Uncle Si and friends celebrate Phil Robertson’s heavenly homecoming after a life that impacted MILLIONS



On Sunday, May 25, "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson joined Jesus in heaven after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and other health challenges. He leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ and a fervent mission to guide others to salvation.

Phil’s impact was profound and far-reaching. His powerful testimony of redemption — transformed from a life of darkness to one radiant with the grace of Jesus — has guided countless individuals to seek repentance and embrace faith. In the wake of his passing, thousands have shared heartfelt stories about how Phil touched their lives. The impact he had will surely echo for generations to come.

Nobody, however, felt Phil Robertson’s presence more deeply than the people who shared life with him.

On this episode of “Unashamed,” Uncle Si, Zach Dasher and his wife, Jill, and longtime friend and Duck Commander General Manager Justin Martin gather to celebrate the man who forever changed their lives. Through tears and joy, they honor Phil’s enduring faith, love, and the indelible mark he left on their hearts.

“Even though Phil said, ‘Don't cry,’ we're going to cry,” says Martin. “The boss is home.”

“It’s not tears of sadness, OK? This is celebration time. He’s done done his stay on this earth,” says Si, adding that he “already knew” about Phil’s passing before the phone call came.

The group reflect about how they were praying for God to bring Phil home. He was suffering, not himself, and deeply missing “God’s creation,” where he spent the majority of his time. His passing was, therefore, a bittersweet mercy.

They also recall how Phil’s sister, Jan, foreknew the impact her brother would have if he came to know Jesus.

“Jan Robertson was the only one that didn't give up on Phil when he was running with the devil,” says Si. “She said, ‘Y'all have no idea how many people he's going to bring to Jesus,’ and she was right.”

Zach’s brother-in-law asked ChatGPT to estimate how many people heard the gospel from Phil Robertson, and it came back with the staggering number of “40 million people.”

“I’m even gonna say that that’s low,” says Martin, “and I think that number is only gonna grow, even in the state of which we’re in.”

“We're not even to the ripples yet. Phil Robertson's still got a tidal wave right now. … We ain't even crested yet to get to the ripple, because the ripple is going to extend through my children, through y'all's children,” he adds.

To hear the group’s stories about how Phil impacted them personally, watch the episode above. Grab a box of tissues — you’ll need them for this heartfelt tribute.

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Phil Robertson Leaves An Eternity-Focused Legacy That Will Last Well Beyond Duck Dynasty’s Fame

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://thefederalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-27-at-7.39.04 AM-e1748349631780-1200x675.png crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//thefederalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-27-at-7.39.04%5Cu202fAM-e1748349631780-1200x675.png%22%7D" expand=1]Life for Robertson was so much more than duck hunting in the swamp. Death for Robertson holds an even bigger promise.

Happy, happy, happy: Celebrating Phil Robertson’s best ‘Unashamed' moments



On Sunday, May 25, beloved “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson passed away at the age of 79. While an official cause of death has yet to be confirmed by his family, Jase and Al Robertson, Phil’s sons, have been transparent about their father’s waning health since his diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and his departure from the “Unashamed” podcast back in December 2024.

Before he became the man of faith he’s celebrated as today, Phil’s early years were marked by a recklessness and rebellion that nearly destroyed his family. At the age of 28, Phil, an alcoholic at the time, was running a bar and living separately from his family, whom he had kicked out. The steadfast prayers of his wife, Kay, however, led to an unlikely meeting in a bar, where a minister shared the gospel with Phil, who repented of his sins, accepted Jesus, and was baptized.

Phil’s life began anew. He embarked on a journey of faith that would lead him to become the adored camo-clad family man and evangelist we celebrate today.

On this special episode, we look back over the years at Phil’s best moments on the “Unashamed” podcast, which was aptly named after the Duck Commander’s bold and unapologetic faith in Jesus Christ. From raw and direct gospel messages to hilarious life lessons, we celebrate Phil’s life and legacy, knowing he’s in heaven now, saying, “Happy, happy, happy.”

'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson started at QB over Terry Bradshaw in college — but quit to become a duck hunter



Since the passing of Phil Robertson, an outpouring of love — and stories — has surfaced that shows just how truly fascinating the entrepreneur's life was.

For instance, the patriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" family was a college football star with the potential for a pro career. That's right. According to CBS Sports, Robertson started at quarterback for two years at Louisiana Tech University in 1966 and 1967.

'He quit because he knew his passion was duck hunting, and he knew my passion was football.'

But perhaps even more interesting is that Robertson in college actually started over Terry Bradshaw, who would go on to become a legendary, four-time Super Bowl-winning signal caller for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In fact, Bradshaw told a Fox Sports panel years ago that if it were not for Robertson quitting football with a year of NCAA eligibility left, he never would have gotten the starting role at Louisiana Tech.

