‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson Remembered After Passing at 79: “He Didn’t Speak Much Toward the End”

Phil Robertson, the beloved patriarch of the Robertson family and the face of A&E’s hit reality series Duck Dynasty, has died at the age of 79. Known for his rugged beard, no-nonsense wisdom, and deeply rooted Christian beliefs, Robertson was a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond reality television.

His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, opened up to The New York Post just days before his death, revealing that his health had taken a sharp downturn. “Phil’s health was declining really rapidly,” she said. “He wasn’t speaking a lot toward the end, and we could tell his body was just tired.”

Phil had reportedly battled several medical conditions in recent years, most notably Alzheimer’s disease—a struggle the family had kept relatively private until recently.

Phil Robertson rose to fame in 2012 with Duck Dynasty, which chronicled the lives of the Louisiana-based family behind Duck Commander, a successful duck call manufacturing business. The show’s blend of backwoods humor, family values, and unscripted authenticity made it an unexpected cultural phenomenon. At its peak, Duck Dynasty drew millions of viewers and turned the Robertson clan into household names.

But Phil was always more than just a TV personality. Long before the cameras rolled, he was a college football quarterback, an avid outdoorsman, and a preacher who shared his faith with anyone who would listen. Fans often recall his dinner table prayers as one of the most memorable parts of each episode.

“He believed in God, in hard work, and in doing things the old-fashioned way,” said family friend and pastor, Mark Jennings. “Phil wasn’t perfect, but he was real—and that’s why so many people connected with him.”

Though Phil kept up appearances for public events and family gatherings, those close to him say the last few years had been difficult.

“He started forgetting names and places,” Korie explained. “At first we just thought it was aging, but it progressed faster than we expected.”

Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disorder, affects memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans live with the disease, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Korie and the rest of the Robertson family chose to stay quiet about Phil’s diagnosis for as long as they could, hoping to protect his dignity and allow him privacy. “We wanted to focus on the good moments we still had,” she said.

In the wake of Phil’s passing, tributes have poured in from fans, friends, and fellow believers. Social media was flooded with messages thanking him for his honesty, his sense of humor, and his commitment to family and faith.

Willie Robertson, Phil’s son and CEO of Duck Commander, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Dad taught me how to hunt, how to pray, and how to be a man. He may be gone from this world, but his spirit will always be with us.”

A private memorial service is being planned by the family, with a public celebration of life event expected later this summer.

In a world of fleeting fame and fast-paced living, Phil Robertson stood firm in his beliefs, devoted to his roots and family. His legacy, like the ripples on a still pond, will continue to reach people for generations to come.