Phil Robertson Dead at 79
Phil Robertson, the legendary patriarch of the Robertson family and star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday, writing, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.”
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Robertson lived a life that spanned sports, business, faith, and television. He was best known as the founder of Duck Commander, a duck call manufacturing company launched in 1973. The business skyrocketed into the national spotlight with the premiere of Duck Dynasty in 2012, a reality show that followed the lives of the close-knit, bearded Robertson family. The show became one of A&E’s most successful series, running until 2017.
In December 2024, the Robertson family publicly shared that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His health had significantly declined, complicated by a rare blood disorder that caused mini-strokes and an enlarged spleen.
Phil Robertson’s journey included a dramatic personal transformation. After struggling with alcohol and infidelity in his early years, he became a devout Christian in the 1970s. His faith was a cornerstone of both his life and the Duck Dynasty brand. In 2023, his redemptive story was brought to life in the biographical film The Blind.
He is survived by his beloved wife Marsha “Miss Kay” Robertson, five children including Willie and Jase Robertson, and numerous grandchildren.
While the family plans a private service, a public celebration of life is expected to be announced soon. The Robertson legacy will continue with Duck Dynasty: The Revival, a new installment of the hit series starring Willie and Korie Robertson, set to premiere this summer on A&E.
