Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of ‘Duck Dynasty’ who built a hunting empire and never stopped sharing the Gospel, died Sunday, May 25, at age 79.
Phil Robertson’s Family Announces Death
The Robertson family shared the news on Facebook Sunday. His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson wrote for the family:
“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.'”
The family thanked everyone who had been praying for Phil during his illness.
“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,” their statement said.
“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.”
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Phil Robertson Cause of Death
Phil’s health had been getting worse for months. His son Jase Robertson told listeners on their family podcast in December that doctors had diagnosed Phil with Alzheimer’s disease.
Phil also had a rare blood disorder that was causing problems throughout his body.
In April, Jase gave people the hard truth when they asked about his dad. “I’ll tell you the truth,” Jase said. “It hasn’t been good.”
Phil Robertson Life
Phil Robertson was born April 24, 1946, in rural Louisiana. His family was poor, and he was one of seven children. He went to Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship and played quarterback.
He actually started over Terry Bradshaw, who later became an NFL Hall of Famer. After college, Phil taught school and coached for a few years. But hunting was his real passion.
In 1972, Phil started Duck Commander. He invented and patented his first duck call that year. What began as one man’s love for hunting became a huge business.
His son Willie eventually took over as CEO and turned the company into a multimillion dollar empire that sells all kinds of hunting gear.
The Robertson family became famous when ‘Duck Dynasty’ started airing on A&E in 2012. The show followed Phil, his brother Si, and Phil’s sons Jase, Willie, and Jep as they ran their business and lived their daily lives in Louisiana.
The show was a massive hit. In 2013, nearly 12 million people watched the Season 4 premiere. It became the most watched cable show ever at that time.
Phil Robertson Testimony
Phil never backed down from his Christian beliefs, even when they caused trouble. In 2013, A&E suspended him for nine days after he made comments about homosexuality in a GQ magazine interview.
Fans and conservative politicians defended him. The network brought him back without cutting any episodes.
Phil’s life changed completely when he found Jesus Christ. Before he became the faithful man millions knew, Phil had serious problems with alcohol. He almost destroyed his marriage to his wife, Miss Kay.
In those early years, Phil’s drinking put his whole family at risk. But then Christ saved him. His conversion was real and total.
He went from being a man controlled by alcohol to someone who lived for God and his family.
This change became the heart of everything Phil did from that point on. He talked openly about his dark past because he knew it made his testimony powerful.
Phil often told people that his “rotten sins have been bought and paid for by blood.”
He wanted everyone to know that God’s grace can reach anyone, no matter how far they have fallen. Phil called himself “unashamed” of the Gospel.
He shared biblical truth even when it brought controversy because he believed saving souls was more important than being popular.
Phil Robertson Movie: ‘The Blind’
The 2023 movie ‘The Blind’ told Phil’s story on the big screen. The faith-based film showed his journey from a troubled young man in 1960s Louisiana to a devoted follower of Christ.
It became the highest grossing film ever for Fathom Events, making over $15 million at the box office. The movie showed how Phil’s drinking and bad choices nearly destroyed his family before he found salvation.
Phil talked honestly about making the film. “I’m embarrassed by my past on one side, but on the other, I’m unashamed because my rotten sins have been bought and paid for by blood,” Phil told CBN’s Faithwire in 2023.
“If ‘The Blind’ brings one person to know the power of the blood of Jesus, it was worth it.”
Phil Robertson’s Ministry
Phil traveled the country for years as a speaker and evangelist. He used his fame to share the Gospel with crowds everywhere he went.
His passionate preaching and real testimony touched thousands of lives. Many people got saved and baptized because of Phil’s witness.
Phil Robertson’s Family
Phil also experienced God’s grace in his family relationships. In 2020, he discovered he had a daughter named Phyllis from an affair he had decades earlier.
Instead of hiding this painful truth, Phil welcomed Phyllis into the family. He took her duck hunting and built a loving relationship with her.
Phil Robertson is survived by his wife Miss Kay, his children Alan, Jase, Willie, Jep, and Phyllis, and many grandchildren.
His family will carry on his legacy of faith and his commitment to sharing Christ with others.
Phil Robertson Facing Death With Hope
Phil always had confidence about death because of his faith in Jesus. He once told his son Jase, “Don’t cry. Dance, sing, but don’t cry when I die.” His family’s statement reflected this same hope and joy even in their grief.
The Robertson family will have a private funeral service first. They plan to announce a public celebration of life later for the many fans and friends Phil touched.
Phil Robertson’s Legacy of Faith Lives On
Phil Robertson proved that God can change any life. He went from a broken alcoholic to a man of faith who influenced millions for Christ.
Phil’s life challenges us to live boldly for our faith. He never missed a chance to share the Gospel with others.
Let us pray for Miss Kay and the Robertson family during this difficult time.
WATCH: Phil Robertson Shares Powerful Testimony
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