Phil Robertson, the outspoken patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the hit reality TV show Duck Dynasty, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79, his family announced. The news, shared by his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson on Facebook, followed months of public updates about his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder, which had significantly impacted his health. No official cause of death was disclosed, but the family celebrated his life of faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Robertson rose from humble beginnings to become a cultural icon. A three-sport high school star, he played quarterback at Louisiana Tech, starting ahead of future NFL legend Terry Bradshaw in 1966 and 1967. Despite his football talent, Robertson chose hunting over a professional sports career, a decision that led to the creation of Duck Commander, his patented duck call business, in 1972. The company grew into a multi-million-dollar empire, laying the foundation for the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty, which aired from 2012 to 2017 and showcased the family’s faith-driven, down-to-earth lifestyle.
Duck Dynasty became a phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers with its blend of humor, family values, and outdoor adventures. Robertson’s unfiltered personality and strong Christian beliefs were central to the show’s appeal, though they also sparked controversy. In 2013, he was briefly suspended from the series after making inflammatory comments about homosexuality and race in a GQ interview, equating homosexuality with sin and suggesting Black people were content in the pre-civil rights South. The remarks drew widespread criticism, but the show resumed filming with Robertson, reflecting his polarizing yet influential presence.
Beyond television, Robertson was a devout Christian whose faith transformed his life after years of alcohol abuse and personal struggles. His wife, Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway, whom he married in 1966, described his religious conversion as a turning point in their marriage. Together, they raised four sons—Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep—and later welcomed a daughter, Phyllis, from a past affair, into the family. Robertson’s faith also fueled his second career on the Christian speaking circuit, where he shared his redemption story and authored books like Unphiltered, outlining his views on life and liberty.
His health decline was first publicized in December 2024 on the family’s Unashamed podcast, with son Jase noting Phil’s increasing pain and memory struggles. “He could barely walk without crying out,” Jase said, highlighting the toll of Alzheimer’s. Despite his condition, Robertson remained a beloved figure, with tributes pouring in from fans, conservative leaders like Ted Cruz, and even former President Donald Trump, who recalled Robertson’s 2019 campaign rally speech.
Robertson is survived by his wife, Kay, their five children, and numerous grandchildren. His estimated $10 million estate, built through Duck Commander and media ventures, is expected to be inherited by his family. A private service is planned, with a public celebration of his life to be announced.
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