Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and founder of Duck Commander, has died at age 79, his family announced Sunday, Fox News reports.
Robertson, who had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and other health issues, passed away surrounded by loved ones. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, shared the news on Instagram, writing:
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.”
She added that the family would hold a private service and later share plans for a public celebration of his life.
Before gaining fame on Duck Dynasty, Robertson was a standout quarterback at Louisiana Tech—even ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. He later turned his passion for duck hunting into a business, founding Duck Commander in 1972. The company became the center of A&E’s hit reality show, which ran from 2012 to 2017.
Robertson’s family had been open about his declining health. In December, they revealed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and his son Willie Robertson later told Fox News Digital that his father was also suffering from a blood disorder, possible ministrokes, and a fractured back.
By April, Robertson’s condition had worsened.
“Not good,” his son Jase Robertson said bluntly when asked about his father’s health. “We’re making him comfortable and doing the best we can.”
Known for his deep Christian faith, Robertson often quoted scripture and shared his beliefs openly. His family vowed to continue his legacy of spreading “the Good News of Jesus” and living with “love for God and love for others.”
Robertson is survived by his wife, Miss Kay, and their large, close-knit family, who rose to fame together on Duck Dynasty.
