Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch and Founder of Duck Commander, Dies at 79

Phil Robertson, the recognizable patriarch of the popular A&E reality television series ‘Duck Dynasty’ and the ingenious founder of the hunting products company Duck Commander, died on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79. His passing marks the end of an era for millions of fans who followed his family’s adventures and for the hunting community he profoundly influenced. Robertson’s life was a remarkable narrative of humble beginnings, entrepreneurial spirit, and a complex public persona shaped by both his deeply held beliefs and the controversies that often surrounded them.

From his roots in rural Louisiana to becoming a beloved, albeit sometimes polarizing, reality TV star, Robertson left an indelible mark on American popular culture. His journey was one of transformation, from a talented athlete and a man grappling with personal demons to a successful businessman and an outspoken figure of faith. This article explores the multifaceted life of Phil Robertson, examining the key moments and decisions that defined his unique path.

The family’s announcement of his death ushered in a period of reflection on a life lived boldly and on his significant contributions to both the hunting industry and the entertainment world. As his family and numerous public figures offered their condolences, the focus remained on the legacy of a man who, in his own words, always lived “happy, happy, happy” no matter the circumstances, leaving behind a profound impact that continues to resonate.

1. **His Passing and Family Announcement**Phil Robertson, the legendary figure known widely as the patriarch of ‘Duck Dynasty’, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by his family in a poignant statement, emphasizing his enduring faith. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, the wife of his son Willie Robertson, shared the news on social media, expressing the family’s comfort in his spiritual journey. She posted, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” The family’s message frequently referenced the words of Paul, stating, “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,”

The family’s announcement also acknowledged the immense support from countless individuals whose lives were touched by Robertson. Korie Robertson extended gratitude for “the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen to the Good News of Jesus.” This sentiment underscored the deep connection Robertson had with his supporters, many of whom admired his unwavering convictions and his willingness to share his beliefs publicly.

While a cause of death was not immediately announced, the family had previously disclosed his struggles with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder. The family indicated that a private service would be held, with plans to share details about a public celebration of his life at a later time. The reverence and gratitude expressed in their statements highlighted a desire to honor his memory not just as a television personality, but as a man of profound faith who lived according to his principles until his last days.

2. **Early Life and Impoverished Beginnings**Phillip Alexander Robertson was born in Vivian, Louisiana, on April 24, 1946, as the fifth of seven children to Merritt (née Hale) and James Robertson. His childhood was marked by significant financial hardships, which shaped his resourceful and self-reliant nature. The family faced severe financial setbacks, compelling them to live in rugged conditions that lacked basic modern amenities. During his early years, the Robertson household had no electricity, no indoor toilet, and no bathtub, relying on more primitive ways of living.

Their daily existence was largely self-sufficient, with the family rarely making trips into town for groceries. Instead, they subsisted primarily on what they could cultivate and hunt. They “lived off of the fruits and vegetables they grew in their garden; the meat from deer, squirrels, fish, and other game they hunted and fished; and the pigs, chickens, and cattle they raised.” This upbringing fostered a deep connection to nature and a profound understanding of the outdoors, which would later become the foundation of his career.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Robertson often recalled his childhood with fondness, emphasizing the family’s spirit. In his book ‘Happy, Happy, Happy,’ co-authored with Mark Schlabach, he reflected on this period, stating, “It was the 1950s when I was a young boy, but we lived like it was the 1850s … but we were always happy, happy, happy no matter the circumstances.” This perspective painted a picture of contentment derived not from material wealth, but from family bonds and a resilient spirit, a theme that would resonate throughout his public life.

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3. **Athletic Career and Louisiana Tech Years**Before his renown as a hunter and television star, Phil Robertson was a gifted athlete during his high school years. He distinguished himself across multiple sports, earning all-state honors in football, baseball, and track. His athletic prowess was such that it earned him a scholarship, providing him the opportunity to attend Louisiana Tech University in Ruston during the late 1960s, a pivotal step in his educational and personal development.

At Louisiana Tech, Robertson continued his athletic career on the football field, becoming the first-string quarterback for the Bulldogs. Notably, he played ahead of Terry Bradshaw, who would later become a Pro Football Hall of Famer and the first overall pick in the 1970 NFL draft. When Bradshaw arrived at Tech in 1966, his reputation as a football sensation from nearby Shreveport caused a media stir. However, Robertson, being a year ahead, maintained the starting position for two seasons in 1966 and 1967.

During his time as quarterback, Robertson completed 179 of 411 passing attempts, accumulating 2,237 yards. He threw 12 touchdowns, though he also had 34 interceptions, reflecting a raw talent. His decision not to play in 1968 ultimately led to Bradshaw taking over the starting role. Despite his potential, it was evident that Robertson’s true passion lay elsewhere, steering him away from a path that many believed could have led to a professional football career.

