Duck Dynastys Phil Robertson dies after devastating health battle
Phil Robertson, the larger-than-life bearded patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan, has passed away at the age of 79 following a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease.The news broke on May 25, 2025, as his grieving family took to social media to honor the man they called their spiritual and cultural leader — and the man fans knew for his bold faith, outdoor grit, and deeply polarizing views.Heartbreaking statement
The Robertson family confirmed his death with a heartfelt statement posted to Phil’s official Instagram account:
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. 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.’”
His loved ones thanked fans for their prayers and shared that Phil’s legacy of faith, love for God, and bold testimony had shaped countless lives. “We will carry on his legacy of loving God and others,” they wrote.
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Phil’s son, Jase Robertson, also shared the heartbreaking update with his followers on X, writing:
“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!”
Final conversation
Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, offered a moving tribute of her own, remembering one of their final conversations:
“One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen! Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.”
Grandson Will Robertson echoed those feelings in a post featuring a childhood photo with Phil:
“My Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. His life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful. I’m forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i’m thankful to know he’s sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw 🩶”
His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, who is married to Willie Robertson, also expressed gratitude:
“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.”
A tough diagnosis
Phil’s health struggles were first made public in December 2024, when Jase shared details on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast.
He revealed Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and hinted at additional complications.
“According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase said at the time.
“It’s accelerated and it’s causing problems with his entire body.” “So, if you put those things together, he’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.”
Despite the declining health, Phil remained a pillar of strength for the family.
From duck calls to culture wars
Before Phil Robertson became the well-known patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family, he turned his passion for hunting into a successful business.
In 1972, he founded Duck Commander, starting out small with a unique duck call he invented. Called the Duck Commander call, it was designed to sound just like a real duck — and it quickly became a hit with hunters, helping turn the company into a multi-million-dollar brand.
Phil rose to fame in 2012 when Duck Dynasty premiered on A&E, chronicling the Louisiana family’s duck-call empire.
The show ran for 11 seasons until 2017 and turned the entire Robertson family into reality TV royalty. Known for his camo gear, long beard, and backwoods wisdom, Phil quickly became the spiritual core of the show. But his outspoken views also attracted backlash. In a 2013 interview with GQ, Phil stirred massive controversy for his homophobic remarks:
Suspended from the show
“It seems like, to me, a vgina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s ans,” he said.
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”
He continued:
“With women, there’s more there! She’s got more to offer,” and said: “But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”
A&E briefly suspended him from the show, but public outcry from fans — especially those who shared his faith and values — led to his swift return.
Despite the backlash, the Robertson brand thrived. Phil’s remarks may have drawn sharp criticism, but they also helped him solidify his base among conservative, faith-driven audiences who admired his unapologetic stance.
A legacy bigger than TV
Duck Dynasty was more than just a show — it became a cultural movement. The Robertson family went on to publish best-selling books, launch spinoffs like Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty, At Home with the Robertsons, and even a Christmas album, Duck the Halls.
Most recently, the family had announced a reboot: Duck Dynasty: The Revival, set to premiere June 1, 2025. This time, the spotlight was shifting to Willie, Korie, and the next generation. Now, it’s unclear how Phil’s death might impact the series launch.
“I never thought we’d do this again. But I realized people wanted to see what we’re doing,” Willie told Us Weekly before his father’s passing.
Fans mourning
In the wake of his death, fans expressed heartbreak and divided emotions online.
“You will be remembered,” one fan posted, while another added, “Don’t agree with his politics, but happy he is at peace.”
Phil Robertson leaves behind not just a grieving family but a massive legacy — one that includes fame, faith, controversy, and the fierce loyalty of millions.
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Love him or loathe him, there’s no denying that Phil Robertson left a mark on American culture. As his family says goodbye, they’re clinging to the very thing Phil held dearest: hope in Christ and the promise of eternal life.
