“Duck Commander” Phil Robertson Died On May 25 At The Age Of 79

Phil Robertson, patriarch of the Robertson family, is being remembered with heartfelt tributes from those who loved him.

Phil, who founded the company Duck Commander, rose to fame on the A&E show Duck Dynasty. The show followed him and his large family, showcasing how they ran their business.

But even more so, the show shared the family’s love for each other and their Christian faith.

Duck Dynasty ended in 2017. After the show ended, Phil and his family continued speaking about their faith on podcasts, social media, and other projects.

However, Phil stepped back from his Unashamed podcast at the end of 2024. His sons, Al and Jase, revealed in December that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disease.

The Robertsons kept fans updated on Phil’s health as the months passed. In the May 19 episode of Unashamed, Al and Jase said they felt like their dad was “getting ready for the journey to the other side.”

Sadly, Phil made that journey on Sunday, May 25. The Robertson family announced he had passed away earlier that day.

The family’s statement read in part:

“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”

Robertson Family Members Remember Phil In Personal Tributes

Many of the Robertson family members posted the above statement regarding Phil’s passing. But several others wrote personal and heartfelt tributes in his honor.

Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie, shared several sweet photos of her and her “Papaw” through the years. She wrote:

“It was his testimony that changed his life, our [family’s] life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come. One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”

Sadie’s husband, Christian Huff, shared photos of him and Phil on a duck hunt together, captioning them:

“Only had a couple years to spend with @officialphilrobertson but man were the few ones fun! There truly was no one like you and there never will be. We’ll miss you and I’ll keep working hard to blow a duck call that you’d approve of! Enjoy the reception because there’s many up there waiting to greet you!”

Phil’s granddaughter, Bella, shared a touching tribute alongside a photo of her and Phil together when she was young. She said:

“My papaw phil is now where he always longed to be — with God, his Father. I miss him already & can not wait to see him again one day.”

Phil’s granddaughter, Mia, shared an emotional message about how Phil was so much more to her than just her grandfather. She said:

“I’ve seen him as my friend, my mentor, my ally, and my inspiration. He wasn’t the type to always say “I love you” or give you hugs and kisses, but neither am I. His love wasn’t shown like that. His love showed through his actions. The way he prayed for all of us daily, the way he always stuck up for his family, and the way he was always there to help put our family back together when disaster or sin struck. We all looked to him for guidance, because his heart and actions were led by the Father who is always perfect.”

Mia also shared a voice memo from when she and her family sang an old hymn for Phil just a few days before he passed away.

Phil’s grandson, Will Jr., shared his love for Phil in a tribute he penned alongside two photos of them together, taken several years apart. Will said:

“My Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. his life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful. i’m thankful to be a part of his legacy that will live on through our family and in many other ways. i’m forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i’m thankful to know he’s sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw”

Phil’s daughter-in-law, Missy (who’s married to Jase), shared two sweet snapshots of her and Phil over the years. She said:

“What an amazing legacy, amazing faith, amazing man I was honored to call my father-in-law. While we will miss him for a short time, we celebrate now that he is with his Savior and at total peace. Praise Jesus!”

Jase posted a picture of the Robertsons gathered together for one of their famous family meals. Honoring his dad in the caption, Jase wrote:

“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”

These tributes prove how much Phil Robertson meant to his family and all who loved him. May he rest in peace.

Our prayers go out to the Robertsons during this difficult time…