Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch, Dies at 79 After Battling Alzheimer’s Disease

The ‘Duck Dynasty’ star’s family announced his diagnosis in December 2024.

Phil Robertson speaks at a campaign event for Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Fairhope, Ala., on Sept. 25, 2017. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Phil Robertson, patriarch of the A&E reality series “Duck Dynasty,” has died at the age of 79, his family announced on social media.

“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today!” the television personality’s second-eldest son, Jase, said in an Instagram post on Sunday.

“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!”

Born on April 24, 1946, Robertson grew up in the small Louisiana town of Vivian, about 30 miles northwest of Shreveport. He married his wife, Kay, in the late 1960s and welcomed into the world four sons: Alan, 60; Jase, 55; Willie, 53; and Jep, 46.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s in education from Louisiana Tech University, which he attended on a football scholarship, Robertson spent several years teaching in his home state.

He switched careers in 1973, launching the hunting company Duck Commander. The successful duck call business, which he later ran with his sons, served as the focal point of “Duck Dynasty.” The show premiered in March 2012, airing for 11 seasons until its conclusion in 2017.

Robertson’s family didn’t share an official cause of death. However, during a December episode of their podcast, “Unashamed With the Robertson Family,” Jase Robertson revealed that his father was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and wasn’t doing well.

Phil Robertson’s granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff—the daughter of Willie Robertson and his wife of more than 30 years, Korie Robertson—was among those who paid tribute to him online.

“One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!” the Christian influencer said.

Jep Robertson also issued a statement on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude to fans and those who knew his father.

“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,” he penned. “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.”

In a 2023 episode of his family’s podcast, Phil Robertson reflected on his mortality after undergoing a second back surgery, sharing one simple request.

“When I die, don’t cry,” he said. “Dance, sing, but don’t cry when I die.”