Phil Robertson, the outspoken patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the hit reality series Duck Dynasty, died on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79 after battling Alzheimer’s disease and other health complications.
The news was confirmed by his son, Jase Robertson, who posted on X:
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! #PhilRobertson #Jesus
— Jase Robertson (@JaseDuckman) May 26, 2025
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Robertson played quarterback at Louisiana Tech University, starting ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw during the 1966 and 1967 seasons. He turned down a potential professional football career to pursue hunting and his Christian faith.
In 1972, he founded Duck Commander, a company that transformed the duck call industry and launched the Robertson family into national prominence. His rugged demeanor and religious convictions were central to Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017 and drew over 11 million viewers at its peak.
Robertson became a polarizing figure in 2013 when A&E briefly suspended him following a GQ interview in which he made remarks about homosexuality that drew widespread backlash. Despite the controversy, he remained a hero to many conservative Christians and continued speaking publicly on faith and values.
In December 2024, the Robertson family revealed on their Unashamed podcast that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the following months, his health declined due to additional issues, including a blood disorder and a fractured back.
His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, wrote on Instagram:
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.”
Phil is survived by his wife, Marsha Kay “Miss Kay” Robertson, four sons — Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep — and numerous grandchildren, including speaker and author Sadie Robertson Huff.
A private memorial service will be held in West Monroe, Louisiana. The family says public details will be announced at a later date.
Although Phil will not appear in the upcoming Duck Dynasty: The Revival, which Entertainment Weekly reports will premiere in June 2025 on A&E, his legacy remains central to the Robertson family’s continued story.
The Dallas Express extends heartfelt condolences to the Robertson family and all those mourning the loss of a true American original.