Farewell to a Faithful Patriarch: Duck Dynasty Star Phil Robertson Dies at 79 After Alzheimer’s Battle

Phil Robertson, the outspoken patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan and founder of Duck Commander, has passed away at the age of 79.

His family confirmed the sad news on May 25, 2025, through a series of heartfelt social media posts, just months after revealing his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in late 2024.

Phil rose to fame as the rugged, bearded leader of the Robertson family on A&E’s Duck Dynasty, which aired for 11 seasons from 2012 to 2017.

The show captured the lives of the Louisiana-based family as they managed their duck call business, mixed in faith-filled family moments, and shared Southern traditions with the world.

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His son, Jase Robertson, was among the first to publicly announce his passing, writing on X:

“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!”

Granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff also paid tribute, sharing nostalgic family photos on Instagram, while Willie and Korie Robertson posted:

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather… is now with the Lord. Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life.”

Phil’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was first shared in December 2024 on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast.

At the time, Jase explained that his father was in the early stages of the disease, but by April, his condition had worsened significantly.

“He’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling,” Jase said.

Despite the challenges, the Robertson family chose to make Phil as comfortable as possible, caring for him at home and remaining steadfast in their faith. Their love for him never wavered.

Phil Robertson’s legacy reaches far beyond reality television. A former football star turned outdoorsman, he started Duck Commander in 1972 with a now-patented duck call that launched a multi-million-dollar business empire.

His deep Christian beliefs were central to his public persona and guided the family both onscreen and off.

He married his wife Kay when she was just 17, after she became pregnant with their first child. The couple’s love story and faith-filled parenting journey became a core theme of Duck Dynasty, endearing them to millions of viewers worldwide.

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Even as Duck Dynasty ended, its influence continued. Multiple spinoffs followed, and in January 2025, A&E announced that the show would return this summer as Duck Dynasty: The Revival. Phil’s passing comes just before the reboot’s premiere.

Phil is survived by his wife Miss Kay, their children Jase, Willie, Jep, and Alan, and a growing number of grandchildren who continue to carry on the Robertson legacy of faith, family, and southern grit.

A private service will be held for now, with the family promising a public celebration of life to come.

As the Robertsons so often reminded fans, faith was the foundation of their lives — and for Phil Robertson, it remains his final legacy.

Rest in peace, Phil. You called more than ducks — you called a generation to faith, family, and unapologetic authenticity.

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