Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the reality TV series Duck Dynasty, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79 in West Monroe, Louisiana. His death followed a period of declining health, including a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, a blood disorder, and other complications .
Early Life and Education
Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson was the fifth of seven children in a family that lived off the land, often without modern conveniences like electricity or indoor plumbing. He attended Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship, playing as the starting quarterback ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. Despite his athletic prowess, Robertson chose to forgo a potential professional football career to pursue his passion for hunting .
Career and Duck Commander
In the early 1970s, Robertson invented a duck call that mimicked the sound of a real duck, leading to the founding of Duck Commander in 1973. The company grew into a multimillion-dollar business, with his son Willie Robertson eventually taking over as CEO. The family’s success and unique lifestyle caught the attention of television producers, resulting in the A&E reality series Duck Dynasty, which aired from 2012 to 2017 .
Personal Life and Faith
Robertson married Marsha “Miss Kay” Carroway in 1966, and together they had five children, including sons Jase and Willie. In 2020, Robertson discovered he had a daughter, Phyllis, from a past affair, and they developed a close relationship in his later years . A devout Christian, Robertson credited his faith with helping him overcome personal struggles, including a period of excessive alcohol consumption and marital issues in the 1970s. He became known for his outspoken religious beliefs and conservative views, which sometimes sparked controversy but also garnered a dedicated following .
Legacy
Robertson’s influence extended beyond television. He authored several books, including his memoir Happy, Happy, Happy, and co-hosted the podcast Unashamed with his sons. His life story was depicted in the 2023 film The Blind, which chronicled his early years and personal transformation .
In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from family, fans, and public figures. His family plans to hold a private service, with a public celebration of his life to be announced at a later date .
Phil Robertson leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and entrepreneurship, having touched the lives of many through his television presence and personal testimony.