Sadie Robertson Reflects on Grandfather Phil Robertson’s Final Moments and Legacy
The Robertson family is mourning the loss of family patriarch Phil Robertson, who passed away on May 25 at the age of 79. A central figure in the Duck Dynasty series, Phil’s death has deeply impacted his family, friends, and fans alike. Sadie Robertson, Phil’s granddaughter, took to Instagram to honor his life, sharing a heartfelt tribute that also reflected on his faith and the impact he had on so many.
In her emotional post, Sadie shared a Bible verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” She reflected on how Phil had lived out this transformation during his life, particularly his journey from darkness to light through his faith in Christ. “He has already experienced on this earth — going from dead to alive by the power of Christ,” she wrote. “It was his testimony that changed his life, our family’s life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.”
Sadie also shared one of her final memories with her grandfather. “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!” she recalled. These words from Phil, who was known for his wisdom and steadfast faith, served as an encouragement for Sadie, who is expecting her third child with her husband, Christian Huff. The phrase “full strength ahead” has taken on new significance for Sadie, symbolizing both Phil’s resilient spirit and his enduring impact on her life.
The following day, Sadie updated her followers with another heartfelt message, acknowledging the vast reach of Phil’s legacy. “I wrote in my post yesterday that he touched ‘thousands,’ and I can confidently correct that now to millions,” she shared. Phil’s influence extended far beyond his family, as he inspired countless people through his faith and his role as the founder of Duck Commander, a business that revolutionized the hunting industry.
Phil’s death comes just months after his family announced in December that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, alongside her husband Willie Robertson, shared a joint statement following Phil’s passing. “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” they wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life. 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.”
Phil Robertson’s legacy, both within his family and with the millions who followed Duck Dynasty, is undeniable. As the founder and president of Duck Commander, Phil built a multi-million dollar business starting in 1972 with a patented duck call. The Duck Dynasty TV series, which aired for 11 seasons on A&E from 2012 to 2017, documented the lives of the Robertson family and their business, showcasing Phil’s no-nonsense wisdom and deep faith. The show’s success led to multiple spin-offs, and in January, A&E announced the return of the series with Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
Phil’s death marks the end of an era for the Robertson family, but his legacy lives on in the love he shared with his family, his faith in God, and the millions of people whose lives he touched. As Sadie Robertson and her family continue to carry his legacy forward, they are comforted by the belief that they will see him again one day, fully alive in Christ.