Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson dies at 79, leaving behind a family, a legacy, and a loyal fanbase that followed his life both on and off the screen.
The news of his passing came on Sunday, May 25, through emotional tributes shared by his children and grandchildren on social media. Phil’s son, Jase Robertson, wrote on X, “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands.” His granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, posted touching photos of the family through the years on Instagram, capturing the love they shared.
It wasn’t a sudden goodbye. Back in December, the family had revealed that Phil was battling Alzheimer’s. Jase mentioned during an episode of their Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast that his father’s condition had worsened. He said, “It’s accelerating. He’s really struggling.” In April, Jase again spoke honestly about the toll the illness was taking, sharing that they were simply doing their best to keep Phil comfortable.
Willie and Korie Robertson also posted a heartfelt message, saying, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” They added that the family would hold a private ceremony but would later share plans for a public celebration.
He was a husband, father, grandfather, and founder of Duck Commander, the family’s hunting gear company. Starting with a single duck call invention in 1972, Phil turned a simple idea into a multi-generational empire. His wife, Kay, stood by him from the beginning, marrying him young and helping raise their sons — Jase, Willie, and Jep — all of whom played key roles in the success of the business and the show.
Duck Dynasty, which aired for 11 seasons on A&E, became a cultural phenomenon. It brought viewers into the quirky, deeply faithful, and tight-knit world of the Robertsons. The show wrapped up in 2017, but it didn’t end the family’s presence in the spotlight. They went on to create spin-offs like Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty and Duck Family Treasure.
Now, nearly a decade after the original show ended, A&E is preparing to bring the Robertsons back in Duck Dynasty: The Revival, set to premiere this summer. The timing adds a bittersweet note to Phil’s passing — he won’t be there to witness the return of the show that made his family famous.
Though the curtain has fallen on Phil’s life, his impact continues. The Robertson family has grown, both in number and influence. Willie’s children are now raising families of their own. And fans still follow their journey through podcasts, social media, and upcoming TV projects.
Phil Robertson was never one to seek fame for its own sake. He valued faith, family, and the outdoors. And that’s what made him so beloved. He spoke his truth, stood firm in his beliefs, and always made room for laughter — even in tough times.
As fans reflect on his legacy, many will remember the laughter, the long beards, the prayer before dinner, and the way Phil always ended things with a word of faith. Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson dies at 79, but what he built — both in his family and with his fans — will live on.
