Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of A&E’s hit reality series Duck Dynasty and founder of Duck Commander, has passed away at the age of 78. On May 25, 2025, his family paid tribute to his remarkable life and lasting legacy through heartfelt posts on social media, confirming the sad news.
Alongside the announcement, Phil Robertson’s official Instagram account shared a message of faith, expressing the family’s deep comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully with the Lord.
They fondly recalled how Phil often reminded them of the Bible’s powerful message—encouraging believers to hold steadfast to their faith in Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
The family expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, emphasizing how Phil’s unwavering faith and commitment to sharing his message left an indelible mark on all who knew him. They vowed to honor his legacy by living out the principles of love and faith he so deeply cherished.
Jase Robertson, Phil’s son, took to X to share the news of his father’s passing, reflecting the family’s sentiments. He reaffirmed their belief that they will be reunited with Phil one day and acknowledged the deep sadness of losing him—while finding solace in the knowledge that his father is now safely in God’s care.
Reflecting on her grandfather’s profound spiritual influence, granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff recalled one of their final moments together: “One of the last things he said to me was, ‘Full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
She described his testimony as transformative—not only for their family but for countless others touched by his faith. “Now he is experiencing it in its fullness—fully alive in Christ. The new has come,” she said, offering a powerful reminder of hope and renewal.
Will Robertson, another grandson, shared a childhood photo of his Papaw Phil, writing, “My Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. His life, his testimony, and his devotion to God were truly powerful.”
He expressed deep gratitude for his grandfather’s lasting impact, adding, “I’m forever thankful for the time he spent on earth, and I find comfort knowing he’s now sitting in his recliner, talking to Jesus. Love you, Papaw 🩶.”
Jase Robertson, Phil’s son, openly addressed the challenges his father faced in the months before his passing. On the family’s Unashamed podcast in December 2024, he revealed that Phil had been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease along with a blood disorder.
“You know Phil’s not doing well,” Jase shared candidly. “So when you put those things together… he was really struggling.”
By April 2025, Jase provided a more candid update, telling listeners, “Not good. That’s what I said.” He shared that the family had enlisted professional care to provide the support Phil needed during this difficult time.
Reflecting on a recent visit, Jase shared an emotional encounter with 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,” Jase recalled. “When you’re fighting these battles day by day, you end up compartmentalizing everything just to get through it.”
Jase shared that the family—especially the younger generation—did everything possible to keep Phil comfortable and well cared for during his final weeks, despite the difficult circumstances.
Jase also revealed that Phil’s wife, Kay Robertson, was facing serious health challenges of her own. After a fall resulted in an injury, she developed an infection that led to an 11-day hospital stay. “She was really not doing good,” Jase said. “She got an infection from a cut… and she was in the hospital for 11 days.”
During that difficult time, the family feared the worst. “We were kind of dealing with the fact that maybe this is it,” Jase admitted. Though Kay’s condition later stabilized, she continued her recovery in a rehabilitation facility, focusing on regaining her strength.
Amid these challenges, the Robertson family was preparing for a new chapter on television. In March 2025, A&E announced Duck Dynasty: The Revival, a 20-episode series produced by Spoke Studios and Tread Lively Productions.
Set to premiere in the summer of 2025, the show will spotlight Willie and Korie Robertson, their adult children, and grandchildren as they carry forward the family’s entrepreneurial spirit and values, shaping the future of Duck Commander.
Fans of the original series can look forward to familiar faces—including Kay, Uncle Si, John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella, and Rebecca—returning in the new show. After airing on A&E, episodes will also be available for streaming on a major platform, giving viewers even more ways to stay connected with the Robertson family.
Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E and Lifetime, praised the family’s enduring appeal: “The Robertsons earned a seat in homes across the country with their unique blend of down-home practicality, Southern charm, and relatable humor.”
Willie and Korie Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, expressed their excitement about the upcoming revival. “We’re thankful for all who have followed along as our family has grown and expanded, and we can’t wait to get cameras rolling again on all our new adventures—or perhaps misadventures,” they shared.
The show’s official Facebook page gave the first hint of the revival on January 23, unveiling plans for the new Duck Dynasty series alongside a photo of Willie and Korie in their signature camouflage.
Amid a deeply personal and emotional period for the family, the announcement marked a hopeful and uplifting step forward.
