{"id":855359,"date":"2025-06-13T19:12:48","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T00:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/13\/family-and-fans-pay-tribute-to-phil-robertson-outspoken-christian-and-conservative-star-of-duck-dynasty-after-death-at-79\/"},"modified":"2025-06-13T19:12:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T00:12:48","slug":"family-and-fans-pay-tribute-to-phil-robertson-outspoken-christian-and-conservative-star-of-duck-dynasty-after-death-at-79","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/13\/family-and-fans-pay-tribute-to-phil-robertson-outspoken-christian-and-conservative-star-of-duck-dynasty-after-death-at-79\/","title":{"rendered":"Family and Fans Pay Tribute to Phil Robertson, Outspoken Christian and Conservative Star of Duck Dynasty, After Death at 79"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cDon\u2019t cry.\u201d That\u2019s 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. \u201cDance, sing, but don\u2019t cry when I die,\u201d he said<\/a> on a podcast with his son Jase in 2023 after undergoing back surgery.<\/p>\n

The Duck Dynasty<\/em> patriarch died at age 79 on Sunday after being diagnosed in 2024 with Alzheimer\u2019s disease, his family announced in statements on social media.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Phil Robertson\u2019s daughter-in-law Korie, who is married to another of Robertson\u2019s four sons, Willie, said in a Facebook post<\/a> on behalf of the family: \u201cWe celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.\u201d She quoted the Bible, writing of Phil Robertson: \u201cHe reminded us often of the words of Paul, \u2018you 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.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life,\u201d the statement added. \u201cWe\u2019re having a private service for now, but we\u2019ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jase Robertson posted on X<\/a>: \u201cMy 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!\u201d Phil Robertson\u2019s granddaughter Sadie Robertson, daughter of Willie and Korie, took to Instagram<\/a> to pay tribute. \u201cOne of the last things he said to me was \u2018full strength ahead!\u2019 Amen!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jase first publicly spoke about his father\u2019s Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis, which he said was in its \u201cearly stages,\u201d in a December episode<\/a> of their podcast Unashamed With the Robertson Family<\/em>. \u201cAccording to the doctors, they\u2019re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that\u2019s causing all kinds of problems,\u201d Jase said. \u201cHe\u2019s just not doing well. He\u2019s really struggling.\u201d In an April 2 episode, Jase gave an update<\/a>, saying that his father\u2019s status was \u201cnot good\u201d and that he has since needed \u201csome professional care.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Beginning in 1987, the family business extended into media with the direct-to-video series Duckmen<\/em>. In 2012, A&E began airing what would become one of its most-famous programs, Duck Dynasty<\/em>, 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<\/em>, which is set<\/a> to center on Willie and Korie and their children and is expected to premiere this summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Robertson has also gained popularity for being unapologetic about his Christian faith and conservative views. In 2013, Robertson was briefly suspended<\/a> by A&E after telling GQ<\/a><\/em> when he was asked to describe sin: \u201cStart with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there.\u201d He added: \u201cWe never, ever judge someone on who\u2019s going to heaven, hell. That\u2019s the Almighty\u2019s job. We just love \u2019em, give \u2019em the good news about Jesus\u2014whether they\u2019re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort \u2019em out later, you see what I\u2019m saying?\u201d<\/p>\n

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<\/a> and again in 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe loved Jesus & he was utterly fearless,\u201d Sen. Cruz (R, Texas) said in a post on X<\/a> remembering Robertson.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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President Donald Trump\u2019s son Don Jr., an avid hunter, posted on Instagram<\/a> a photo with Robertson, whom he called \u201can absolute legend.\u201d Trump Jr. shared an anecdote about meeting with Robertson. \u201cIt\u2019s something I\u2019ll never forget,\u201d he said. \u201cMy condolences to Jase, [Willie] and the entire Robertson family our thoughts and prayers are with you. R.I.P.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robertson is survived by his wife since 1966 Marsha \u2018Miss Kay\u2019 Carroway; his sons Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep; his daughter from another relationship<\/a> Phyllis; his brother and \u201cbest friend<\/a>\u201d Silas; and a number of grandchildren as well as many friends and supporters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Phil Robertson speaks at a rally for U.S. Senate hopeful Roy Moore, in Fairhope, Ala., Sept. 25, 2017.<\/span> Brynn Anderson\u2014AP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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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.<\/p>\n

