Phil Robertson, known for his big beard and leading the Duck Dynasty family on television, has died at age 79 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
On May 25, 2025, the news spread as the man’s bereaved family used social media to remember their spiritual leader and fans of the man came to think of him as an unforgettable leader with bold religious convictions, love for the outdoors and very polarized opinions.
Heartbreaking statement
The family put out a sad message about Phil’s death on his Instagram page.
Today, we join in celebrating that our father, husband and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is with the Lord. He would often remind us about what Paul taught: ‘You do not grieve like those who are hopeless. Since we believe Jesus rose from the dead, we are certain God will reunite believers with Jesus at the resurrection.
Those in Phil’s family said they appreciated fans’ prayers and pointed out that Phil taught many about living for God and loving Him. “We are committed to continuing his tradition of loving God and loving our neighbors,” they stated.
Phil’s son Jase Robertson shared the bad news with people on his X account as well.
The Lord called my dad home today! He is gone from us now and we are confident he is in good care. And because God is so good, our family is good! We can expect to see him again!
Final conversation
Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, spoke about her memories of her last talk with Phil.
I remember him saying to me, right to the end, “full strength ahead!” Amen! Now, he is feeling it on a much wider scale. Living in Jesus every day. New ideas are here.”
Phil’s grandson Will Robertson agreed with those thoughts in a post showing the two together when Will was young.
My father on this side, Phil, went to be with the Lord today. Everything about his life, his witness and his faith in God was extremely powerful. His time on earth made a difference to me and I’m sure he’s now talking to Jesus in his recliner.
Willie Robertson’s daughter-in-law, Korie, also said she feels blessed:
“I am grateful for all the prayers and love from people whose lives have experienced the hope of grace, seeing his bold faith and how much he wanted to tell everyone about Jesus.”
A difficult set of results
Jase first announced Phil’s health issues on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast in December 2024.
He said Phil was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and suggested there were additional challenges.
When we spoke with doctors, they explained they suspect a blood disease is to blame for the problems he is showing.
“All this has made his disease speed up and it’s causing him difficulty throughout his body. He is struggling quite a bit.”
Though he became less well over time, Phil continued to be strong for his family.
From making duck sounds to fighting about cultures
Phil Robertson spent time hunting as a hobby and later made a success of it by launching a business with it.
In 1972, Phil started Duck Commander by creating an unusual duck call and making only a small number of them his first year. Designed to sound like a real duck, the Duck Commander call became a favorite with hunters and contributed to making the company successful.
Phil came to national attention in 2012 when Duck Dynasty began on A&E, sharing the story of the family’s duck-call business.
After running for 11 seasons up to 2017, the show helped make the Robertsons reality TV royalty. The way he dressed in camo, sported long facial hair and pack a lot of experience helped Phil earn the role of the show’s spiritual mentor. Even so, his opinions sometimes led to a negative response. In 2013, Phil drew huge criticism when he made homophobic comments during an interview with GQ.
Was not allowed to continue on the program
When I think about it, I believe a vgina is more appealing to me, as a guy, than a man’s ans,” he added.
Take homosexuality as the first form and grow other things from that. He admits to sleeping with this one and that one and that one and those men.”
He continued:
There’s something deeper to women that makes them even more interesting. She’s got so much more, but come on, sin: It doesn’t make sense for you. The idea just doesn’t make any sense.
The A&E network briefly stopped his show, but followers who agreed with Phil’s beliefs protested and brought him back quickly.
Despite what many people thought, the Robertsons’ success continued. Even though some took Phil’s words as harsh, many people in his audience appreciated his firm public statements.
More than just an impact on television
Duck Dynasty rose above being a television series to become something culturally important. This family was prolific; they wrote bestsellers, launched spinoffs such as Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty and At Home with the Robertsons and even issued a Christmas album, Duck the Halls.
Recently, the family revealed that they are returning with a reboot: Duck Dynasty: The Revival which will start airing on June 1, 2025. Now, interest turned to Willie, Korie and the entire next generation of Robertsons. Now, we are not sure if Phil’s death will affect the start of the new season.
I never dreamed we would ever do this again. I figured out that many people wanted to take part in what we do,” Willie said to Us Weekly ahead of his father’s death.
Fans mourning
The loss inspired many fans to express mixed emotions and sadness on the Internet.
“May you never be forgotten,” a fan commented and another wrote, “I don’t like his politics, but I wish he is at peace.”
Phil Robertson will be remembered by his grieving family and by his many fans for his influence on television, faith, major controversies and loyalty to his loved ones.
You may like him or dislike him, but he certainly influenced American culture. In their last moments, Phil’s family is holding close to their faith in Christ and the surety of living forever.