Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of the hit reality TV series Duck Dynasty and founder of the Duck Commander empire, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Known for his rugged charm, Christian values, and unapologetic lifestyle, Robertson carved out a unique space in American culture — blending hunting, family, faith, and entrepreneurship.

Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson was the fifth of seven children raised in modest conditions. His family lived without electricity or indoor plumbing, relying on homegrown vegetables and hunted game for survival. In his memoir Happy, Happy, Happy, he wrote: “It was the 1950s, but we lived like it was the 1850s. And we were always happy.”

A standout athlete in high school, Robertson earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech, where he started as quarterback ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. Despite his athletic potential, Phil turned down an offer to play professionally. “Terry went for the bucks, and I chased after the ducks,” he famously said.

After earning a master’s degree in education and spending time as a teacher, Robertson became frustrated with the quality of duck calls on the market. In 1972, he invented his own — launching Duck Commander from a humble start into a multimillion-dollar business. His innovation mimicked the sounds of real ducks more accurately than any other product on the market, earning praise and loyalty from hunters nationwide.

But it wasn’t just his duck calls that made him famous. In 2012, A&E debuted Duck Dynasty, a reality series chronicling the lives of Phil, his wife Kay, their children, and extended family as they balanced their business success with down-to-earth values and humor. The show ran for 11 seasons and became one of the most watched nonfiction series in cable history.

Phil’s no-nonsense wisdom and candid reflections on faith, family, and morality made him a polarizing yet captivating figure. In 2013, he faced suspension from the show following controversial comments in an interview with GQ magazine. However, massive public support — particularly from conservative and Christian audiences — led to his reinstatement.

Robertson authored several books, including Uncaged, Jesus Politics, and his bestselling memoir. He also hosted the popular podcast Unashamed with Phil Robertson, discussing everything from Bible teachings to political issues. In 2023, his early life was dramatized in the biopic The Blind.

Phil Robertson’s life was not without hardship. He struggled with alcohol in his early adult years, which led to a temporary separation from his wife Kay. A spiritual awakening later transformed his life, and he became a devout Christian and elder at the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana.

He was married to Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway since 1966, and together they raised five children: Alan, Jase, Willie, Jep, and a daughter, Phyllis, whom he discovered in 2020 from a past relationship. Despite personal challenges, Phil remained a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Robertson’s family confirmed his death on May 25, 2025. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024. A private memorial and public celebration of life are scheduled. “He lived life on his terms — guided by faith, love, and purpose,” his daughter-in-law shared.

Phil Robertson will be remembered not just as a TV star or entrepreneur, but as a symbol of American grit and devotion to values many hold dear. His legacy — like his famous duck calls — will echo across generations.