Sadie Robertson Reflects on Final Moments with Grandfather Phil Robertson: A Legacy of Faith and Strength
Sadie Robertson, star of the popular reality show Duck Dynasty, has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of her beloved grandfather, Phil Robertson. Phil, the patriarch of the Robertson family, passed away on Sunday, May 25, at the age of 79. His death followed a months-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that had been publicly revealed by the family in December of the previous year.
In her tribute, Sadie took to Instagram, sharing her thoughts and memories of Phil, whom she affectionately referred to as “Papaw.” She included a Bible verse from Corinthians 5:17, which reads, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Sadie reflected on how Phil’s faith and testimony had profoundly impacted not only her life but also the lives of countless others.
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Sadie expressed that Phil had “already experienced on this earth — going from dead to alive by the power of Christ,” and now, “he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.” She credited her grandfather’s life and testimony for changing their family’s lives, and the many others touched by his faith and journey. In a moving post, she shared one of her last moments with him, revealing the powerful three-word message he told her just before his passing: “Full strength ahead!” Sadie wrote, “Amen!” to echo his resilient spirit and faith.
Sadie’s reflection came just a day after sharing an additional tribute, where she wrote, “I wrote in my post yesterday that he touched ‘thousands,’ and I can confidently correct that now to millions.” It was clear that Phil’s impact had been immense, both in his family and far beyond, through his work with the family business, Duck Commander, and his unwavering commitment to his faith.
Phil’s death has been met with an outpouring of love and prayers from fans of the Duck Dynasty series and those whose lives were touched by his legacy. In a joint Instagram post, Sadie’s parents, Willie and Korie Robertson, shared their grief but also their joy in knowing that Phil is now with the Lord. They wrote, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life.”
Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E for 11 seasons from 2012 to 2017, chronicled the lives of the Robertson family, showcasing their work at Duck Commander, the hunting company Phil founded in 1972. The show brought their unique Southern lifestyle, faith, and humor into millions of homes, making them household names. Phil’s larger-than-life persona and deep faith made him a beloved figure to fans across the country.
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As the family mourns his passing, they also celebrate the legacy Phil leaves behind. With a career marked by faith, family, and entrepreneurship, Phil Robertson’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come. The Robertson family remains committed to carrying forward his legacy of love, faith, and the shared values that made their family so special.
As they move forward, the Robertson family and millions of others who were touched by Phil’s life will continue to honor his memory, keeping the spirit of his faith and the message of “full strength ahead” alive in their hearts.