Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79 after a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s disease in his final months.
The professional hunter turned reality star’s family announced the news in a Facebook post on Sunday, leaving fans devastated.
‘We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,’ Phil’s daughter-in-law Korie Robertson said Sunday on Facebook.
She thanked people who had prayed for Phil, who dealt with Alzheimer’s disease in his final months. She recalled how he bravely told loved ones that he was not afraid of death and considered it a comeback to the kingdom of God.
A number of shocked fans posted messages of support, with one saying: ‘Honestly, Phil was like America’s grandpa.’ Another added: ‘He put smiles on the faces of us all!’
Late last year, Robertson had received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, his family said on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. Phil’s son Jase Robertson had previously said on the podcast that his father had been battling a blood disease.
‘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,’ she wrote.
She added, ‘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.’
Korie said the Robertson family would continue to remember their late patriarch.
‘We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life,’ she said.
She added the family was planning on ‘having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.’
On an April 11 edition of the podcast. Jase and Al Robertson said that Phil and his ailing wife Kay had been staying in the same facility.
‘We now have Phil and Kay back together – it has been fantastic,’ he said.
Jase added, ‘My dad’s not doing great overall, and my mom is not doing great physically. She has to have pretty much 24/7 professional healthcare, but my dad, it’s like .. he’s been so much calmer since she came back.’
Jase described the set up at the facility the ailing couple had been residing at.
‘They’re in a facility where there are other people, but they have their own little private room – it’s great – and so, they’re helping each other, so that’s been positive,’ he said.
Kaye took to Instagram last year to explain to fans how they helped one another survive amid their respective health battles.
‘Phil takes care of me, and I take care of him,’ said Kaye. ‘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.’
Duck Dynasty’s Sadie Robertson Huff posted a statement Sunday to her 5.2 million Instagram followers referencing her faith and one of her final exchanges with her beloved grandfather.
The Bible verse she posted read, ‘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.’
The Monroe, Louisiana native, 27, added, ‘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!
‘It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.’
Sadie, who hosts a podcast titled WHOA, That’s Good, wrapped up in remembering: ‘One of the last things he said to me was “full strength ahead!” Amen!’
Dailymail.com has reached out to Sadie for further elaboration on the powerful statement.
Phil’s son Willie Robertson, 53, and his spouse Korie, 51, said, ‘We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.
‘Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life.
The couple added: ‘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 grandson Jep Robertson took to Instagram to pay memorial to his late grandfather.
‘Today, we celebrate that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now in the presence of the Lord,’ Jep said. ‘He often reminded us of Paul’s words: “We 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.”
He added: ‘We’re deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers from so many whose lives were touched by Phil – by the grace that saved him, his bold faith, and his passion for sharing the Good News of Jesus with anyone who would listen.
‘We are grateful for his life on earth and will carry forward his legacy of loving God and loving others until we are reunited again.’
A statement from the family’s company Duck Commander posted to Instagram read, ‘In the duck hunting world he was an innovator.. a man with an unwavering love for what he did best…and enjoyed most
‘And though he was uniquely special in his field, we will remember him for so much more…
The company said that ‘what truly stood out above all things’ was Phil’s ‘love for Jesus’ and ‘passion for sharing Jesus with others.’
Duck Commander said, ‘The lives impacted by one man’s willingness to share the gospel is truly remarkable.. and we can only hope to make him proud by carrying out that legacy throughout our lives moving forward.
‘Thank you Phil.. for always instilling in us what is truly most important FAITH, FAMILY, and of course…DUCKS.’
A number of fans paid memorial to the late reality star amid news of his passing on the Facebook page on which it was announced.
One commenter said in response: ‘What a day of rejoicing he is having finally getting to meet Jesus face to face! He has ran his race well, and he now is getting his reward! Praying for peace, comfort, and strength during this time.’
Said another: ‘Honestly, Phil was like America’s grandpa who passed along his God-given wisdom for life to pass on to the next generation.
‘He put smiles on the faces of us all! I grew up watching Duck Dynasty as a child, and it was amazing seeing such a God-fearing man leading by example on how to live life while fearing God and hunting ducks.’