DEVELOPING STORY: Duck Commander Phil Robertson has died. He was 79.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Willie Robertson announced on social media. “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.’”
In December, Robertson’s family said on the “Unashamed With the Robertson Family” that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Robertson launched a successful business making duck calls. That business led to hugely popular reality television series called, “Duck Dynasty.” The show highlighted Robertson’s devout faith in Christ. He also became a beloved leader in the conservative Christian community.
“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! 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,” Jase Robertson wrote on X.
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.”
I was privileged to be a Duck Dynasty fan before being a Duck Dynasty fan was cool. Phil and Miss Kay were regulars on my radio show in the early days of their program. And their sons became friends of mine. I can tell you that the Robertson family was the same on camera as they were off camera. Authentic.
Phil Robertson woke up this glorious Sunday morning in the presence of his Savior and I have to imagine the first words he uttered were “Happy, Happy, Happy.”
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