Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty' star, dies at 79

Phil Robertson, a star on the hit reality show "Duck Dynasty," has died. He was 79 years old.

Robertson was the patriarch of the Robertson family. Their A&E show premiered in 2012 and followed the life of the Robertsons, a duck-hunting family in Louisiana known for their multi-million-dollar Duck Commander business and close-knit family relationships. The show ran for 11 seasons. 

Remembering Phil Robertson

What we know:

Robertson's death was confirmed on his official Facebook page. His son, Jase Robertson, also shared the news on X. 

What we don't know:

The family did not release a cause of death, but Jase Robertson shared last year that his father was in poor health.

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What they're saying:

"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!" Jase Robertson wrote on X. 

"We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather … is now with the Lord," his family said on Facebook. "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.

"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."

In 2013, Robertson was briefly suspended by A&E after GQ magazine quoted him declaring that gays are sinners and African-Americans were happy under Jim Crow laws. Supporters of Robertson’s right to voice his opinions flocked to his defense before the network reinstated him. 

Robertson had ‘early stages of Alzheimer’s'

The backstory:

In December 2024, Phil's son, Jase, told fans that his father had the "early stages of Alzheimer's" and was "unable to sit down and have a conversation."

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"It's like accelerated, and it's causing problems with his entire body. And he has early stages of Alzheimer's. So, if you put those things together, he's really not doing well. He's struggling," he continued.

‘Duck Dynasty’ reboot

Robertson's death comes as the family readies for their return to reality TV. According to The Today Show, "Duck Dynasty: The Revival," is set to air this summer on A&E and include a new generation of great-grandchildren. 

The new series will air 20, one-hour episodes over two seasons.