Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty star and beloved patriarch of the Robertson family, has died. He was 79.
Phil Robertson‘s death comes just months after he was diagnosed with a blood disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. His family announced his death in a social media post saying, he “is now with the Lord.”
“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 statement read.
“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. 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.”
The family added that Phil’s life will be celebrated in a private service, but a public memorial will be forthcoming.
Last week, Phil’s sons, Jase and Al, shared that their father wasn’t doing well.
Jase told listeners of his Unashamed podcast that Phil was struggling mentally and physically, and that he felt like his dad was “getting ready for the journey to the other side.”
Phil Robertson’s family has kept fans informed on his health struggles. Many times in recent months, his sons have shared updates on Phil and his wife, Kay. Both of the elder Robertson’s have had their fair share of health issues that required surgeries and hospitalizations, and resulted in being moved out of their beloved Louisiana home.
A few years prior to his death, Phil told his sons not to cry when he dies.
In an episode of their Unashamed podcast in 2022, Phil told his son, Jase, “When I die, don’t cry. Sing. Dance. But don’t cry when I die. When I die you say, ‘He made it.’”
Later that year, he addressed his death again. He told fans on his YouTube channel, “One day I am going to depart from you. You’re gonna pick up a newspaper or that little black box and it’s gonna say, ‘Phil Robertson has died.’ And some will cry and some will leap with joy, but just remember this, I didn’t pass away. I will make every effort to see that after my departure, you will always be able to remember these things. You live on if you belong to Jesus. I’ll just go from ‘the tent’ to immortality. He’s going to bring me back, resurrect my body, make it a glorified body, and will live with Him forever.”
Many of Phil Robertson’s loved ones issued statements following his death.
His granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, shared a series of photos and revealed some of his last words to her.
“As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth—going from dead to alive by the power of Christ! It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come,” Sadie wrote.
“One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
Another granddaughter, Bella Mayo, wrote, “My papaw Phil is now where he always longed to be — with God, his Father. I miss him already & can not wait to see him again one day.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robertson family during this difficult time.
