Phil Robertson of ‘Duck Dynasty’ Passes Away at 79 Following Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the hit reality TV show Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79. The Robertson family shared the devastating news on Sunday, May 25, 2025, after several months of public awareness regarding Phil’s health struggles. While no official cause of death has been released, it is known that Phil had been battling health issues, most notably Alzheimer’s disease, which was publicly revealed in December 2024.
A Legacy of Faith and Family
Phil Robertson, best known for his role on Duck Dynasty, was the head of the Robertson family, known for their successful duck call business, Duck Commander. The show, which aired on A&E from 2009 to 2017, gave viewers an inside look at the Robertson family’s lives, filled with humor, faith, and their family business. Phil, with his strong faith and larger-than-life personality, became a beloved figure to many fans across the globe.
On social media, Phil’s family members paid heartfelt tributes to him. His son, Jase Robertson, wrote a touching message on X, stating, “Today, my dad went home to be with the Lord! We will miss him, but we know he’s in good hands, and our family is blessed because the Lord is good! We will see him again!” Similarly, Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, shared a tribute on Instagram, posting photos of her grandfather and reflecting on the legacy he left behind.
Phil’s son Willie Robertson, along with his wife Korie, also shared a message on Instagram, saying, “Today, we celebrate because our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is with the Lord. Thank you for the love and prayers from so many whose lives were impacted by his life. We know so many of you loved him and were affected by his life.”
Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Family Support
Phil’s health had been a topic of concern for his family in recent years. In December 2024, it was revealed during the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Jase Robertson shared at the time that his father was in the “early stages” of the disease and had been struggling significantly with the effects of the condition.
“It’s really affecting his whole body,” Jase explained. “He’s not doing well. He’s really struggling.” Later, in an April 2025 podcast episode, Jase spoke about how the family had been providing comfort and support for Phil, emphasizing the emotional toll that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can have.
“We’re helping him be comfortable and we’re doing the best we can. I think that’s really all you can do,” Jase added. The family had been working together to ensure Phil was comfortable and surrounded by love, despite the devastating progression of the disease.
A Private and Public Celebration of Life
Phil Robertson’s family has indicated that they will hold a private ceremony to honor his life. Details of a public celebration of his life will be shared in the coming weeks, where fans of the Duck Dynasty star and his family will have the opportunity to mourn his loss and celebrate the profound impact he made on the lives of those around him.
In their statement, Willie and Korie Robertson expressed deep gratitude for the support from fans, saying, “We will miss him, but we are comforted knowing he is now with the Lord. He was loved by so many, and his legacy will live on through his family, his faith, and his work.”
The Robertson Family’s Legacy
Phil’s death marks the end of an era for the Robertson family, who became household names with the success of Duck Dynasty. The show, which ran for 11 seasons, gave audiences a glimpse into the family’s tight-knit, faith-based lifestyle and the business they built together. The series was a cultural phenomenon, and even after its end in 2017, the Robertson family continued to be a significant presence in entertainment, faith-based initiatives, and business ventures.
The family’s brand continues to thrive through various spinoffs, including Going Si-Ral, Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty, and Duck Family Treasure. The Robertson clan, now consisting of multiple generations, has continued to grow, with many of Phil’s grandchildren now building their own families and carrying on the family’s legacy. In January 2025, A&E announced that Duck Dynasty would return to the channel as Duck Dynasty: The Revival, ensuring that Phil’s influence will continue to resonate with fans.
Phil Robertson’s legacy is not just in his television appearances but in the lives he touched through his unwavering faith, his dedication to his family, and his commitment to hard work. As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they are not only mourning a father and grandfather but celebrating the life of a man who was instrumental in shaping the family and the entertainment world they continue to impact.
Fans Remember Phil
Phil’s death has left fans around the world heartbroken, with many expressing their condolences and sharing stories of how Duck Dynasty and Phil’s teachings impacted their lives. Whether through his humor, his faith, or his embodiment of hard work and family values, Phil Robertson’s influence extends far beyond his time on television.
As the Robertson family navigates this difficult time, they can find comfort in knowing that Phil’s legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and through the enduring work he did with his family. His impact on the world of reality television, his faith, and his commitment to family will continue to be felt for years to come.