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4. **Choice of Hunting Over Professional Football**While Phil Robertson clearly possessed the talent and potential for a career in professional football, his heart was unequivocally set on another pursuit: hunting. His passion for the outdoors and his chosen sport superseded any ambitions he might have harbored for a professional athletic career. This decision, made early in his life, profoundly influenced his future trajectory and ultimately led him down a path far removed from the NFL.

Terry Bradshaw, the future NFL star who backed up Robertson at Louisiana Tech, vividly recalled Robertson’s unwavering dedication to hunting. Bradshaw remarked that “Phil Robertson, loved hunting more than he loved football. He’d come to practice directly from the woods, squirrel tails hanging out of his pockets, duck feathers on his clothes. Clearly he was a fine shot, so no one complained too much.” This anecdotal observation perfectly encapsulates Robertson’s priorities and the deep-seated connection he felt to the wilderness and its offerings.

When he was approached to play professionally for the Washington Redskins, Robertson famously declined the offer. His reasoning was straightforward and rooted in his commitment to his true calling: playing professional football would directly conflict with his hunting activities. Robertson articulated his differing ambitions from Bradshaw, stating, “Terry went for the bucks, and I chased after the ducks.” This simple yet profound statement highlighted his unique perspective and his firm decision to follow his passion, ultimately leading to the creation of the Duck Commander empire.

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5. **Pre-Duck Commander Career and Personal Struggles**Before establishing the multimillion-dollar Duck Commander business, Phil Robertson engaged in several occupations, none of which fully captured his enduring passion for the outdoors or offered him the stability he would later find. Initially, after earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s in education from Louisiana Tech, he spent several years teaching school. This period, however, was a prelude to a more tumultuous phase of his life.

Following his teaching stint, Robertson transitioned into a commercial fisherman, a pursuit that aligned more closely with his love for living off the land and water. This era, however, was also intertwined with significant personal struggles. In 1975, he operated a honkytonk bar, an environment that reportedly contributed to a period of intense personal challenges. During this time, an altercation led to Robertson assaulting a bar owner and his wife after an argument, an incident that underscored the difficulties he faced.

His early marriage to Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway, which began in 1966 after they dated as “high school sweethearts” since 1964, also endured severe strain. Robertson’s struggles included what was described as a “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle,” as well as excessive alcohol consumption, which caused a separation in their marriage for a period. He later credited a profound religious awakening for enabling him to overcome these personal problems, marking a significant turning point in his life that would ultimately define his public image and family values.

6. **Founding of Duck Commander and Invention of the Duck Call**Phil Robertson’s dissatisfaction with the existing hunting equipment on the market sparked the ingenuity that led to the creation of his iconic brand. As a fervent duck hunter, he found that the duck calls available at the time were inadequate, failing to produce the authentic sounds necessary to effectively lure ducks. This deficiency ignited his desire to engineer a superior product, one that would precisely mimic the calls of ducks.

Driven by this pursuit of perfection, Robertson began to experiment with crafting his own duck calls. His dedication culminated in the invention of his first Duck Commander call in 1972, a device meticulously designed to replicate the exact sound of a duck. This invention was not merely a hobby; it was a groundbreaking innovation that he recognized had commercial potential. He successfully received a patent for this unique call, laying the groundwork for a burgeoning business.

With his innovative duck call patented, Robertson formally incorporated the Duck Commander Company in 1973. From these humble beginnings, the company grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, becoming a household name in the hunting community. Today, Duck Commander stands as a testament to his inventive spirit and business acumen, now successfully headed by his son, Willie Robertson. The company’s growth mirrored the family’s eventual rise to national prominence.

7. **Rise to Fame with ‘Duck Dynasty’**Phil Robertson and his family catapulted into national fame with the launch of the A&E reality television series ‘Duck Dynasty,’ which premiered in 2012. The show offered viewers an intimate look into the daily lives of the Robertson clan, chronicling their operations at Duck Commander, their thriving duck hunting equipment business. The series quickly captivated audiences, running for an impressive 11 seasons until its conclusion in 2017.

‘Duck Dynasty’ primarily focused on how the family managed their booming enterprise, which specialized in producing and selling equipment and apparel for hunters. Cameras followed the patriarch, Phil, and other family members—including his sons Willie, Jase, Alan, and Jep, along with their wives and children—as they navigated both their business responsibilities and their deep-seated passion for the outdoors. The show’s appeal lay in its unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, family dynamics, and a distinctive “country living” ethos.

