Beloved TV personality, professional hunter, and proud Christian Phil Robertson has passed away at age 79, with his family celebrating his bold willingness to share his faith, and fans and Christian leaders alike mourning his passing online.
For context, on May 25, 2025, the Robertson family, of “Duck Dynasty” fame, announced that Duck Commander founder and head of the family Phil Robertson had passed away. The news came just a few months after the family asked for prayer and revealed that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder
On May 25, Willie and Korie Robertson, Phil’s son and daughter-in-law, confirmed that Phil had passed in a joint Instagram post on May 25, 2025, saying, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” They added, “Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace…”
In addition, Willie and Korie honored Phil for his “bold faith,” along with his desire to share the “Good News of Jesus” with “anyone who would listen.” They added that their family is “grateful for his life on earth” and vowed to keep living out “the legacy of love for God and love for others” that Phil left behind “until we see him again.”
Moreover, the couple called back to 1 Corinthians 2:2, saying that it was a passage that Phil often quoted. They wrote, “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.” The couple added, “We know that so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life.”
After Phil’s passing, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), a longtime friend of Robertson, paid tribute on X, writing, “The great #PhilRobertson passed today. He loved Jesus, and he was utterly fearless.” Sen. Cruz added, “One of my fondest memories was duck hunting with Phil — he was the best shot I ever met.” In addition, the Republican senator attached a commercial that he shot with Phil, writing, “In 2016, he recorded this amazing commercial for me. Rest in peace, my friend.”
In addition to Sen. Cruz, prominent faith leader Franklin Graham celebrated Phil Robertson’s life on X as well, writing, “Please join me in praying for Miss Kay and all of the Robertson family as Phil Robertson has passed away.” Graham added, “Now he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. I always appreciated that Phil stood firm with the Word of God and took every opportunity to talk about his faith in Jesus.”
Continuing, Graham praised Robertson and his family for spending time encouraging wounded veterans at a Samaritan’s Purse program and added, “There’s no question, he will be greatly missed. May God especially comfort all of the family during this time.” In the comments section, the X user Bob Feldtman made the heartfelt remark, “He is just a step or two ahead of us. See you on the other side, brother.”
Watch the “Duck Dynasty” tribute to Phil:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video