Phil Robertson, the patriarch of TV's "Duck Dynasty" reality show, has died. He was 79. In December, Robertson's family said on the "Unashamed With the Robertson Family" that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. More from Variety 'Duck Dynasty' Revival Lands at A&E With 20 Episode, Two-Season Order 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Reach Settlement With ITV Studios ITV Vs. 'Duck Dynasty' Producers: Judge Cites 'Ambush' But ITV Wins Management Rights Appeal His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson posted the news to Facebook Sunday, writing, "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.' 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. We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We're having a private service for now, but we'll share details soon about a public celebration of his life." Robertson worked as a teacher and commercial fisherman before inventing the Duck Commander call, which turned into a multi-million dollar business now headed by his son Willie Robertson. "Duck Dynasty" aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017. By 2013 it became the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history. Presented in a sitcom-style format, it revolved around the Duck Commander business run by brothers Phil and Si, the bearded elders of the clan, and Phil's sons Jase, Willie and Jep, as well as their co-workers and children. Phil Robertson was suspended from the show in 2013 after saying that homosexuality was a sin, but his suspension was lifted after nine days. A new version of the show, "Duck Dynasty: Revival," starring Korie andWillie Robertson, will air on A&E this summer. Phil Robertson will not appear in the show. A film about Robertson's life, "The Blind – The True Story of the Robertson Family," was released in theaters in 2023. Robertson's wife, "Miss Kay" Robertson, was hospitalized earlier this year after a fall. The couple, who married in 1966, had four sons and 16 grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren. Phil Robertson also had a daughter, Phyllis, from an extra-marital relationship. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.
