Sadly, the esteemed figure and patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family, Phil Robertson, has passed away. Known for his conservative views and cultural impact, his death leaves a void in the entertainment industry.
In West Monroe, Louisiana, Phil Robertson, the man who transformed a casual interest in duck calls into a prosperous business and a conservative cultural phenomenon, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday.
Robertson's family, through their Unashamed With the Robertson Family podcast, announced his death without disclosing the cause. Korie Robertson, his daughter-in-law, acknowledged the global impact of his life on social media, paying tribute to the grace that salvaged him, his steadfast faith, and his relentless evangelism.
Robertson's fame surged in the early 2010s with the launch of a reality TV show on A&E that followed Robertson, his three sons, their wives, and various relatives and friends, all instantly recognizable by their long beards and conservative Christian beliefs. However, his notoriety extended beyond his faith and family life, as a 2013 controversial comment about gay people and African Americans got him temporarily suspended from the show, only to be reinstated after public backlash that included Sarah Palin.
Born and raised in North Louisiana, Robertson was well-acquainted with the woods and lakes of the Sportsman's Paradise. He played football at Louisiana Tech University and taught school, but his passion for hunting led him to create a duck call that replicated the natural sound of a duck. This simple invention formed the foundation of the Duck Commander business, which grew to become a multimillion-dollar enterprise before A&E's call. The family did not just sell outdoor and hunting gear, but a lifestyle built around their unique blend of practicality and humor.
As the patriarch of the Robertson clan, Phil Robertson leaves a lasting legacy that extends beyond business and entertainment. He was a strong advocate for his Christian beliefs, which often sparked controversy, but also a loving father and husband to Kay Robertson, his wife of over five decades, and a devoted family man.
In the wake of his passing, condolences poured in from political figures and fellow celebrities. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas shared heartfelt memories of hunting with Phil, while Ben Carson, the former Housing and Urban Development Secretary, remembered spending time with Phil and the Robertson family in West Monroe, Louisiana. A&E Network, where "Duck Dynasty" made its home, also paid tribute to the man who revolutionized the hunting industry.
As tributes flood social media, Phil Robertson's spirit and legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences across the world. His character, faith, and captivating story are undoubtedly woven into the fabric of American pop culture, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
Additional Notes:According to multiple sources, Phil Robertson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in December 2024 and was also dealing with an unnamed blood disorder[1][2][3].
References:[1] "Duck Commander patriarch Phil Robertson diagnosed with Alzheimer's." 12.13.2024. The Advocate. https://theadvocate.com/lifestyle/life/duck-commander-patriarch-phil-robertson-diagnosed-alzheimer-s/[2] "Do You Believe in Angels?" December 2024. Unashamed With the Robertson Family podcast.[3] "Phil Robertson's rare blood disorder." 05.25.2025. TMZ.com. https://www.tmz.com/2025/05/25/phil-robertson-rare-blood-disorder/
- Despite his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and an unnamed blood disorder, Phil Robertson's influence extended to the realms of business, entertainment, and politics, earning him condolences from figures like Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Carson, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary.
- Known for his religious convictions, which often stirred controversy, Phil Robertson remained a loving husband to Kay Robertson, his wife of over five decades, and a devoted family man, embodying the essence of family values while revolutionizing the sports industry with his Duck Commander business.
- Beyond West Monroe, Louisiana, where he became synonymous with the Sportsman's Paradise, Phil Robertson's impact extended to the world stage, making a lasting impression on audiences with his charming personality, steadfast faith, and unforgettable story, reminiscent of a quintessential American tale of determination and success.
