Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson dies aged 79 after battle with Alzheimer’s disease

Madeline Cove
The Nightly
Phil Robertson, star of A&E network's Duck Dynasty has died, age 79.
Phil Robertson, star of A&E network's Duck Dynasty has died, age 79. Credit: CNP/ABACA/PA

American professional hunter and reality television star Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79.

The star’s daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, who is married to Willie Robertson, confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Sunday, May 25, months after the family revealed in December that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie wrote.

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“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life. We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”

The star’s daughter-in-law shared the news of Phil Robertsons death on social media.
The star’s daughter-in-law shared the news of Phil Robertsons death on social media. Credit: Korie Robertson / Facebook/Facebook

Phil’s son Jase Robertson also paid tribute on X, writing: “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!”

Phil’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was first disclosed on the December 6 episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast.

At the time, Jase said his father was in the “early stages” of the illness, which had since progressed and caused further health issues.

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

Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E, chronicled the lives of the Robertson family — including Phil, his wife Kay, and their sons Jase, Willie, and Jep, as they ran their family business, Duck Commander.

The show ended in 2017 after 11 seasons but led to several spinoffs, including Going Si-Ral, Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty, At Home with the Robertsons, and Duck Family Treasure.

In January, A&E announced the series would return this summer under the title Duck Dynasty: The Revival.

Phil, a Louisiana native, founded Duck Commander in 1972 and patented his duck call design.

He married Kay after she became pregnant with their first child at age 17.

Since the show’s end, the Robertson family has continued to grow, with many of the younger family members starting families of their own.

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