Phil Robertson, the family patriarch of the popular A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty,” passed away on Sunday at 79. At the end of his life, Robertson was battling several health issues, including complications from a back fracture, a blood disorder, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Korie Robertson, Phil’s daughter-in-law, announced the sad news through an Instagram post, saying:
“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. 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. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”
If there’s a man that turned his life around for the glory of God, this man #PhilRobertson may he Rest In Peace🕊 pic.twitter.com/v9oQrvq2p7
— Kristi🇺🇸💃🏻 (@magamomabear) May 26, 2025
Phil Robertson’s story is a truly American story, a story of perseverance and a self-made man. He was one of seven children, born into a family in rural Louisiana where money was tight. In high school, He was a standout athlete in football, baseball, and track, where he earned All-State rankings in all three. He went on to attend Louisiana Tech on a football scholarship. He was a first-string quarterback, jumping ahead to that position ahead of a guy named Terry Bradshaw. Phil later said, “Terry went for the bucks, and I chased after the ducks.” Robertson would go on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a Master’s in Education, and taught for several years in Louisiana schools. It was about this time that Phil heard the call of the duck call. In 1972, Phil whittled his first one. He sold $8,000 worth of them. He received a patent, and, in 1973, the Duck Commander Company was born.
Phil and “Miss Kay” Robertson were high school sweethearts and met when Kay was just 14 years old. They married in 1966 when she was 16. Their marriage went through a rough first few years, as Phil battled alcohol abuse. So bad that Kay kicked him out of the house. It was at this point that, miraculously, Phil was able to find God, and his life changed.
Duck Commander began in the Robertson home, where Kay and their four sons helped assemble, package, and ship all the duck calls. Phil would travel to stores to sell his wares, and was more often than not met with rejection. He was even laughed out of one store. Now, that store in Arkansas is one of Duck Commander’s largest accounts.
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! #PhilRobertson #Jesus
— Jase Robertson (@JaseDuckman) May 26, 2025
America was introduced to the Robertson family in 2012 on the popular reality show, “Duck Dynasty.” They ran a multimillion-dollar company, but their ZZ Top-style beards made them look like they were fresh out of the woods from the duck blind. They were unpretentious and made no bones about their priorities: God and family. Those priorities led to several controversies, including A&E editing out the word “Jesus” when the family would all sit down to dinner and pray before their meal at the end of each episode. But for at least one episode, Phil Roberson won, and A&E left the family prayer alone. The show ended in 2017, but Phil Robertson went on to be an outspoken voice for Christians and the gospel of Jesus Christ, speaking at churches and organizations all over the country. He was also the author of several books.
Phil Robertson was not a perfect man; he would be the first one to tell you that. But he lived his faith in God, and his story is one of inspiration for everyone. In her Instagram post, Korie Robertson said there would be a private ceremony for the family and would “share details” about a public celebration of life.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve. pic.twitter.com/UTlw1SvlcH
— Duck Dynasty (@DuckDynastyAE) May 26, 2025
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