"If he hadn't — I hate to say quit, but that's what he did. He quit because he knew his passion was duck hunting, and he knew my passion was football. And he left, and that's how I got the starting job," Bradshaw said. "I did not beat him out."

Bradshaw has told stories over the years about how Robertson would emerge from the woods before practice wearing "Levi jeans and a T-shirt."

"On [those clothes] was either duck feathers, guts from a squirrel, [or] blood from some varmints somewhere," Bradshaw recalled.

RELATED: 'A living example of what God can do': Phil Robertson remembered

Phil Robertson participates in pregame ceremonies for the Duck Commander Independence Bowl between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Miami Hurricanes at Independence Stadium, Dec. 27, 2014, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Bradshaw and Robertson reunited for an interview in 2013, nearly 50 years after playing together. During the sit-down, Robertson remarked that it was the first time he had seen Bradshaw since he quit football.

"This is my first return trip to Louisiana Tech," Robertson said. "Literally, since I saw you in the locker room saying, 'Go be an NFL star; I'm going out to the ducks.'"

The captivating discussion had Bradshaw asking the outdoorsman why he decided to leave a sport he was so good at. Despite Robertson totaling 12 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in college, he also threw for 2,237 yards and had the potential to go pro, according to CBS Sports.

"Why did you leave? Why did you not come back?" Bradshaw asked.

"You had something that I did not have," Robertson explained. "You had the desire to excel in the game of football. And I really had the passion for the old mallard ducks."

After again recalling Robertson being covered in duck feathers and squirrel guts, Bradshaw laughed at how the future "Duck Dynasty" star's departure benefited both men.

Robertson then concluded, "[This] proves the point, Bradshaw. A man will do a lot for a duck. Ducks are doing great."

RELATED: Whitlock: ESPN broadcaster Ryan Clark symbolizes the end of the Charles Barkley-Terry Bradshaw era

Jimmy Johnson. Photo by Otto Greule Jr./Allsport/Getty Images

During the Fox Sports panel discussion, former NFL head coach Jimmy Johnson — also a Super Bowl winner at the helm of the Dallas Cowboys — recalled that he had the benefit of coaching at Louisiana Tech when both quarterbacks were there. Johnson noted how talented and impressive both players were, joining Bradshaw in his admiration for Robertson.

Bradshaw added regarding Robertson: "He's such a sweet guy, such a really sweet guy. We had so much fun laughing and talking about old times."

RELATED: Phil Robertson’s 79th birthday request might be the funniest thing that’s happened this year

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'A living example of what God can do': Phil Robertson remembered



An outpouring of love and admiration has followed the passing of "Duck Dynasty" television star and devout Christian Phil Robertson at the age of 79.

Robertson's daughter-in-law Korie Robertson on Sunday announced his passing in an Instagram post from the family, which reads in part, "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord."

'He was a bright light for the world to see.'

The "Duck Dynasty" reality series on the A&E network followed Robertson's family's life as duck hunters in Louisiana. He was later featured on "In the Woods with Phil" on CRTV. The fan favorite also appeared on "Unashamed with the Robertson Family" on BlazeTV.

Jase Robertson on Sunday noted on X that "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's farewell message received 3 million views.

RELATED: Phil Robertson passes away at 79

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Korie Robertson's Instagram post also said the family will first hold a private service but would soon announce details about a public celebration of his life.

Robertson's faith-focused leadership drew admiration from many, and several U.S. politicians posted touching tributes after his passing.

"Phil Robertson was a living example of what God can do in all of our lives if we follow Him," said Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R). "He was a bright light for the world to see. Bryan and I are praying for the whole Robertson crew tonight."

RELATED: Phil Robertson thanks fans for outpouring of support in the wake of his diagnosis: 'Fight the fight, keep the faith'

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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) late Sunday night on X paid tribute to the "great Phil Robertson," saying he "loved Jesus" and was "utterly fearless."

"One of my fondest memories was duck hunting with Phil — he was the best shot I ever met," Cruz added.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on X offered prayers to the Robertson family, while former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson on X described the "genuine sense of faith and fellowship" he experienced around Robertson. Carson called the feeling "something that's all too rare these days."

BlazeTV's own Sara Gonzales on Sunday shared a heartfelt memory about the Vivian, Louisiana, native.

Gonzales said Robertson gave her and her husband "beautiful marriage advice" before he "read scripture, and then prayed over us."

