Deadline has reported that Phil Robertson (In the Woods with Phil, Duck Commander), the patriarch of the widely popular Robertson family who starred in the reality TV series Duck Dynasty , has passed away after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last December. Robertson was 79.
His family took to social media to express their condolences. Jep Robertson (Duck Family Treasures, Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty) posted a statement to Facebook that reads, “Today, we celebrate that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now in the presence of the Lord. He often reminded us of Paul’s words: “We 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.”
The post continues on, “We’re deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers from so many whose lives were touched by Phil—by the grace that saved him, his bold faith, and his passion for sharing the Good News of Jesus with anyone who would listen. We are grateful for his life on earth and will carry forward his legacy of loving God and loving others until we are reunited again.”
The NY Times reported that Robertson attended Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship. He earned a bachelor’s in physical education as well as a master’s degree in education. He went on to spend multiple years teaching the kids of Louisiana. When realizing the current duck calls on the market were inferior, he designed an elite model, the Duck Commander. This product was a huge success and catapulted him into a position to lead his duck dynasty that would later become the focus of multiple reality television shows. Robertson was at times highly controversial due to his Christian beliefs and conservative values, yet his fan base never wavered. When removed from the show due to backlash over comments he had made, his fans rallied, and he was reinstated.
The NY Times also reports that the Robertson family was among the first to admit that their reality series was staged. They referred to it as “guided reality,’ claiming that the plots were often sketched out beforehand. This is very refreshing in an age of reality TV where the line between reality and fabrication often becomes blurred.
AETV reports that there is an upcoming Duck Dynasty spinoff premiering June 1st. The show will be called Duck Dynasty: The Revival. The plotline is set as follows: “Willie and Korie and their growing family of adult children and grandchildren, the next generation of Robertsons living on the family homestead in Louisiana. With their dynasty expanding into more than just ducks, Willie and Korie will bring their signature humor and family fun as they grapple with mapping out the future of Duck Commander, watching the kids navigate marriage, children, and businesses of their own, and passing down the family legacy.” Fans may also be hoping to get one last glimpse of the beloved patriarch.
Robertson’s granddaughter, Sadie Robertson (I’m Not Ashamed, God’s Not Dead 2), an attendee of Ouachita Christian Academy and sixth-ranked javelin thrower in the state of Louisiana, took to her Instagram to detail his passing. She claims that one of the last things he said to her was “full strength ahead, Amen!” Her post can be seen below.
View this post on Instagram
