Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the hit reality series "Duck Dynasty," has died at age 79. His family announced his passing on May 25, 2025, just months after revealing his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease late last year. Known for his rugged appearance and outspoken faith, Phil became a beloved figure to millions of viewers, symbolizing deep Southern values and resilience. The news was shared through heartfelt social media messages by his children and grandchildren, who expressed gratitude for the support and prayers from fans around the world.

Phil’s health struggles became public in December 2024 when his son, Jase Robertson, disclosed on the family’s podcast that Phil was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Jase described the toll the illness was taking on his father, noting that it was affecting every part of his body and that the family was doing their best to care for him. Despite these challenges, Phil continued to inspire his family and fans with his unwavering faith, often reminding them to press on with “full strength ahead,” as recalled by his granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff.

Before his television fame, Phil Robertson was a talented athlete, serving as a high school quarterback and later playing at Louisiana Tech University, where he famously started ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw in the mid-1960s. However, he chose to leave football behind to pursue his passion for hunting and the outdoors, eventually founding the Duck Commander empire. This business became the foundation for "Duck Dynasty," which launched in 2012 and ran for 11 seasons, turning the Robertson family into household names.

Throughout his life, Phil Robertson was celebrated for his bold Christian faith and his desire to share the “Good News of Jesus” with everyone he met. His family emphasized that his legacy would continue through their ongoing commitment to faith, love, and community. While the family plans a private service, they intend to announce details for a public celebration of Phil’s life in the coming days.