WEST MONROE, LA (LOOTPRESS) — Phil Robertson, the outspoken outdoorsman who turned a family duck call business into a national television phenomenon, has died at the age of 79, his family confirmed Sunday.
Robertson, best known as the bearded patriarch of Duck Dynasty and the founder of Duck Commander, passed away after a long battle with several health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, shared the news in an Instagram post, calling his passing both a loss and a celebration of faith.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie wrote, quoting scripture to express the family’s hope through grief. She added that a private memorial service will be held, with details about a public tribute to come.
“Phil lived his life boldly, unashamed of his faith, and dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus,” she continued. “We’re grateful for every moment and will continue to carry his legacy forward.”
Robertson’s health had been in steady decline. In a December episode of the family’s podcast Unashamed, the Robertsons revealed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Son Willie Robertson later elaborated, saying Phil was facing a combination of conditions, including a blood disorder, back fractures, and suspected ministrokes. In April, another son, Jase Robertson, offered a grim update: “We’re making him comfortable and doing the best we can.”
Before his rise to fame, Phil Robertson was a standout college quarterback at Louisiana Tech, famously starting ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. But he left football behind to pursue his passion for hunting and faith. In 1972, he founded Duck Commander—a humble duck call company that would eventually serve as the backbone of Duck Dynasty, the A&E reality series that turned the Robertson family into household names.
Duck Dynasty premiered in 2012 and ran for 11 seasons, blending humor, family values, and Christian faith into a cultural juggernaut that attracted millions of viewers and sparked national conversations.
Though often a lightning rod for his blunt views, Phil Robertson was revered by fans for his conviction, candor, and deep-rooted faith. His legacy endures not just through the continued success of Duck Commander, but in the lives of those he inspired with his message of grace, redemption, and rugged devotion to family.
Details about a public memorial are expected to be released in the coming days.