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, La.) posted on X<\/a>: \u201cWe\u2019re praying for the Robertson family tonight & grateful for the extraordinary legacy of one of Louisiana\u2019s favorite sons. We can\u2019t know this side of Heaven how countless many people were impacted for eternity by Phil\u2019s life & ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana posted on X<\/a> a photo of him with Robertson, whom he called \u201cone of a kind\u201d and \u201csimply irreplaceable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPhil Robertson was a living example of what God can do in all of our lives if we follow Him,\u201d Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, who previously served as White House press secretary during Trump\u2019s first term, posted on X<\/a>. \u201cHe was a bright light for the world to see. Bryan and I are praying for the whole Robertson crew tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Chip Roy (R, Texas) also paid tribute<\/a> to Robertson on X: \u201cPhil is what makes America great. Faith in Jesus, hard work, happiness, family, and love of freedom. My daughter said \u2018Mr. Robertson was our childhood!\u2019 Indeed. God bless you and your great family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R, Ga.) extended her condolences too. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that Phil Robertson passed away,\u201d Greene said in a post on X<\/a>. \u201cMany prayers for his family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and his wife Candy, in a statement on X<\/a>, described Robertson as \u201ca man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family.\u201d Alongside a photo and anecdote, the statement added: \u201cHe was an American original who never backed down from the truth. His legacy of faith, family, and freedom will live on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPhil Robertson was an American icon and an inspiring hero to millions of Americans,\u201d said Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk in a lengthy tribute<\/a> shared on X. \u201cHe was the real deal,\u201d posted<\/a> conservative radio host Eric Metaxas. \u201cHe was a breath of fresh air in a world that desperately needed more authenticity,\u201d posted<\/a> Blaze News host Jill Savage. \u201cLegends never die,\u201d posted<\/a> conservative YouTuber Benny Johnson, alongside a video of a short speech Robertson gave at a Trump rally in 2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jim Daly, president of the Christian, socially-conservative organization Focus on the Family, said in a statement shared on X<\/a> that Robertson\u2019s death represents \u201cthe glorious beginning of the eternal life he so fervently and faithfully preached and proclaimed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe mourn his passing but celebrate his liberation from this world and all its challenges, including his Alzheimer\u2019s disease,\u201d Daly added. \u201cPhil helped build a sporting empire and a \u2018dynasty\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and president of the humanitarian aid organization Samaritan\u2019s Purse, posted on X<\/a>: \u201cPlease 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. \u2026 There\u2019s no question, he will be greatly missed.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Louisiana Tech University football program also shared a tribute to its alum, who in the late 1960s played as starting quarterback<\/a> over the future NFL hall-of-famer Terry Bradshaw. \u201cWe 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,\u201d the team\u2019s X account shared<\/a> 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.)<\/p>\n

On Reddit<\/a>, users described Robertson as \u201can absolute pioneer\u201d and a role model. \u201cSuch a life,\u201d commented one user, \u201che chose passion over money. And in the end, found the money. RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chad de Guzman
Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cDon\u2019t cry.\u201d That\u2019s 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. \u201cDance, sing, but don\u2019t cry when I die,\u201d he said on a podcast with his son Jase in 2023 after undergoing<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":855360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1719,901],"tags":[6111,11187],"class_list":{"0":"post-855359","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-family","8":"category-tribute","9":"tag-family","10":"tag-tribute"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=855359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/855359\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/855360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=855359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=855359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=855359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}