Family, friends, and politicians have reacted to the news that Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the popular "Duck Dynasty" show, died on Sunday after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease earlier in 2025. He was 79.
In the first post of many from the Robertson family, Korie Robertson, the wife of Willie Robertson, one of Phil's four sons, wrote on Facebook that "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord."
"Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus," the post added. "We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again."
"We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life," Kori continued. "We're having a private service for now, but we'll share details soon about a public celebration of his life."
Phil Robertson's son, Jase Robertson, had fewer words but shared a touching tribute to his dad.
"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!" Jase wrote. "We will see him again! #PhilRobertson #Jesus."
Granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff shared on her Instagram account what the final moments were like for their family as they said goodbye to their loved one. She also posted a few pictures honoring her grandfather, including a sweet photo from her wedding to husband Christian Huff, and another one that was taken at the end of Robertson's days.
"As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth—going from dead to alive by the power of Christ!" Sadie wrote, with a quote from 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV. It read, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
"It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others," she added. "Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come. One of the last things he said to me was 'full strength ahead!' Amen!"
Robertson was also involved in politics on the Republican side of the aisle, including with President Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., who shared a tribute to his friend Phil after news of his death.
"So sorry to hear about the loss of an absolute legend, Phil Robertson. I got to know Phil in 2016 in his duck camp in Monroe, LA," Trump Jr. wrote. "I hunted with @realjaseduckman the day before I met Phil and when we did finally meet, the first words out of his mouth when we met were 'I hear you can shoot'"
"I took it as a true compliment that outdoorsmen of this caliber were talking about me in that manner after having spent some time in the duck blind," he added. "It's something I'll never forget. My condolences to Jase, @realwilliebosshog and the entire Robertson family our thoughts and prayers are with you. R.I.P."
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) shared a touching tribute to the man who supported him in the 2016presidential campaign against Trump.
"The great #PhilRobertson passed today. He loved Jesus & he was utterly fearless," Cruz wrote on X. One of my fondest memories was duck hunting with Phil—he was the best shot I ever met. And, in 2016, he recorded this amazing commercial for me. Rest in peace, my friend."
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) wrote, "Phil Robertson was a true son of Louisiana. He will be sorely missed by our state and his fans around the country. Becky and I are praying for the Robertson family during this difficult time."
Robertson's life has quite a story--from a troublemaker to a man who found God and turned his life around. He founded the multimillion-dollar company, Duck Commande,r by making the best duck calls, leading to his and his family's reality TV stardom.
As RedState reported:
America was introduced to the Robertson family in 2012 on the popular reality show, "Duck Dynasty." They ran a multimillion-dollar company, but their ZZ Top-style beards made them look like they were fresh out of the woods from the duck blind. They were unpretentious and made no bones about their priorities: God and family. Those priorities led to several controversies, including A&E editing out the word "Jesus" when the family would all sit down to dinner and pray before their meal at the end of each episode. But for at least one episode, Phil Roberson won, and A&E left the family prayer alone. The show ended in 2017, but Phil Robertson went on to be an outspoken voice for Christians and the gospel of Jesus Christ, speaking at churches and organizations all over the country. He was also the author of several books.
The controversies appear to have been laid aside, at a somber moment like this. A&E's official "Duck Dynasty" account shared a post after his death, which read: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve."
R,I.P., Phil.
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