West Monroe, Louisiana – The Christian community and millions of fans of the popular reality TV series Duck Dynasty around the world are mourning the loss of Phil Robertson, founder of Duck Commander and an inspirational figure, who passed away at the age of 79 on May 25, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A Legend from Rural America
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson grew up in a poor family that lived off the land. This simple upbringing shaped a man of resilience, who deeply valued the basics of life—from hunted food to quiet moments by the fire with his family.
Phil was once a talented football player, playing quarterback at Louisiana Tech University. Notably, he competed for the starting spot with Terry Bradshaw, who would later become an NFL legend. Despite having the potential for a professional career, Phil chose to give it all up in favor of a simpler life filled with faith, family, and duck hunting.
In 1973, he founded Duck Commander, a family-run company that manufactured duck calls and later grew into a multimillion-dollar empire. This success led to the creation of Duck Dynasty in 2012, a hit reality show that introduced the Robertson family and their business to millions of homes across the U.S. and beyond.
A Man of Faith and Conviction
Phil Robertson was known not just for his long beard, Southern accent, and love of the outdoors, but also for his unshakable Christian faith. Throughout Duck Dynasty, he often prayed on camera and spoke openly about the Bible and how God had saved his life.
His strong convictions also brought controversy. In 2013, Phil was temporarily suspended from the show after making controversial comments about homosexuality in an interview with GQ. However, massive public support—especially from conservative communities—prompted A&E to reinstate him just nine days later.
To many, Phil was far from perfect—but he was authentic, unfiltered, and stood firm in his beliefs no matter how much pressure he faced. He once said, “I’m not a politician. I’m a man redeemed, once lost, now telling my story for God’s glory.”
Family Was Everything
Phil married Marsha “Miss Kay” Robertson in 1966, and together they had five children, including Willie Robertson, who went on to lead the family business. Their marriage weathered many storms—especially during Phil’s early years of drinking and rebellion. But after finding his faith in 1975, Phil transformed into a devoted husband and father.
This powerful journey was portrayed in the 2023 biopic The Blind, which touched millions of hearts and offered a deeper understanding of Phil’s spiritual and emotional transformation—from a broken man to a beacon of redemption.
His Passing and the Legacy He Leaves Behind
In late 2024, the Robertson family revealed that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In the final months of his life, he lived quietly on the family’s Louisiana farm, which he called “my little slice of heaven on Earth.”
His death is a profound loss not only to his family but to millions of fans who found healing and hope through his prayers, humor, and unpretentious way of life.
His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, shared:
“He didn’t leave behind an earthly kingdom, but he left behind a legacy of love for God, for family, and for truth. That will live on in all of us.”
There Will Never Be Another Phil Robertson
While “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” is set to air in the summer of 2025, Phil will no longer be part of the show. However, his voice lives on in the podcast “Unashamed,” and Duck Commander continues to thrive under new generations who carry on his spirit.
Phil Robertson may be gone—but he remains an American icon, a living proof that from humble beginnings, even a broken man can rise, be redeemed, and leave behind a legacy that echoes forever.
