'Duck Dynasty' Star Phil Robertson Passes Away — Details

A well-known reality TV family is grieving the loss of its spiritual and cultural leader.

Phil Robertson, founder of Duck Commander and the bearded patriarch featured on A&E's hit reality series "Duck Dynasty," has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed the news on May 25, 2025, through multiple social media posts honoring his life and legacy.

A message shared on Phil Robertson's official Instagram account announced his passing and affirmed the family's faith, saying they found comfort in knowing he was now with the Lord.

They recalled how Phil often reminded them of Scripture that encourages believers not to grieve without hope, because of their belief in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life.

The family expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love and support, noting that Phil's deep faith and commitment to spreading his message had made a lasting impact. They would continue to honor his legacy by living out his values of faith and love.

Phil's son, Jase Robertson, echoed the family's sentiments in a message on X, sharing that his father had gone to be with the Lord. While acknowledging the sadness of his passing, he expressed peace in knowing Phil was in God's care and affirmed the family's faith that they would be reunited with him one day.

Granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff reflected on his spiritual influence, citing one of their last conversations, "One of the last things he said to me was 'full strength ahead!' Amen!"

She described his testimony as life-changing for their family and many others, adding, "Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come."

Will Robertson, also a grandson, posted a photo from his childhood and wrote, "my Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. His life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful [sic]."

He expressed gratitude for Robertson’s impact and legacy, "i'm forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i'm thankful to know he's sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw 🩶[sic]."

In the months before Phil's passing, his son Jase publicly acknowledged the seriousness of his father's health. In December 2024, he revealed on the family's "Unashamed" podcast that doctors had diagnosed Phil with a blood disease and early-stage Alzheimer's.

"You know Phil's not doing well," he said. "So if you put those things together... he's really struggling."

By April 2025, Jase offered a more direct update, telling listeners, "Not good. That's what I said." He explained that the family had arranged professional care to support Phil.

Recalling a recent visit, Jase described an emotional moment involving their relative Zach. "He kind of stuck his head in the window... and I was like, 'How'd that go?' And Zach just lost it," he said. "When you're in these battles day by day, you kind of compartmentalize everything just so you can deal with it."

Jace also shared that, despite the difficulty of the situation, the family, especially the younger generation, did their best to keep Phil comfortable and cared for during his final weeks.

Jase also shared that Phil's wife, Kay Robertson, was dealing with serious health concerns of her own. She had been hospitalized after developing an infection from a fall-related injury. "She was really not doing good," he said. "She got an infection from a cut... and she was in the hospital for 11 days."

At the time, the family feared the worst. "We were kind of dealing with the fact that maybe this is it," he added. While Kay's condition later stabilized, she remained in a rehabilitation facility focused on physical recovery.

Amid these challenges, the Robertson family was preparing for a return to television. In March 2025, A&E announced "Duck Dynasty: The Revival," a new 20-episode series produced by Spoke Studios and Tread Lively Productions.

Set to premiere in the summer 2025, the series will follow Willie and Korie Robertson, their adult children, and grandchildren as they shape the future of Duck Commander and carry on the family's values and entrepreneurial spirit.

The show will feature familiar faces from the original series, including Kay, Uncle Si, John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella, and Rebecca. Following its run on A&E, episodes will also stream on a major platform.

"The Robertsons earned a seat in homes across the country with their unique brand of downhome practicality, southern charm and relatable humor," said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E and Lifetime.

Willie and Korie Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, shared their enthusiasm about the revival. "We're thankful for all who have followed along as our family has grown and expanded and can't wait to get cameras rolling again on all our new adventures, or perhaps misadventures," they said.

The project was first hinted at in a January 23 Facebook post from the show's official page. The announcement featured Willie and Korie in their signature camouflage and revealed plans for a new "Duck Dynasty" revival series.

The announcement marked a hopeful step forward during a deeply personal and emotional chapter for the family.