Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of the Duck Dynasty television franchise and founder of the Duck Commander empire, has died at the age of 79, his family confirmed Sunday. The news was announced by his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson on social media, following the family's December disclosure that he 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 in a statement shared on Facebook and Instagram. "Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus."
Robertson, a former teacher and commercial fisherman, invented the Duck Commander duck call, which grew into a multimillion-dollar family business. That business became the focal point of Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017 and at its peak became the most-watched nonfiction cable show in history. The series featured Phil, his wife Kay, his sons Willie, Jase, and Jep, and brother Si in a sitcom-style format centered around their Louisiana-based company and devout Christian lifestyle.
The family said a private service will be held, with a public celebration of life to be announced later. Korie added, "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."
Robertson's granddaughter, Sadie Robertson, paid tribute with a final memory: "One of the last things he said to me was 'full strength ahead!' Amen!" she wrote on Instagram.
Phil's health struggles had become public late last year when his son Jase Robertson revealed the Alzheimer's diagnosis on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. "According to the doctors, they're sure that he has some sort of blood disease that's causing all kinds of problems," Jase said. "It's accelerated and it's causing problems with his entire body."
On April 2, Jase updated fans on his father's declining condition: "The number one question I get everywhere I go: 'How's your dad doing?' I say, 'Not good.' We're doing the best we can. I think that's just what you do."
Despite being suspended briefly from Duck Dynasty in 2013 over controversial remarks, Robertson remained central to the show's identity. His life story was depicted in the 2023 faith-based film The Blind - The True Story of the Robertson Family. A new A&E series, Duck Dynasty: Revival, is set to air this summer featuring Willie and Korie Robertson, though Phil will not appear.
Robertson is survived by his wife Kay, four sons, numerous grandchildren, and millions of fans who followed his journey from duck call entrepreneur to cultural icon.
