Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson Sparks Debate with Bold New Faith Commentary

Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch who turned a small‐town duck call business into the A&E ratings juggernaut “Duck Dynasty,” has died at 79 after complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, his family announced late Sunday. Daughter-in-law Korie Robertson confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing that the family is “grateful for the years we had and the faith that sustains us.” Robertson’s passing comes just six months after he publicly revealed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, asking fans for prayer while vowing to “finish strong.” Doctors say late-stage cognitive decline often accelerates during the final year, and the Louisiana native’s health reportedly worsened this spring. Born April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson founded Duck Commander in 1972, crafting hand-tuned duck calls on his kitchen table before growing the enterprise into a multimillion-dollar outdoor brand. That homespun success story set the stage for “Duck Dynasty,” which premiered in 2012 and quickly became cable’s most watched unscripted series, drawing more than 11 million viewers at its peak. Although the show went off the air in 2017, reruns, podcasts and Robertson’s outspoken evangelical sermons kept him in the cultural conversation. Supporters praised his unapologetic Christian faith and Second Amendment stances, while critics never forgot the 2013 GQ interview that led to a brief network suspension over comments about sexuality and race. Even that controversy ultimately drove higher ratings, cementing Robertson’s image as a polarizing but undeniably bankable TV figure. Family members Willie, Jase, Jep and Missy Robertson issued a joint statement saying, “Dad taught us to love God, love each other and never waste a sunrise in the duck blind.” Funeral services will be held Friday at White’s Ferry Road Church in West Monroe; the public is invited, with a livestream planned on the family’s YouTube channel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mia Moo Fund, a cleft‐lip charity started by granddaughter Mia Robertson. Fans can also sign a digital memory book on DuckCommander.com, where limited-edition “Phil Robertson 1946-2025” duck calls sold out within hours of the death announcement. Key facts for quick readers: • Date of death: May 25 2025 • Age: 79 • Cause: Complications from Alzheimer’s disease • Claim to fame: Founder of Duck Commander, star of “Duck Dynasty” • Survivors: Wife Kay, four sons (Alan, Jase, Willie, Jep), daughter Phyllis, 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren • Funeral: May 30, White’s Ferry Road Church, West Monroe, LA (livestream available) SEO keywords: Phil Robertson obituary, Phil Robertson dies, Duck Dynasty star death, Duck Commander founder, Phil Robertson Alzheimer’s, Phil Robertson funeral, Phil Robertson legacy, Duck Dynasty patriarch dead.