During its peak, ‘Duck Dynasty’ became one of the most-watched reality shows on cable television, drawing millions of viewers each week. Beyond the primary series, Robertson’s media presence extended to other ventures, including a hunting program called ‘Duck Commander’ on the Outdoor Channel, which further cemented his status as a prominent figure in the hunting world. The show’s massive success transformed the family into celebrities, bringing their unique lifestyle and strong conservative, Christian, and family-oriented beliefs into the national spotlight.

8. **The GQ Controversy and A&E Suspension**Phil Robertson became the subject of significant public scrutiny following an interview with GQ magazine in December 2013 for an article titled “What the Duck?” During the interview, Robertson shared his views on what he considered sinful, explicitly referencing homosexual behavior alongside other acts such as bestiality and promiscuity. He also paraphrased a Biblical passage from First Corinthians, stating that those who engage in certain behaviors, including homosexual offenses, would not “inherit the kingdom of God.” Robertson further questioned the appeal of same-sex relationships and maintained that he did not judge individuals but left that to God, emphasizing sharing “the good news about Jesus.”

In response to the widely circulated comments, A&E announced an indefinite suspension of Robertson from ‘Duck Dynasty’ on December 18, 2013. This decision sparked a substantial backlash from his supporters, who quickly mobilized, including through a Facebook page that garnered 1.5 million likes. Political figures also issued statements condemning the network’s action, arguing for freedom of speech. Robertson himself issued a statement, asserting, “I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me.”

Facing considerable public pressure, A&E ultimately lifted the suspension after a period of nine days. The network’s reversal ensured that no episodes of ‘Duck Dynasty’ were impacted by the controversy, allowing the show to continue its broadcast run with Robertson as its patriarch. This incident underscored the strong loyalty of his fanbase and the complex interplay between public figures, media outlets, and deeply held personal beliefs in American culture.

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9. **Further Controversial Statements and Media Appearances**Beyond the GQ interview, Phil Robertson continued to make headlines for outspoken remarks. In 2015, while receiving the Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award and addressing CPAC, he delivered a half-hour speech that included further controversial assertions. During this address, Robertson claimed that sexually transmitted diseases were the legacy of groups such as Nazis, communists, beatniks, and hippies. He also recounted a graphic and extended anecdote about an atheist family being murdered, with the assailants questioning the victims’ belief in no God, no right, and no wrong, comments that subsequently went viral.

Robertson’s media presence extended into other projects that reflected his conservative and religious viewpoints. He was featured in Steve Bannon’s 2016 film ‘Torchbearer,’ where he discussed the perceived absurdity of life without God, illustrating his points with references to historical events such as The Holocaust. These appearances further solidified his image as an unapologetic voice for his deeply held convictions.

In October 2017, Robertson also joined CRTV as a contributor, where he hosted his own program titled ‘In the Woods with Phil.’ This show offered him another platform to share his perspectives on faith, hunting, and life, allowing him to connect directly with an audience that resonated with his values and distinctive style of commentary. These later media ventures continued to position him as a prominent, if sometimes polarizing, public figure outside of his primary role on ‘Duck Dynasty.’

10. **Political Endorsements and Activism**Throughout his later years, Phil Robertson became an active and influential voice in the political arena, leveraging his public platform to endorse various candidates. In a 2013 special House of Representatives election, he notably appeared in a television commercial endorsing Vance McAllister, a Republican candidate for Louisiana’s 5th congressional district. McAllister, who had no prior political office experience, defeated the perceived frontrunner, with many observers attributing the strength of his come-from-behind victory directly to Robertson’s influential endorsement among conservative voters.

Robertson continued his political engagement in national campaigns. During the 2016 presidential race, he initially endorsed Ted Cruz for president. However, following Cruz’s withdrawal from the race, Robertson, while in Cannes, France, subsequently shifted his support and endorsed Donald Trump for the presidency. His endorsements often carried significant weight, particularly within evangelical and conservative circles, demonstrating his capacity to influence public opinion.

His activism extended to other notable political contests, including the 2017 Alabama U.S. Senate special election, where he endorsed Roy Moore. Furthermore, in either December 2016 or January 2017, Robertson took on the role of chairman for the American Legacy Center’s “Fight for the Court” project, filling a vacancy left by Ben Carson. Beyond specific endorsements, Robertson was also an outspoken opponent of abortion, frequently speaking about the issue during public appearances and referring to it as a violation of the Declaration of Independence, underscoring his deep commitment to conservative social causes.

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11. **Later Personal Revelations and Family Life**In a significant personal revelation announced in May 2020, Phil Robertson learned he had a daughter named Phyllis, resulting from an affair during the 1970s. This discovery, made later in his life, was publicly embraced by Robertson and his family, who welcomed Phyllis into the fold. The family’s willingness to share this private matter underscored their commitment to their faith and their philosophy of forgiveness and acceptance, demonstrating a deeply personal aspect of Robertson’s evolving life narrative.

