“Don’t cry.” That’s how Phil Robertson, who found fame and fortune through his hunting-business empire and some controversy but also popularity for his outspoken religious and political beliefs, requested people respond to his death. “Dance, sing, but don’t cry when I die,” he said on a podcast with his son Jase in 2023 after undergoing back surgery.
The Duck Dynasty patriarch died at age 79 on Sunday after being diagnosed in 2024 with Alzheimer’s disease, his family announced in statements on social media.
Phil Robertson’s daughter-in-law Korie, who is married to another of Robertson’s four sons, Willie, said in a Facebook post on behalf of the family: “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” She quoted the Bible, writing of Phil Robertson: “He reminded us often of the words of Paul, ‘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.’”
“We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life,” the statement added. “We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”
Jase Robertson posted on X: “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!” Phil Robertson’s granddaughter Sadie Robertson, daughter of Willie and Korie, took to Instagram to pay tribute. “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
Jase first publicly spoke about his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, which he said was in its “early stages,” in a December episode of their podcast Unashamed With the Robertson Family. “According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase said. “He’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.” In an April 2 episode, Jase gave an update, saying that his father’s status was “not good” and that he has since needed “some professional care.”
Robertson, a Louisiana-based college football player turned professional hunting entrepreneur, invented the Duck Commander duck call instrument in 1972 that went on to be the namesake product of a multimillion-dollar hunting gear company led by Robertson and his family.
Beginning in 1987, the family business extended into media with the direct-to-video series Duckmen. In 2012, A&E began airing what would become one of its most-famous programs, Duck Dynasty, which through 2017 followed the Robertson family and their business. The reality-television series has spawned a number of spinoffs, including Duck Dynasty: The Revival, which is set to center on Willie and Korie and their children and is expected to premiere this summer.
Robertson has also gained popularity for being unapologetic about his Christian faith and conservative views. In 2013, Robertson was briefly suspended by A&E after telling GQ when he was asked to describe sin: “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there.” He added: “We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
Robertson has also been vocal about abortion, which he opposed, and he endorsed Republican candidates for local and national political office, including first backing Ted Cruz in 2016 before announcing his support for Donald Trump in 2016 and again in 2020.
“He loved Jesus & he was utterly fearless,” Sen. Cruz (R, Texas) said in a post on X remembering Robertson.
President Donald Trump’s son Don Jr., an avid hunter, posted on Instagram a photo with Robertson, whom he called “an absolute legend.” Trump Jr. shared an anecdote about meeting with Robertson. “It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said. “My condolences to Jase, [Willie] and the entire Robertson family our thoughts and prayers are with you. R.I.P.”
Robertson is survived by his wife since 1966 Marsha ‘Miss Kay’ Carroway; his sons Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep; his daughter from another relationship Phyllis; his brother and “best friend” Silas; and a number of grandchildren as well as many friends and supporters.
Since his passing was announced, social media sites have seen an outpouring of tributes for Robertson, particularly from politicians as well as conservative-media and religious figures.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, La.) posted on X: “We’re praying for the Robertson family tonight & grateful for the extraordinary legacy of one of Louisiana’s favorite sons. We can’t know this side of Heaven how countless many people were impacted for eternity by Phil’s life & ministry.”
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana posted on X a photo of him with Robertson, whom he called “one of a kind” and “simply irreplaceable.”
“Phil Robertson was a living example of what God can do in all of our lives if we follow Him,” Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, who previously served as White House press secretary during Trump’s first term, posted on X. “He was a bright light for the world to see. Bryan and I are praying for the whole Robertson crew tonight.”
Rep. Chip Roy (R, Texas) also paid tribute to Robertson on X: “Phil is what makes America great. Faith in Jesus, hard work, happiness, family, and love of freedom. My daughter said ‘Mr. Robertson was our childhood!’ Indeed. God bless you and your great family.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R, Ga.) extended her condolences too. “I’m sorry to hear that Phil Robertson passed away,” Greene said in a post on X. “Many prayers for his family.”
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and his wife Candy, in a statement on X, described Robertson as “a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family.” Alongside a photo and anecdote, the statement added: “He was an American original who never backed down from the truth. His legacy of faith, family, and freedom will live on.”
“Phil Robertson was an American icon and an inspiring hero to millions of Americans,” said Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk in a lengthy tribute shared on X. “He was the real deal,” posted conservative radio host Eric Metaxas. “He was a breath of fresh air in a world that desperately needed more authenticity,” posted Blaze News host Jill Savage. “Legends never die,” posted conservative YouTuber Benny Johnson, alongside a video of a short speech Robertson gave at a Trump rally in 2019.
Jim Daly, president of the Christian, socially-conservative organization Focus on the Family, said in a statement shared on X that Robertson’s death represents “the glorious beginning of the eternal life he so fervently and faithfully preached and proclaimed.”
“We mourn his passing but celebrate his liberation from this world and all its challenges, including his Alzheimer’s disease,” Daly added. “Phil helped build a sporting empire and a ‘dynasty’ that seemed to focus on duck calls and other hunting products. In reality, Phil was more interested in calling all of us sinners to forge a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He saw the family of faith in the Lord as the one true dynasty that would never falter or fail.”
Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and president of the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse, posted on X: “Please join me in praying for Miss Kay and all of the Robertson family as Phil Robertson has passed away. Now he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. I always appreciated that Phil stood firm with the Word of God and took every opportunity to talk about his faith in Jesus Christ. … There’s no question, he will be greatly missed.”
The Louisiana Tech University football program also shared a tribute to its alum, who in the late 1960s played as starting quarterback over the future NFL hall-of-famer Terry Bradshaw. “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former LA Tech quarterback, Phil Robertson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robertson family during this time,” the team’s X account shared alongside a photo of its pair of former stars. (Robertson has said that he turned down an offer during his junior year to go play for the Washington then-Redskins, often retelling that he chose a life of chasing ducks instead of chasing bucks.)
On Reddit, users described Robertson as “an absolute pioneer” and a role model. “Such a life,” commented one user, “he chose passion over money. And in the end, found the money. RIP.”
Chad de Guzman
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