In 2019, while in her 40s, Phyllis Robertson Thomas learned that she was the daughter of “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson.
In the years that followed, Robertson taught his daughter how to duck hunt and cook his recipes.
Robertson died this past Sunday at the age of 79.
Robertson, who in 1966 married Miss Kay and has four sons with her, was unaware he had a daughter. In an “I Am Second” video titled “Dysfunction to Dynasty,” Robertson shared that he wasn’t necessarily surprised when he was given the news because of his immoral lifestyle before he found Jesus.
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“We welcomed her with opened arms,” Robertson shared in the video. “I put my hands on her face and I looked into her eyes to see if I could see a little of me in there. And I did. And I thought, ‘Welcome aboard.’ A daughter I didn’t know I had. She was lost, but now she’s found.”
Likewise, Miss Kay welcomed Phyllis and immediately referred to her as their daughter. “She wanted a relationship, and we wanted a relationship with her,” Miss Kay said. “I’ve always prayed and wanted a daughter, I just never thought I’d be this age when I got one.”
“When I finally met my dad on February 21, 2020, his first words were ‘I had no idea,’” Phyllis shared in a blog. “I told him those were the best words he could have spoken to me. You see, if he’d known about me and never found me, I would have been devastated.”
She explained that hearing her father say “those words allowed me to offer grace and compassion. I could see in his own eyes feelings of shock, disappointment, and even embarrassment. He had no idea.”
Shortly after meeting Phil and Miss Kay, Phyllis and her family moved next door to the Robertsons.
As tributes continue to flood social media, Robertson’s daughter shared that she wishes that she had more time with her father, but she is overwhelmed with joy knowing that he is with Jesus.
“These are just a small glimpse of the countless moments we hold dear,” Phyllis shared on social media. “We’re truly moved by the overwhelming love and prayers shared by so many whose lives were impacted by Dad. We wish we had more time, but we have overwhelming joy knowing he has met Jesus face to face.”
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