The Robertsons Say Goodbye to Phil: A Man Who Lived Big and Loved Bigger
Phil Robertson wasn’t just the bearded guy from Duck Dynasty. To his family, he was everything—Dad, Papaw, the guy who’d tell it like it is, pray with all his heart, and love with every fiber of his being.
On May 25, 2025, Phil passed away peacefully at 79, and the hole he left feels bigger than the Louisiana swamps he called home.
From Duck Calls to a Family’s Heart
Phil started Duck Commander in West Monroe, hammering out duck calls with grit and dreams. That little business became the soul of Duck Dynasty, the A&E show that ran from 2012 to 2017 and made the Robertsons a household name. But it wasn’t the hunting or the wisecracks that hooked people—it was the way they loved each other and held tight to their faith in Jesus.
When the show ended, Phil kept sharing his heart through the Unashamed podcast, TV spots, and social media. Then, late in 2024, his sons Al and Jase shared tough news: Phil had Alzheimer’s and a blood condition, and he was stepping back from the podcast.
The Long Goodbye
This year, as Phil’s health faded, his family let us in on their journey with raw honesty. On the May 19 episode of Unashamed, Al and Jase got choked up talking about how their dad seemed to be “getting ready to head to the other side.” On May 25, he did.
The family’s statement was simple but heavy with love:
“Thank you for praying for Phil and loving him. His life was changed by grace, and he never stopped sharing Jesus with anyone who’d listen. We’re so grateful for his time here and will keep his love for God and people alive until we’re together again.”
The Family’s Heart on Display
Phil’s kids and grandkids poured out their hearts online, giving us a glimpse of the man they knew—not just the TV star, but the guy who shaped their world.
Sadie Robertson Huff, his granddaughter, posted photos of her and her Papaw—smiling, laughing, just being together. She wrote:
“His story of faith changed him, changed us, and touched so many people. Now he’s with Jesus, fully alive. One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ That’s how I’ll remember him.”
Christian Huff, Sadie’s husband, shared blurry hunting-trip photos, grinning as he wrote:
“I only got a few years with Phil, but man, they were a blast. No one was like him, and no one ever will be. I’ll keep practicing my duck call, hoping it’s good enough for you, Phil.”
Rebecca Robertson got real on her Instagram Story, reminiscing about one of their last talks—about food, because of course it was. She said:
“Papaw Phil was steady, faithful, and loved Jesus and Mamaw Kay like nobody’s business. Their love was like something out of the Bible. I’ll hold those memories tight.”
Uncle Si, Phil’s brother and the show’s wild card, didn’t say much. Just a photo of him and Phil, side by side, with the family’s statement. That quiet said it all.
Bella Robertson shared a grainy old picture of her as a kid with Phil, writing:
“My Papaw’s where he always wanted to be—with God. I miss him so much already, but I know I’ll see him again.”
Mia Robertson broke everyone’s hearts with her words:
“Phil was my buddy, my teacher, my rock. He didn’t do big speeches or hugs—he showed love by praying for us, standing up for us, and keeping us together when things got rough. He loved like Jesus did.”
A Life That Keeps Going
Phil didn’t care about the spotlight. He cared about faith, family, and telling people about the God who changed his life. He wasn’t perfect—none of us are—but he was real, and that’s why his story hit so hard.
The Robertsons are hurting, but they’re also holding on to the good stuff: Phil’s laugh, his stubborn faith, his love for his wife, Kay, and the way he lived for something bigger. His voice might be gone, but his family’s carrying it forward, and so are the millions of us who felt a little braver because of him.
See the family’s tribute here: Instagram Post
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