WEST MONROE, LA — According to his family, Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander and the adored patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan, passed away on Sunday, May 25, at the age of 79.

Months after receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Robertson passed away.

In a December Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast, his family initially disclosed the diagnosis, characterizing it as a “early-stage” illness that subsequently worsened.

“Today my dad went to be with the Lord!” posted a heartfelt message to X from Phil’s son, Jase Robertson.

“We know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good, but we will miss him! We’ll see him once more!

Sadie Robertson Huff, a granddaughter, also paid tribute to her grandfather on Instagram by posting a collection of family portraits from the years of their ascent to fame.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” wrote Willie Robertson, Phil’s son, and his wife Korie in a joint Instagram statement.

We are grateful for the prayers and love of so many people whose lives have been touched by his. The family added that arrangements for a public celebration of life will be revealed shortly, even though a private service is currently taking place.

In recent months, Phil Robertson’s health had gotten much worse. “We’re doing our best to make him comfortable,” Jase said to listeners on an April episode of the family’s podcast.

I believe you just do that.

An Entrepreneur and Reality TV Icon

Phil Robertson, who was born and reared in Louisiana, founded Duck Commander in 1972 and invented the now-famous duck call, which contributed to the development of a hunting business worth millions of dollars.

Duck Dynasty, which debuted on A&E in 2012 and ran for 11 seasons until its conclusion in 2017, was a result of the business’s success.

The show, which focused on the lives of Phil, his wife Kay, and their extended family while they collaborated at the family-run company, became a cultural phenomenon.

Its unique fusion of humor, religion, and outdoor skills drew millions of viewers every week and spawned a number of popular spinoffs, such as Duck Family Treasure and Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty.

A&E revealed plans earlier this year for Duck Dynasty: The Revival, a new series that will debut this summer.

A Tradition of Family and Religion

Shortly after the birth of their first son, Phil married Kay, his wife, at the age of 17.

For their many fans, the Robertson family has remained a representation of enduring faith and close family ties despite controversy over the years, including Phil’s vocal religious beliefs.

In addition to his work in business and television, Phil was a vocal supporter of Christian principles and the author of multiple books. For one of the most enduring families on reality TV, his passing signifies the end of an era.

The Robertson family says they find solace in their faith and the community’s support as the condolences keep coming in.