Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star, Dies at 79

Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of the reality TV show Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79. His family announced that Robertson died on Sunday, May 25, 2025, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease

In a statement shared on social media by his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, the family wrote, “We celebrate today that our father, husband and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. Robertson’s death marks the end of an era for fans of the famed outdoorsman and television personality, whose life bridged a small-town duck call business and international reality TV fame.

Robertson rose to national prominence as the star of Duck Dynasty, the A&E reality series that portrayed his Louisiana family’s lives and their duck call business. The show, which ran from 2012 to 2017wpxi.com, became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most-watched nonfiction series on cable television. A 2013 season premiere drew 11.8 million viewers, making it the highest-rated telecast in A&E’s. Viewers were captivated by the Robertson family’s humor, faith, and down-to-earth lifestyle, turning Duck Dynasty into a surprise hit that resonated far beyond the hunting community. At its peak, the show earned A&E tens of millions in advertising revenue and spawned a massive merchandise market worth hundreds of millions of dollars

The Robertson family’s onscreen appeal lay in their authentic personalities and values. Episodes often ended with Phil leading a prayer around the dinner table, underscoring themes of faith and family that were central to the show’s charm. The series’ popularity elevated the entire Robertson clan to celebrity status. Phil’s brother “Uncle” Si, his sons Willie, Jase, and Jep, and their wives and children all became familiar names. The family’s quirky anecdotes and signature look – long beards and camo attire – even set off real-world fashion and pop culture trends, solidifying Duck Dynasty as more than just a TV show but a touchstone of 2010s Americana.

Long before television fame, Phil Robertson was a passionate hunter and entrepreneur. In 1973, he founded Duck Commander, a company in West Monroe, Louisiana, that makes duck calls and other hunting gear. . This humble family-operated business was the springboard for the Robertson family’s later success on TV. Indeed, the Duck Dynasty series was born directly from the popularity of the Duck Commander brand and videos Robertson produced for hunters

Over time, the Robertsons transformed their niche business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. The family’s merchandise expanded beyond duck calls to include everything from hunting apparel to home décor and even video games – all emblazoned with the Duck Dynasty brand. By the end of 2013, just a year after the show’s debut, Duck Dynasty merchandise had reportedly grossed approximately $400 million in revenue. Stores across America stocked items like camo-patterned gear, bandanas, mugs, and even devotional books authored by family members. Phil Robertson’s role in this commercialization of outdoor culture was pivotal: he often emphasized authenticity and a love of the outdoors, helping to make hunting-themed products mainstream. The success of Duck Commander and its sister brand Buck Commander (focused on deer hunting gear) cemented the Robertson family as influential figures in the sporting goods and outdoors industry.

Through media and merchandise, Robertson significantly shaped outdoor pop culture, proving that a rustic lifestyle from the Louisiana bayou could find a passionate nationwide audience. Phil Robertson’s fame also catapulted his family into the public eye. His son Willie Robertson took over as CEO of Duck Commander and became a breakout star of Duck Dynasty, often seen as the business-minded face of the company. Willie’s wife Korie Robertson (who shared the news of Phil’s passing) frequently appeared on the show as well, and their children—along with Phil’s other sons and relatives—grew up in front of viewers. The Robertson family leveraged their visibility into various media ventures: they wrote bestselling books, launched speaking tours at churches and events, and engaged with millions of followers on social media. Several Duck Dynasty spin-offs and related shows were produced, extending the family’s presence on-screen. These included “Going Si-Ral,” a short-lived series featuring Uncle Si, “Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty,” and “At Home with the Robertsons,” among others. Granddaughter Sadie Robertson even competed on Dancing with the Stars, showcasing how the family’s appeal crossed into mainstream pop culture.