Despite the complexities of his past, including an earlier “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle” that caused a temporary separation, Robertson’s marriage to Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway, which began in 1966 after they dated as high school sweethearts since 1964, was consistently portrayed as a “long-standing, rock-solid marriage.” He often credited a profound religious awakening in his twenties for helping him overcome his personal problems, which included excessive alcohol consumption, a turning point that ultimately solidified his family’s values and public image.

His personal story, particularly his tumultuous early life and the journey to his spiritual transformation, became the focus of a biographical film. Titled ‘The Blind: The True Story of the Robertson Family,’ the movie was released in theaters nationwide in September 2023. The film meticulously detailed the challenging circumstances of Robertson’s life, his relationship with his wife, and their family dynamics up until 1985, preceding their rise to ‘Duck Dynasty’ fame and offering a deeper insight into the foundational experiences that shaped the man he became.

12. **Declining Health and Alzheimer’s Diagnosis**In 2024, Phil Robertson faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. This news was publicly disclosed by his sons Jase Robertson and Al Robertson during an episode of their ‘Unashamed’ podcast in December of that year. Alongside the neurodegenerative condition, Robertson was also diagnosed with an unnamed blood disorder, which was described as causing a variety of problems throughout his body.

His family openly discussed the debilitating effects of these health issues. Jase Robertson specifically noted at the time that his father’s memory was “not what it once was” and that he was struggling to walk “without crying in pain.” Willie Robertson, his son who runs Duck Commander, further elaborated on the blood disorder in an interview with Fox News Digital, explaining that it caused his father’s body to “produce too much blood.”

Given his rapidly declining health, Phil Robertson was unable to participate in the revival series, ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival,’ which premiered in June 2025. The show’s focus consequently shifted to Willie, his wife Korie, and their children and grandchildren, as the patriarch’s condition prevented him from being actively involved. Despite the lack of a cure for his conditions, the family confirmed that they were working with a team of doctors to make him as comfortable as possible in his final months.

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“Death” by Martin Hesketh is licensed under CC BY 2.0

13. **Final Moments and Heartfelt Last Words**Phil Robertson passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79, marking the end of a remarkable life. While an official cause of death was not immediately announced, his family had publicly shared his struggles with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder, indicating these health issues contributed to his passing. The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a poignant statement, just days before the premiere of ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival.’

His granddaughter, Sadie Robertson, shared a tender memory of his final moments, revealing that “one of the last things” he said to her was, “Full strength ahead.” She also recounted being present with him on the day he died, underscoring the deep family bonds that defined his life. These words provided a glimpse into his enduring spirit and faith, even as his health deteriorated.

Willie Robertson, Phil’s son, also shared the profound last words his father spoke to him. As Willie leaned over his father’s weakened body, Phil said, “You’re my brother.” Willie explained that this statement made “total sense” to him, noting that his father had always referred to them as “coworkers in the Kingdom of God,” which perhaps was why Willie often simply called him Phil. These final personal exchanges highlighted the deep spiritual and familial connections that were central to Robertson’s identity.

14. **Widespread Tributes and Enduring Legacy**Following Phil Robertson’s passing, a widespread outpouring of tributes from family, public figures, and organizations immediately commenced. His son Jase Robertson shared on X, “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today!” while daughter-in-law Korie Robertson posted on Instagram, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” Both expressed gratitude for the prayers received and acknowledged his bold faith and his desire to share the “Good News of Jesus” with everyone.

The official ‘Duck Dynasty’ X account issued a statement expressing sadness over the loss of a “hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family.” High-profile political figures also offered their condolences. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed gratitude for the “extraordinary legacy of one of Louisiana’s favorite sons,” and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) offered prayers, referencing ‘The Blind’ film. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-Ark.) described Robertson as “a bright light for the world to see,” and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, with his wife Candy Carson, called him “a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family” and “an American original.”

Conservative podcast hosts and religious leaders further amplified the tributes. Allie Beth Stuckey praised his love for Jesus, Benny Johnson declared, “Legends never die,” and Graham Allen simply stated, “Rest in peace!” Charlie Kirk recognized him as “an American icon and an inspiring hero to millions.” Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, lauded Robertson for standing “firm with the Word of God” and taking “every opportunity to talk about his faith in Jesus Christ.” Even Louisiana Tech University released a statement, saddened by the passing of their former quarterback. The family announced plans for a private service, with details for a public celebration of his life to be shared later, honoring a legacy defined by faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to his convictions.