“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson has died, his family has announced.
Robertson’s death comes just over a month after his son Jase said his father was “not good” in his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was 79 years old when he passed away.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Phil’s daughter-in-law Korie Robertson said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, by his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus,” she continued.
“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.”
In a statement shared on Facebook, ” the family said:
“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.”
“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.”
Robertson’s son, Jase, has also spoken out about his dad’s death
“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today!” he wrote on X.
“He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”
Last year, Jase revealed his dad had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
He revealed how the disease had accelerated.
Jase Robertson admitted his father was struggling.
Robertson’s son, Willie, revealed his dad was battling several issues.
“He’s got a blood disorder, and then he’s got the mental issue that could be early Alzheimer’s… and probably some mini-strokes because of his blood,” he told Fox News Digital.
Willie also revealed that his dad was suffering from back pain.
“We’ve got several other things we’re looking at, trying some different medications,” he said.
Jase revealed that the family was trying to make Robertson feel as comfortable as possible.
“Duck Dynasty” was one of the most popular shows on the A&E Network.
The show aired between 2012 and 2017.
The hit reality series documented the Robertsons’ lives with Phil running his Duck Commander business.
However, Robertson was initially skeptical about appearing on a TV show.
“I’m already as famous as I want to be,” he reportedly told his son Willie in 2013, according to The New York Times.
“I explained to him: ‘Phil, this can expand your platform to talk about the things you like to talk about.'”
In December 2013, Robertson was temporarily suspended from the show after making remarks about homosexuality.
Network chiefs said they were disappointed with the star’s words and said it didn’t reflect the channel.
His ban was lifted just nine days after it was introduced, and he reappeared on the show.
Robertson was married to Kay Robertson from 1966 until his death.
Both had been living in an assisted care facility.
Last year, Kay opened up about how they both care for each other.
“Phil takes care of me, and I take care of him,” she posted on Instagram.
“Sometimes he fixes a little makeup smudge for me, and I comb the chicken biscuit crumbs out of his beard.
“I’m getting over being sick, and I can’t wait to get back to taking care of my pioneer man.”
In 2020, Robertson found out that he had a daughter, named Phyllis, from an affair that took place in the 1970s.
Phyllis and Robertson first met in February 2020.
His first words to her were “I have no idea.”
Reflecting on his Alzheimer’s diagnosis last year, she described him as bold, courageous, and humble, and reminisced on a conversation they had.
“He told me, ‘I’m glad you’re my daughter!” she wrote online.
“I’m glad that you found me. I am so proud to be his daughter.
“I am thankful now, more than ever, that we found each other just four short years ago.”
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