‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson Dies at 79 Following Alzheimer’s Battle

Duck Dynasty alum Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79.

The family patriarch’s death was confirmed via a Facebook post shared on Sunday, May 25, by his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie wrote via the social media platform. Phil was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in December 2024, with his son, Willie Roberston, telling Us Weekly earlier this month that, “Dad’s not doing well at all.”

Korie’s Facebook post continued, “Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, by 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.”

Willie, 53, told Us in the Tuesday, May 20 cover story that his father’s condition was “definitely progressing.” The family are set to return to the spotlight due to the upcoming series Duck Dynasty: The Revival, a reboot of the 2012 A&E reality series which ended in 2017 after 11 seasons.

Willie, who is married to Korie, 51, added that Phil’s wife and Willie’s mother, Kay Robertson, is also facing health challenges of her own. “Mom has shown the same type of symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia, Willie told Us. “It’s just part of life — and mom has her good days.”

He added that despite the couple’s ailing health, the Robertson clan had grown closer than ever. “We [still] spend time together, but they lived a great journey and taught us a lot,” Willie said. “[Korie] and I are very appreciative of what we were able to do on Duck Dynasty, to be able to see that.”

Phil’s son Jase Robertson, shared that his father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s via a December episode of his podcast, “Unashamed with the Robertson Family.”

“According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase, 55, said on the podcast. “It’s accelerated and it’s causing problems with his entire body.”

Jase added that the diagnosis has been difficult for his father both mentally and physically, sharing, “He’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.”

Jase added that his father’s health had deteriorated due to an ongoing blood disease issue. Phil did not appear on the podcast episode due to his health making it difficult to do so despite the reality star wishing he was able to.

“He keeps saying, ‘I’m gonna get back to the podcast,’” Jase said. “But I’m like, ‘Well Phil, you can barely walk around without crying out in pain, and your memory is not what it once was.’ He’s like, ‘Tell me about it.’ So he is literally unable to — I think he would agree — to just sit down and have a conversation.”

Phil is survived by Kay, 77, Willie, and Jase, as well as his son Alan Robertson and daughter, Phyllis.