Duck Dynasty fans are mourning the loss of a legend. Phil Robertson, the iconic bearded patriarch of the Robertson family and founder of Duck Commander, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.
His son, Willie Robertson, honored his father’s memory with a deeply personal Instagram tribute, sharing faith-filled reflections, funny memories, and the emotional final words they exchanged before Phil’s passing.
“Phil, I love you and already miss you,” Willie wrote. “Thank you for raising me the right way and teaching me the most important lesson to prepare me for the day you passed on.”
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. pic.twitter.com/UTlw1SvlcH
— Duck Dynasty (@DuckDynastyAE) May 26, 2025
A Father, A Mentor, A Brother in Faith
While fans knew Phil as the straight-talking outdoorsman on Duck Dynasty, Willie remembers him first and foremost as a man of unwavering faith.
“Most of our conversations weren’t about hunting or business,” Willie said, “but about sharing the Gospel.”
In a touching final moment, Willie recalled leaning over his father’s weakened body and hearing words that surprised no one who knew their bond:
“You’re my brother,” Phil told him, words rooted in their shared faith and years of seeing themselves not just as father and son, but as spiritual co-workers.
Faith, Family, and a Little Dancing
Willie also reflected on one of their final light-hearted memories together, dancing for his dad in his final days, just as he had as a kid.
“In a much weaker voice, he simply said, ‘Will, you got moves I didn’t know you had.’”
Even as Phil’s health declined following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in December 2024, the family leaned heavily on their Christian beliefs. Willie emphasized that it was his father’s lessons in faith that prepared him for this loss.
“Not sure how people deal with loss without the Lord,” Willie wrote. “We may be wrong about all this… but I doubt it.”
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! We will see him again! #PhilRobertson #Jesus
— Jase Robertson (@JaseDuckman) May 26, 2025
Final Words That Will Never Be Forgotten
Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, also shared an emotional tribute. Sitting with her grandfather shortly before his passing, she remembered him quoting Scripture and leaving her with powerful final words:
“Full strength ahead!”
Sadie reflected on how Phil had already experienced a transformation through faith during his life, writing:
“He has already experienced this on Earth, going from dead to alive by the power of Christ.”
A Legacy Larger Than TV
Phil Robertson rose to fame on Duck Dynasty, which ran from 2012 to 2017 and became one of the most-watched reality shows on cable television. The series peaked at nearly 12 million viewers and introduced millions to the family’s faith-driven lifestyle and hunting empire.
Phil Robertson was the beginning of a new Jesus movement. His story of redemption through Jesus Christ, and the bravery he had to share it every chance he got, inspired millions. My prayers are lifted to the entire Robertson family. pic.twitter.com/EdLuuCb4Rg
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) May 27, 2025
In a bittersweet twist of timing, A&E recently announced a revival of the show, which will now follow Willie, his wife Korie, and their adult children and grandchildren.
Phil’s wife Korie Robertson confirmed his passing on social media, writing that the family would be holding a private service and celebrating that Phil was “now with the Lord.”
