battling a painful kidney stone. Toward the end of the lesson -- his body wracked with discomfort -- Robertson lay on his back, still preaching the Word.
"Never fear, I'll finish my lesson," he said, on the podcast, laughing.
Leaders throughout the Christian community say Robertson made a major impact on the world. Following is a sample of comments:
Franklin Graham, CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: "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 Christ. He and some of his family came to encourage the wounded veterans and their spouses at our @SamaritansPurse Operation Heal Our Patriots program in Alaska back in 2014, and he came to @TheBGLibrary to speak on two occasions. There's no question he will be greatly missed. May God especially comfort all of the family during this time."
Greg Laurie, pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship: "It's been a number of years since I had the chance to interview Phil Robertson at one of our Crusades. From the moment I met him, I found Phil to be one of a kind -- colorful, authentic, and deeply passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ. He was as surprised as anyone by the success of Duck Dynasty and the celebrity that followed. But Phil didn't chase fame -- he used it as a platform for the gospel. That said, I think Phil was probably happiest out in the woods hunting ducks. He was a true American original -- and a man who honored God with his life. Phil speaks about the importance of knowing Christ in this video, and he certainly did, Phil is in Heaven now, God bless and comfort the wonderful Robertson family."
It’s been a number of years since I had the chance to interview Phil Robertson at one of our Crusades.
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) May 26, 2025
From the moment I met him, I found Phil to be one of a kind—colorful, authentic, and deeply passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ.
He was as surprised as anyone by the… pic.twitter.com/MqANvRquxV
Jase Robertson, Phil Robertson's son: "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!"
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
Allie Beth Stuckey, podcast host: "Phil Robertson was such a special man. In the few conversations I had with him, his love for Jesus shone so brightly. I never tired of hearing him talk about sharing the gospel with Trump."
Phil Robertson was such a special man. In the few conversations I had with him, his love for Jesus shone so brightly. I never tired of hearing him talk about sharing the gospel with Trump. Here’s Al & Jase telling that story. May we all live our lives with this kind of urgency! pic.twitter.com/bnD6V1JGsJ
— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) May 26, 2025
Lee Strobel, author and apologist: "Phil was on fire for his faith," Strobel told Think Eternity. "He was passionate about sharing Jesus with others. I admired him for that and I'm thrilled that his faith has now become sight. Our family is praying today for our friends Willie, Jase, and the rest of Phil's family. And thanking God for the legacy he is leaving."
Ben and Candy Carson: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson -- a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family. I'll never forget the time I spent with Phil and his wonderful family at their homestead in West Monroe, LA. We rode through the swamp stopping at his favorite duck blinds before being welcomed by Miss Kay with a warm, home-cooked meal, surrounded by their extended family and close friends. The genuine sense of faith and fellowship was tangible -- something that's all too rare these days. He was an American original who never backed down from the truth. His legacy of faith, family, and freedom will live on. Praying for Miss Kay and the entire Robertson family. RIP Phil. 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' -- 2 Timothy 4:7."
Saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson—a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family.
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) May 26, 2025
I’ll never forget the time I spent with Phil and his wonderful family at their homestead in West Monroe, LA. We rode through the swamp stopping at his… pic.twitter.com/5PZEwo73yM
WATCH: Thank You, Phil Robertson | Unashamed of the Gospel | 1098
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/Official Phil Robertson
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
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- Phil Robertson’s Family Witnesses ‘Answered Prayers’ in His Alzheimer’s Battle
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/NBC NewsWire/Contributor
Originally published May 27, 2025.
