Phil Robertson, star of Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79.

Korie Robertson, the daughter-in-law of the reality star and wife of Willie Robertson, shared the news in a Facebook post on Sunday, May 25. This comes months after the family announced in December 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. He reminded us often of the words of Paul, “you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

“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. 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.”

“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.

Phil Alexander Robertson (April 24, 1946 – May 25, 2025) was an American hunter, entrepreneur, and reality television personality, best known as the patriarch of the Robertson family featured on A&E’s Duck Dynasty. Born in Vivian, Louisiana, Robertson grew up in a modest household as one of seven children. He attended Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship, playing quarterback ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. Despite his athletic prowess, Robertson chose to forgo a potential professional football career to pursue his passion for hunting.

In 1972, Robertson invented the Duck Commander duck call, leading to the establishment of the Duck Commander Company in 1973. The business, which started in a dilapidated boat, eventually grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise under the leadership of his son, Willie Robertson. The family’s unique lifestyle and Christian faith were spotlighted in Duck Dynasty, which aired from 2012 to 2017 and became one of the most-watched nonfiction series in cable history. 

Robertson’s life was marked by personal transformation. After a tumultuous period in the 1970s involving substance abuse and marital strife, he embraced Christianity, which he credited with saving his marriage to Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway and reshaping his life. He became an outspoken advocate for his faith, authoring the memoir Happy, Happy, Happy and co-hosting the podcast Unashamed with the Robertson Family.

In December 2024, Robertson’s family announced he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Robertson is survived by his wife, five children—including sons Willie and Jase—and numerous grandchildren. His legacy endures through his family’s continued ventures and the cultural impact of Duck Dynasty.