Phil Robertson, the larger-than-life patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family, has passed away at the age of 79 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Known to millions as the bearded, Bible-quoting founder of Duck Commander, Phil’s legacy is far greater than his fame—rooted deeply in faith, family, and fearless authenticity.
Now, his son Willie Robertson has revealed Phil’s profoundly touching final words, offering the world a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the man behind the legend.
Willie’s Emotional Tribute to His Father
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Phil’s death was initially announced by Willie’s wife, Korie Robertson, on Sunday.
Two days later, Willie took to Instagram with a heartfelt post reflecting on his father’s life, faith, and enduring impact.
“I remember Phil’s many prayers on Memorial Day and all the times with my dad,” wrote Willie, 53.
“I don’t have enough words to tell of all of it, perhaps it will take months or years of remembering.”
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Willie recalled his childhood, highlighting moments of joy and humor shared with his father.
“Looking back at pics I noticed he was always looking at me funny, [probably] trying to figure out, ‘How did this boy turn out like this?’” he joked.
Phil taught us about redemption through his faith in Christ and how his walk with the Lord changed him. Solid man of God
May God comfort the Robertson family as they mourn and celebrate the life of their patriarch pic.twitter.com/MO0XPimsHH
— Johanna 👸✨💄💅🏻 (@C0nservativeGal) May 26, 2025
In a particularly intimate memory, Willie shared how he used to breakdance for Phil as a child. In a full-circle moment, he did it once more before Phil’s passing.
“Right at the very end of his life I came into his room… I did another dance,” he said.
“In a much weaker voice he simply said, ‘Will, you got moves I didn’t know you had.’ Not sure why I was always dancing in front of Phil. Maybe I figured it was the last thing he would think I would do, so I just did it.”
Bound by Faith
For the Robertsons, faith was always at the center of their lives—and none more so than Phil.
Willie emphasized that their conversations didn’t revolve around fame, hunting, or business. Instead, they focused on the Gospel.
“Most importantly, he taught me the value of sharing my faith with others,” Willie wrote. “He was the Real Deal, the same on Sundays as Fridays.”
This shared faith deepened their bond, leading to one of the most emotional revelations in Willie’s tribute—Phil’s final words to him.
Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson said “full speed ahead” in some of his final words to Sadie Robertson, the reality star said in an emotional goodbye to “Papaw Phil.”
“I know that he is alive in Christ fully today!” pic.twitter.com/aJIdQg11SG
— Dr Sherri tenpenny (@DrSherri06) May 27, 2025
“The last words he said to me as I leaned down over his weakened body was, ‘You’re my brother,’” Willie revealed.
“It made total sense to me. He always told me we were coworkers in the Kingdom of God. Maybe that’s why I always just called him Phil. Not sure if he is up in Heaven now doing his own dance moves for our Father.”
Willie concluded with a message that was both deeply personal and profoundly spiritual: “Phil, I love you and already miss you. Thank you for raising me the right way and teaching me the most important lesson to prepare me for the day you passed on. Not sure how people deal with loss without the Lord. We may be wrong about all this… but I doubt it! Sleep well Dad, can’t wait to see you.”
Sadie Shares Her Final Moments with Phil
Willie’s daughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, 27, also shared her experience of Phil’s final days.
Reflecting on his spiritual transformation, she posted a Bible verse that had comforted her during her last visit with her grandfather.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV,” Sadie quoted on Instagram.
She continued, “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!”
Then she recalled Phil’s final words to her: “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
Phil’s Battle with Alzheimer’s
The Robertson family first revealed Phil’s diagnosis in December 2023. His son Jase had explained that the disease was “causing problems with his entire body,” and that Phil was “really struggling.”
Just days before Phil passed, Willie told the Christian Post that Phil would not appear in the upcoming A&E reality show Duck Dynasty: The Revival due to his health.
Phil Robertson has passed away at the age of 79. Korie Robertson — Phil’s son Willie’s wife of more than 30 years — posted the news to Facebook Sunday … saying Phil was a man of God, who always tried to remind people that death only meant returning to God’s kingdom. pic.twitter.com/bfcfRwiWTA
— 💜SpazzBhabie💜 (@SpazzBhabie) May 26, 2025
“He was unable to film,” Willie said. “He’s not great. Alzheimer’s is kind of a cruel situation to go through. But there are glimpses we have, some good times and some moments with him, but it certainly has progressed.”
Despite the hardship, the family remained centered in their faith and grateful for Phil’s life.
“We feel good about the life he’s lived, and he certainly does as well, and just the impact,” Willie said.
“Such a powerful voice. He did everything I think God wanted him to do on this Earth and he’ll be ready to move on, for sure.”
A Lasting Legacy
Phil Robertson was a man of unshakable faith and fearless conviction. He turned a simple duck call business into a cultural phenomenon, yet remained grounded in his beliefs until the very end.
While fans mourn the passing of a television icon, those who knew him personally are remembering a father, grandfather, husband, and disciple who lived to serve a higher purpose.
There will never be another like Phil Robertson. May he rest in eternal peace.
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