Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty Star, Dead At 79

Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died, his family announced Sunday on social media. He was 79.

Robertson had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease among other health issues. His condition was made public during a December 2024 episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast.

In a joint Instagram post Sunday, Robertson's son, Willie Robertson, and daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, wrote: "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. 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.'"

Phil Robertson was the patriarch of the family at the center of A&E's Duck Dynasty reality series. The show ran for 11 seasons and made stars out of the Robertsons, who ran a Louisiana duck-hunting supply company called Duck Commander.

Robertson was suspended from Duck Dynasty in 2013 after publication of a GQ interview in which he called homosexuality a sin and compared it to bestiality; the network reinstated him a short time later. "While Phil's comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the 'coarse language' he used and the misinterpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article," A&E said in a statement, reiterating that the network does not espouse those beliefs. "But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man's views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family... a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A&E Networks also feel strongly about."

A Duck Dynasty revival series will premiere on Sunday, June 1, at 9/8c on A&E. The revival will follow Korie and Willie Robertson, their adult children and grandchildren. Phil Robertson will not appear in the series.