A popular reality TV family is mourning the passing of its cultural and spiritual leader.
The bearded patriarch from A&E’s popular reality series “Duck Dynasty,” Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander, passed away at the age of 78. On May 25, 2025, his family honoured his life and legacy with several social media posts, confirming the news.
In addition to announcing his departure, Phil Robertson’s official Instagram account sent a message confirming the family’s faith and stating that they were comforted by the knowledge that he was now with the Lord.
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They remembered how Phil would frequently remind them of the Bible, which exhorts believers to hold fast to their faith in Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
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The family thanked everyone for their love and support, pointing out that Phil’s strong faith and dedication to sharing his message had left a lasting impression. By upholding his principles of love and faith, they would carry on his legacy.
Jase Robertson, Phil’s son, shared on X that his father has departed to be with the Lord, echoing the family’s feelings. He confirmed the family’s belief that they will one day be reunited with Phil and acknowledged the sorrow of his departure while expressing comfort in knowing he was in God’s care.
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In her reflection on his spiritual impact, granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff mentioned one of their final exchanges: “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
She described his testimony as life-changing for their family and many others, adding, “Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.”
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Will Robertson, also a grandson, posted a photo from his childhood and wrote, “my Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. His life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful [sic].”
He expressed gratitude for Robertson’s impact and legacy, “i’m forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i’m thankful to know he’s sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw [sic].”
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Jase, Phil’s son, openly acknowledged the gravity of his father’s health issues in the months leading up to his death. He disclosed on the family’s “Unashamed” podcast in December 2024 that Phil had been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s and a blood ailment.
“You know Phil’s not doing well,” he said. “So if you put those things together… he’s really struggling.”
By April 2025, Jase offered a more direct update, telling listeners, “Not good. That’s what I said.” He explained that the family had arranged professional care to support Phil.
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Recalling a recent visit, Jase described an emotional moment involving their relative Zach. “He kind of stuck his head in the window… and I was like, ‘How’d that go?’ And Zach just lost it,” he said. “When you’re in these battles day by day, you kind of compartmentalize everything just so you can deal with it.”
Jace said that the family, particularly the younger members, tried their best to keep Phil comfortable and well-cared for in his last weeks, despite the challenging circumstances.
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Jase also shared that Phil’s wife, Kay Robertson, was dealing with serious health concerns of her own. She had been hospitalized after developing an infection from a fall-related injury. “She was really not doing good,” he said. “She got an infection from a cut… and she was in the hospital for 11 days.”
At the time, the family feared the worst. “We were kind of dealing with the fact that maybe this is it,” he added. While Kay’s condition later stabilized, she remained in a rehabilitation facility focused on physical recovery.
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The Robertson family was getting ready to return to television in the midst of these difficulties. “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” a new 20-episode series created by Spoke Studios and Tread Lively Productions, was announced by A&E in March 2025.
The show, which is scheduled to debut in the summer of 2025, will follow Willie and Korie Robertson, their adult children, and their grandkids as they continue the family’s entrepreneurial drive and principles while influencing Duck Commander’s future.
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Kay, Uncle Si, John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella, and Rebecca are among the well-known characters from the original series that will appear on the show. Episodes will also be streamed on a major platform after their run on A&E.
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“The Robertsons earned a seat in homes across the country with their unique brand of downhome practicality, southern charm and relatable humor,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E and Lifetime.
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Willie and Korie Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, shared their enthusiasm about the revival. “We’re thankful for all who have followed along as our family has grown and expanded and can’t wait to get cameras rolling again on all our new adventures, or perhaps misadventures,” they said.
A Facebook post from the show’s official page on January 23 was the first to allude to the initiative. Plans for a new “Duck Dynasty” revival series were unveiled along with Willie and Korie in their trademark camouflage.
During a very intimate and emotional time for the family, the announcement represented a positive step forward.
