'He put smiles on the faces of us all': Duck Dynasty star passes away at 79
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 15
The world has bid farewell to one of reality television's most recognisable patriarchs.
Phil Robertson has passed away at the age of 79.
Known to millions as the bearded, straight-talking head of the Robertson clan on Duck Dynasty, Phil's influence stretched beyond the Louisiana bayou he called home.
Phil Robertson's daughter-in-law, Korie, confirmed his passing through a heartfelt social media post.
'We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,' she wrote.
'He reminded us often of the words of Paul, "You do not grieve like those who have no hope.'"
'"For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him,"' Korie continued.
While the official cause of death has not been released, Phil had been living with Alzheimer's disease in his final years.
Born in 1946 in rural Louisiana, Phil Robertson's story was a classic tale of ingenuity and grit.
Being a keen outdoorsman, Phil invented the Duck Commander duck call in the early 1970s.
This device would then change his family's life forever.
What started as a small business in a humble shed grew into a multi-million-dollar empire.
The 2012 reality TV show Duck Dynasty catapulted the Robertsons to international fame.
The show, which ran for 11 seasons until 2017, offered a unique blend of family values, Southern humour, and hunting hijinks.
Phil, with his long beard, camo gear, and no-nonsense wisdom, quickly became a fan favourite, earning him the affectionate nickname 'America's grandpa'.
Phil's outspoken Christian beliefs became a cornerstone of both his personal and public persona.
He often shared his faith on and off the screen and encouraged viewers to live with purpose and integrity.
Fans remembered him fondly as a man who 'passed along his God-given wisdom for life to the next generation'.
However, Phil's time in the spotlight was not without controversy.
In 2013, Phil Robertson was briefly suspended from the show after making comments about homosexuality in a GQ interview.
He attributed his views to his biblical beliefs.
He then later clarified that he 'would never treat anyone with disrespect'.
However, the incident sparked a national debate about free speech and faith.
Phil was later reinstated to the show, and the family's popularity endured.
As Alzheimer's disease took its toll on his life, Phil stepped back from public life.
Watch the Robertson family's tribute for Phil here:
Source: Phil Robertson/YouTube
News of Phil's passing shocked fans, prompting tributes for the patriarchal figure.
'Phil was like America's grandpa who passed along his God-given wisdom for life to pass on to the next generation,' a fan shared.
'He put smiles on the faces of us all,' another Duck Dynasty fan agreed.
'I grew up watching Duck Dynasty as a child, and it was amazing seeing such a God-fearing man leading by example on how to live life while fearing God and hunting ducks.'
Phil is survived by his beloved wife Kay, their sons Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep, 16 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
For many Australians, Duck Dynasty was a guilty pleasure that offered a window to a world of duck blinds, family dinners, and old-fashioned fun.
Phil Robertson was more than just a reality TV star. He was an inventor, a businessman, a husband, a father, and a man of deep conviction.
Our thoughts are with the Robertson family during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Phil Robertson.
Phil Robertson has passed away at the age of 79.
Known to millions as the bearded, straight-talking head of the Robertson clan on Duck Dynasty, Phil's influence stretched beyond the Louisiana bayou he called home.
Phil Robertson's daughter-in-law, Korie, confirmed his passing through a heartfelt social media post.
'We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,' she wrote.
'He reminded us often of the words of Paul, "You do not grieve like those who have no hope.'"
'"For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him,"' Korie continued.
While the official cause of death has not been released, Phil had been living with Alzheimer's disease in his final years.
Born in 1946 in rural Louisiana, Phil Robertson's story was a classic tale of ingenuity and grit.
Being a keen outdoorsman, Phil invented the Duck Commander duck call in the early 1970s.
This device would then change his family's life forever.
What started as a small business in a humble shed grew into a multi-million-dollar empire.
The 2012 reality TV show Duck Dynasty catapulted the Robertsons to international fame.
The show, which ran for 11 seasons until 2017, offered a unique blend of family values, Southern humour, and hunting hijinks.
Phil, with his long beard, camo gear, and no-nonsense wisdom, quickly became a fan favourite, earning him the affectionate nickname 'America's grandpa'.
Phil's outspoken Christian beliefs became a cornerstone of both his personal and public persona.
He often shared his faith on and off the screen and encouraged viewers to live with purpose and integrity.
Fans remembered him fondly as a man who 'passed along his God-given wisdom for life to the next generation'.
However, Phil's time in the spotlight was not without controversy.
In 2013, Phil Robertson was briefly suspended from the show after making comments about homosexuality in a GQ interview.
He attributed his views to his biblical beliefs.
He then later clarified that he 'would never treat anyone with disrespect'.
However, the incident sparked a national debate about free speech and faith.
Phil was later reinstated to the show, and the family's popularity endured.
As Alzheimer's disease took its toll on his life, Phil stepped back from public life.
Watch the Robertson family's tribute for Phil here:
Source: Phil Robertson/YouTube
News of Phil's passing shocked fans, prompting tributes for the patriarchal figure.
'Phil was like America's grandpa who passed along his God-given wisdom for life to pass on to the next generation,' a fan shared.
'He put smiles on the faces of us all,' another Duck Dynasty fan agreed.
'I grew up watching Duck Dynasty as a child, and it was amazing seeing such a God-fearing man leading by example on how to live life while fearing God and hunting ducks.'
Phil is survived by his beloved wife Kay, their sons Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep, 16 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
For many Australians, Duck Dynasty was a guilty pleasure that offered a window to a world of duck blinds, family dinners, and old-fashioned fun.
Phil Robertson was more than just a reality TV star. He was an inventor, a businessman, a husband, a father, and a man of deep conviction.
Key Takeaways
- Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has died at 79 years old following a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
- The reality star's passing was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, who reflected on his faith and the hope his family found in his beliefs.
- Robertson became famous after inventing a popular duck call, which led to the family business and the hit reality series Duck Dynasty.
- Fans paid tribute to Robertson as 'America's grandpa' as they remembered his God-fearing nature and the positive impact on viewers.
Rest in peace, Phil Robertson.