Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan, has died at the age of 79. The beloved reality star passed away following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which was first made public by his family in December 2024.
The Robertson family announced the heartbreaking news on Sunday, May 25, sharing tributes and photos across social media. Phil’s son, Jase Robertson, wrote 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… We will see him again!”
Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, also honored him with a touching Instagram post filled with memories from the family’s years in the spotlight and their life in Louisiana. Meanwhile, Phil’s son Willie Robertson and his wife Korie shared a joint message on Instagram, writing, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord… We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life.”
They added that a private service would be held initially, with plans for a public memorial to be announced soon.
Phil Robertson’s cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease. The family had revealed his diagnosis during a December 2024 episode of their podcast, Unashamed with the Robertson Family. At that time, Jase said his father was in the early stages of the illness. However, the disease progressed quickly. “He’s just not doing well,” Jase said in April. “We’re making him comfortable, and we’re doing the best we can.”
Born and raised in Louisiana, Phil Robertson was a former college football quarterback who eventually turned his love of hunting into a business empire. In 1972, he founded Duck Commander, a company best known for its patented duck calls and outdoor gear. The company became the backdrop of the hit A&E series Duck Dynasty, which premiered in 2012 and ran for 11 seasons, ending in 2017.
The show became a pop culture phenomenon, attracting millions of weekly viewers and turning the Robertsons into reality TV royalty. Alongside Phil, the cast included his wife Kay, their sons Willie, Jase, and Jep, and a colorful crew of family members and employees. The family’s conservative Christian values, love of the outdoors, and humorous family dynamics were a key part of the show’s success.
Phil’s no-nonsense personality and strong religious beliefs often made headlines during the show’s run. He was a polarizing figure at times, but also deeply admired for his authenticity and commitment to faith and family.
Earlier this year, A&E announced that the Robertsons would return in a new series titled Duck Dynasty: The Revival, expected to debut this summer. The revival was intended to follow the next generation of the family while celebrating their legacy — and now, it will also serve as a tribute to Phil.
Outside of television, Phil wrote several books and hosted the family’s podcast, using both platforms to speak about his faith and his journey from wild living to spiritual leadership. His story — from a troubled past to becoming a devout Christian and successful entrepreneur — inspired many.
Phil is survived by his wife, Kay, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on not only through his family but also through the millions of fans who watched his journey unfold on television.
As fans mourn the loss of the Duck Dynasty star, many are reflecting on his impact. From duck calls to primetime fame, Phil Robertson left an indelible mark on American pop culture — and now, he’s remembered for a life of faith, family, and resilience.