‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson Passes Away At 79

Hate to hear that one.

Phil Robertson, the star of Duck Dynasty, founder of Duck Commander and patriarch of the Robertson family, has passed away after it was revealed earlier this year that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

The family announced Phil’s passing in a statement that paid tribute to his life while giving thanks for his deep faith:

“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 prays of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, by 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.”

Chances are you were most familiar with Phil Robertson from his time on the hit A&E reality show Duck Dynasty. The patriarch of the Robertson family, Phil was a star quarterback at Louisiana Tech in the 1960s – earning the starting job over future Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw.

But when Phil was offered the opportunity to sign with the then-Washington Redskins, he declined because football season conflicted with hunting season.

He founded the Duck Commander brand back in 1972 when he started selling handmade duck calls that he made from his boat in Louisiana. And since then, the family has grown the brand into a multi-million dollar company, and has also expanded into deer hunting gear with Buck Commander, fishing gear with their Fin Commander brand, and many others.

The family, including current Duck Commander CEO and Phil’s son Willie Robertson, along with Phil’s brother Uncle Si, was the focus of Duck Dynasty, which premiered back in 2012 and ran through 2017. At one point it was the most-watched show in A&E history, and it shot the family from West Monroe, Louisiana to stardom.

But the family announced earlier this year that Phil was in poor health after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s:

“Phil’s not doing well… We were kind of trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, they’re sure he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems…

It’s like accelerated, and it’s causing problems with his entire body. And he has early stages of Alzheimers. So, if you put those things together, he’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.”

Robertson was always open about his faith and his belief in Jesus Christ, and his son Al Robertson said at the time of the diagnosis that knowing their dad was strong in his faith brought the family comfort:

“If he were here you know what he would say. ‘Boys, the resurrection looms large as you get nearer and nearer the end.’

So we’re not worried in that sense with him, but it’s just one of those things we have to deal with.”

Rest in peace, Phil, and to quote Matthew 25:21, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” You’ve left your mark.