Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson dies at 79 after Alzheimer’s battle

Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty patriarch and Duck Commander founder, has died at 79 following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the hit reality TV series Duck Dynasty and founder of the Duck Commander brand, has died at the age of 79. His passing was confirmed by his family on Sunday, following his recent diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.

Robertson’s daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, shared the news on Facebook, writing, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” She added that Robertson lived a life of bold faith and always shared the message of Jesus Christ with others.

Robertson was a teacher and commercial fisherman before inventing the Duck Commander duck call, which led to the creation of a multi-million dollar hunting gear company now led by his son, Willie Robertson. The family's success was chronicled in Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017 and became the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history by 2013.

The show featured Phil Robertson, his brother Si, and his sons Jase, Willie, and Jep, along with other family members and co-workers. Despite controversy in 2013 that led to a brief suspension over comments about homosexuality, Robertson remained a central figure in the series.

While Phil Robertson won’t appear in the upcoming A&E reboot Duck Dynasty: Revival, his legacy continues through his family and their business. A film based on his life, The Blind – The True Story of the Robertson Family, was released in 2023.

The family plans to hold a private service with details about a public celebration to be announced later.