Phil Robertson, the legendary patriarch of the hit reality show Duck Dynasty, has died at the age of 79. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of the iconic show and followers of his remarkable personal journey.
Phil Robertson‘s Death and Alzheimer’s Battle
His family shared the news on Sunday (local time), revealing that Robertson had been battling Alzheimer’s disease. His son, Jase Robertson, took to X (formerly Twitter) to write:
“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!”
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
Phil’s battle with Alzheimer’s was first made public in December 2023 during an episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. Jase revealed that Phil was in the early stages of the disease at the time. By April 2025, his condition had worsened, prompting the family to focus on making him comfortable in his final days.
A Look Back at Phil Robertson’s Life
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Robertson rose from humble beginnings to become a household name. He founded Duck Commander in 1972, revolutionizing duck hunting with his patented duck call. His business later served as the foundation for Duck Dynasty, which debuted on A&E in 2012 and ran for 11 successful seasons.
Phil was married to Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway, whom he began dating in 1964. The couple married in 1966 and had five children together. Kay, known for her own role in Duck Dynasty, supported Phil through the highs and lows, including a period in his 20s marked by alcohol abuse and a brief separation. A religious awakening helped Phil turn his life around and became the cornerstone of his identity.
Their children include Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep Robertson. In 2020, Phil discovered he had a daughter, Phyllis Robertson Thomas, from a past affair, and welcomed her into the family.
In September 2023, a biographical film titled The Blind was released, chronicling Phil’s early struggles, redemption, and path to faith.
Family Tributes and Public Reaction
The heartbreaking announcement of Phil’s death came via Facebook from his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, who is married to Willie Robertson. She wrote:
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. 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 his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus.”
Tributes poured in from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities. Granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff also honored her grandfather on Instagram by sharing cherished family moments and photos.
The family has announced that a private service will be held, with details for a public celebration of Phil’s life to be shared soon.
Legacy of Duck Commander and Media Influence
Phil Robertson was more than just a TV personality. His Duck Commander brand became a symbol of family values, southern tradition, and entrepreneurship. Duck Dynasty brought laughter and life lessons to millions of households, showcasing the family’s Christian beliefs, love for hunting, and quirky personalities.
The show’s immense popularity led to several spin-offs, including Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty, At Home with the Robertsons, and Duck Family Treasure. In January 2025, A&E confirmed the upcoming release of Duck Dynasty: The Revival, further cementing the show’s cultural footprint.
Phil Robertson’s Net Worth and Influence
Phil’s fame soared with Duck Dynasty, which ran until 2017. Alongside TV revenue, he earned from book deals, speaking engagements, and the thriving Duck Commander merchandise line. His estimated net worth was $10 million at the time of his passing.
Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander and a central figure on the show, has an estimated net worth of $45 million due to his savvy business sense and continued media ventures.