Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson dead at 79 after battle with illness— Family and fans mourn reality TV icon
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the hit reality series Duck Dynasty, passed away at the age of 79. His family confirmed his death on May 25, following a public battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Phil Robertson, most recognized for his role on A&E’s reality series Duck Dynasty, has died at 79 years old. The Robertson family shared the news on various social media platforms on Sunday, May 25. Robertson's death comes months after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis was announced in December 2024.
Robertson's son, Jase, posted on X saying, “he has gone to be with the Lord.” Family members, including granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff and son Willie Robertson and wife Korie, posted memories and photos remembering Phil Robertson and thanking supporters and fans, and assured a public celebration of life would take place and more details about that would be shared in the future.
Family tributes and private farewell plans
The Robertson family included their faith, and how much Phil meant to them and others, in emotional messages. "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord, wrote Willie and Korie Robertson in an Instagram post. They added that they will have an initial private service and will then have a public memorial service.
Jase Robertson first discussed Phil's diagnosis on a December episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast, when he said his father had early-stage Alzheimer's. In the next updates he gave, he said Phil's condition had deteriorated a lot, and by April 2025, he said his focus had shifted to help keep Phil comfortable.
Phil Robertson was one of the stars of the TV series 'Duck Dynasty'. Photo: NBC News
Legacy of 'Duck Dynasty' and the Duck Commander brand
Phil Robertson gained notoriety when Duck Dynasty aired on A&E from 2012-2017. The series followed the Robertson family and their Duck Commander duck call business, which Phil started in 1972. The show gave rise to several spin-offs and helped showcase the family's Christian beliefs and Southern lifestyle.
Earlier in 2023, A&E announced that the Duck Dynasty franchise was returning with Duck Dynasty: The Revival set to premiere in Summer 2025. Since Duck Dynasty, the Robertson family has expanded their media footprint as each of the younger members have started their own families and have begun their own endeavors. Phil is survived by his wife Kay, children, grandchildren and a legacy of faith, family and entrepreneurship.
