Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty' Patriarch and Founder, Dies at 79

From Duck Calls to Dynasty: How a Louisiana Outdoorsman Built a Family Empire Before His Battle with Alzheimer’s

He established the duck-call enterprise that evolved into his family’s television success story.

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the popular A&E series “Duck Dynasty” and the creator of Duck Commander, a duck hunting equipment company that laid the groundwork for his family’s reality television empire, has passed away. He was 79. The news of Phil Robertson’s death has shocked fans, leaving many wondering, “Did Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty die?”

His passing was announced through a social media statement by his son Jase Robertson on Sunday evening, though no specific cause was mentioned. This Phil Robertson news has sent ripples through the Monroe, Louisiana news circles and beyond.

Health Struggles in Later Years

Last year on the family’s “Unashamed” podcast, Jase revealed that his father was battling early-stage Alzheimer’s disease along with other health problems. This disclosure about what happened to the dad on Duck Dynasty shed light on Phil Robertson’s Alzheimer’s battle and other health challenges he faced in his later years.

Mr. Robertson was a key figure in “Duck Dynasty,” an A&E series featuring his family members — including Mr. Robertson and his spouse, Kay Robertson; their children, including son Willie Robertson and other Duck Dynasty sons; their daughters-in-law; an uncle and several grandchildren — centered loosely on their Duck Commander business in West Monroe, Louisiana. For those wondering where Duck Dynasty is from, the show highlighted their duck calls production, hunting DVDs, and other ducks gear and outdoor equipment at their duck house and business premises.

Early Life in Rural Louisiana

The Duck Dynasty patriarch entered the world on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, a countryside community in Louisiana’s northwestern region, specifically in Caddo Parish. He grew up among Phil Robertson’s siblings, being one of seven children. His upbringing in this rural setting would later influence his passion for hunting and outdoor life, which became central to the Duck Commander business.

From Quarterback to Duck Call Entrepreneur

He studied at Louisiana Tech University with a football scholarship, where he played quarterback. After earning his bachelor’s in physical education and master’s in education, Robertson dedicated several years to teaching in Louisiana educational institutions before fully committing to his duck call business. This period marks the Robertsons before Duck Dynasty, showcasing their journey from educators to entrepreneurs.

Faith, Controversy, and Public Image

Throughout his life, Phil Robertson was known for his strong Christian faith, which often played a significant role in the family’s public image and business practices. However, his outspoken nature sometimes led to controversy. In 2013, Robertson faced suspension from the show following controversial comments made during a GQ magazine interview regarding his views on homosexuality and race.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Despite these challenges, the Robertson family’s reality television empire thrived. Phil remained a central figure in their various ventures, including the Duck Commander tours and their ongoing presence in pop culture. The family’s television success extended beyond the small screen, with talks of a Phil Robertson Duck Dynasty movie circulating among fans, leaving many wondering where they can watch the Duck Dynasty movie.

Remembering the Patriarch

As news of Phil Robertson’s passing spreads, fans and followers remember him not only for his role in “Duck Dynasty” but also for his entrepreneurial spirit that turned a small duck call business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. His legacy in the hunting community, reality television, and as a family patriarch will undoubtedly continue to influence his large and devoted fanbase.

The Robertson family, including Phil and Kay’s house and their extended family, has become an integral part of American pop culture. Their journey from a humble duck house to television stardom has inspired many, and Phil’s passing marks the end of an era for the Duck Dynasty franchise and its devoted followers.

Source:

Yan Zhuang (May 26, 2025). Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch, Dies at 79. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/arts/television/phil-robertson-dead.html

Header Photo: Phil Robertson speaking at CPAC 2015 in Washington, DC.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons