Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the hit reality television show “Duck Dynasty,” has died at the age of 79.
The Robertson family announced his death on various social media channels on Sunday, May 25.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” the family wrote in a Facebook post on Phil Robertson’s official page.
Phil Robertson was a hunter and businessman who founded the Duck Commander duck call business in West Monroe, Louisiana. He is best known as the bearded patriarch of the close-knit Robertson family featured in the reality series “Duck Dynasty,” which ran for 11 seasons on A&E.
Phil Robertson cause of death
The family did not immediately specify Phil Robertson’s cause of death. However, Phil Robertson’s family had previously opened up about his multiple health issues, including a neurodegenerative disease and blood disorder.
Alzheimer’s diagnosis and blood disease
Last December, Phil Robertson’s son Jase Robertson revealed that his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Jase Robertson, 55, announced that his father was in the “early stages” of Alzheimer’s during an episode of the “Unashamed with the Robertson Family” podcast that aired on Dec. 6.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, according to the National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults, and it affects an estimated 6 million-plus Americans, most of whom are 65 or older.
Jase Robertson said on the Dec. 6 podcast episode that his father’s memory was “not what it once was.”
Memory problems, such as forgetting recent events or conversations, are typically the first signs of Alzheimer’s, per the Mayo Clinic. Over time, as Alzheimer’s worsens, it causes a loss of cognitive functioning, which interferes with daily life.
In addition to Alzheimer’s, Phil Robertson was also dealing with an unnamed blood disorder. “We were trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, they are sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase Robertson said.
By December, the blood disease had accelerated and was affecting Phil Robertson’s entire body. “He’s really struggling,” Jase Robertson said.
Phil Robertson had been dealing with health issues prior to his death.Roy Rochlin / Getty Images
Despite his desire to return to work, Phil Robertson had to take a break from the podcast due to his health problems. “I’m like, ‘Well, Phil, you can barely walk around without crying out in pain,’” Jase Robertson recalled telling his father.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
“We’ve got a team of doctors and they’re all in agreement that there’s no curing what he has. … So, what do you do? We’re trying to make him a little more comfortable,” Jase Robertson said in December.
Alzheimer’s is irreversible. In the later stages, it can cause serious complications, which may result in death, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
‘Duck Dynasty’ legacy and reboot series
“Duck Dynasty” debuted in 2012 and ran until 2017. The series followed the lives of the Robertson clan as they ran their duck hunting business. During its 11-season run, it was one of the most-watched reality shows on cable television. It also faced some controversy.
In 2013, Phil Robertson faced criticism for making controversial remarks about homosexuality and racism. The head of the family was briefly suspended from the show by A&E, but later returned.
In January, the Robertsons announced they were returning to TV eight years after ending their show with a reboot series called “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” featuring the newest generation of the family.
The revival of “Duck Dynasty” premieres June 1.Bryan Tarnowski / A&E
Phil Robertson is survived by his wife, Kay Robertson, their four children (Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson, Alan Robertson and Jules Jeptha “Jep” Robertson), his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and his brother, Si Robertson.
In 2020, Phil Robertson revealed that he had reunited with a long-lost daughter, named Phyllis, from an affair he had in the 1970s.
Phil Robertson’s death was announced by family members.NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images
The Robertson family will have a private service for now and share details about a public celebration of Phil Robertson’s life soon, his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, the wife of Willie Robertson, wrote in a Facebook post.
“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life,” his family said.
