A ‘Man of Deep Faith’ and ‘Hunting Industry Pioneer’—Leaders Remember Phil Robertson of ‘Duck Dynasty’

After a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder, Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” died at the age of 79. Friends, family, and leaders continue to mourn, remember Robertson’s legacy, and pay tribute to the patriarch of the Robertson family.

“When I die, don’t cry,” Robertson said on a podcast with his son, Jase, back in 2023. “Dance, sing, but don’t cry.”

‘God Is Very Good’—Family and Friends Pay Tribute to ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson

“Happy, happy, happy,” Robertson was known to say often. His words and way of life have left a mark on family, friends, and fans.

One of Robertson’s sons, Jase, posted the news of Robertson’s passing and said, “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!”

“Please join me in praying for Miss Kay and all of the Robertson family as Phil Robertson has passed away,” said Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham. “Now he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior.”

“I always appreciated that Phil stood firm with the Word of God and took every opportunity to talk about his faith in Jesus Christ,” recalled Graham. “There’s no question, he will be greatly missed. May God especially comfort all of the family during this time.”

“Bold. Unashamed, Full of fire for the gospel,” former wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams and current Christian influencer, T.J. Moe, said of Robertson. “He reminded us that following Jesus doesn’t mean being soft—it means living with conviction. It means leading your family. Preaching the Word. Hunting, laughing, and loving people straight into the Kingdom.”

Dr. Ben Carson called Robertson “a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family.” Carson went on to describe one of his fondest memories with Robertson, saying:

I’ll never forget the time I spent with Phil and his wonderful family at their homestead in West Monroe, LA. We rode through the swamp stopping at his favorite duck blinds before being welcomed by Miss Kay with a warm, home-cooked meal, surrounded by their extended family and close friends. The genuine sense of faith and fellowship was tangible—something that’s all too rare these days.

Accompanying a montage of Robertson’s notable and meaningful phrases, “Duck Dynasty” posted a tribute to the “patriarch of the beloved Robertson family.”

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family,” the well-known duck call company said. “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve.”