RELATED: Phil Robertson says he has been baptizing fans of his podcast who are showing up in his town to hear the gospel: 'They just keep coming'

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Conservative commentator Benny Johnson shared Robertson's speech from a rally for President Donald Trump in 2020. In a speech lasting just seven seconds, Robertson had a simple message: "I got it down to this. If you're pro-God and pro-America and pro-good and pro-duck huntin', that's all I want!"

Entrepreneur and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk shared perhaps the most detailed message following Robertson's passing. Kirk admired Robertson, calling him an "American icon" who grew up in an impoverished household without electricity or a toilet but nevertheless went on to become a "brilliant entrepreneur."

Kirk added that Robertson married his high school sweetheart and the two remained together for almost 60 years.

RELATED: Love endures: Phil and Miss Kay Robertson reunite in care facility amid health struggles

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Robertson's wife, Marsha Kay Carroway Robertson — better known as "Miss Kay" — was a focal point in the "Duck Dynasty" page's farewell tribute to Phil.

On top of referring to Robertson as a "hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family," the "Duck Dynasty" franchise featured a video in which Robertson said to his wife, "You are my best friend, and I love you dearly, and I'm gonna be with you for the long haul, 'til they put me in the ground."

The couple raised four sons and had 16 grandchildren.

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Phil Robertson’s 79th birthday request might be the funniest thing that’s happened this year



Phil Robertson, beloved patriarch of Duck Commander and the Robertson family, is a symbol of rugged tradition. Decked out in camouflage, preaching a faith-centered, back-to-basics lifestyle, he's the antithesis of modern trendiness.

That’s why his 79th birthday request left his son Jase in stitches.

“It was the most shocking thing I’ve ever heard come out of my dad’s mouth,” he laughs.

On April 24, Phil, now living in a care facility as he battles Alzheimer’s disease, welcomed Jase for a visit. “Your birthday’s coming up, Dad,” Jase said. “What do you want me to get you?”

Phil’s answer? “You heard of this company called Nike?”

Jase, retelling the story on the “Unashamed” podcast, can’t hold back his laughter.

“You can’t make this up!” he cackles. “He said, ‘I think I want some of those Air Jordan tenny shoes'" — specifically “high-tops” in "orange and white.”

"I just really think if I had a pair of those I'd be all right," Phil added.

“10 minutes later he's like, ‘You going to get me them shoes?'" says Jase.

A few days later, after returning from a trip to Nashville, Jase visited his dad, who immediately asked, “Where’s my shoes?”

“I’ve never seen him wear a pair of tennis shoes in my life,” he laughs. “Sometimes the bucket list, you just start digging around in there and you come out with a pair of high-top Air Jordans.”

To hear Jase tell the hilarious story of his dad, who’s spent a lifetime dodging modern trends, wishing for a pair of Air Jordans, watch the episode above.

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Robertson brothers deliver update on Phil’s health: 'More better days than bad days'



Beloved “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson has been absent from the “Unashamed” podcast for several weeks now due to medical issues.

Back in December, the Robertson brothers announced that their dad had been diagnosed with both a blood disease and Alzheimer’s disease and was suffering greatly as a result.

In a recent episode of “Unashamed,” Phil’s sons Jase and Al Robertson gave an update on the Duck Commander’s health.

It “[does] not seem like he's getting better,” Jase admits, noting that Phil’s waning condition has brought family members to tears at times.

Further, the recent discovery that Phil has several “fractured vertebrae” has only added to his discomfort.

Thankfully, it’s not all bad news.

Phil has “stints where he feels better,” says Jase. “Willie went down there last night, and Phil was perfectly fine — the best he had seen him mentally.”

Al, while heartbroken for his father, sees the silver lining. “It's definitely been a rally point for our family,” he says, noting the cooking and visiting centered around Phil.

“For any family that's going through a difficult time, you can sit around and just feel terrible about the situation, or you could say, ‘Let's pull together as a family and make it the best we can,’ so that's kind of been our approach,” he says.

Despite the difficult days, the family is encouraged that Phil has “more better days than bad days.”

For now, they ask that Phil’s supporters “keep praying."

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'Duck Dynasty' family says Phil Robertson has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease



Prayers are streaming in for Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" family, after his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Robertson's son Jase Robertson spoke about the diagnosis on the latest BlazeTV podcast episode of "Unashamed with the Robertson Family" published Friday.

'I’ve appreciated Phil’s bold faith in Jesus Christ and the way he points to God’s Word.'

"Phil's not doing well," he said. "I think I spoke on the 1,000th podcast, we were trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, he has some sort of blood disease causing all kinds of problems."

Phil Robertson had been a part of the podcast but owing to his health declining, he has been absent.

"It's like accelerated, and it's causing problems with his entire body. And he has early stages of Alzheimer's. So if you put those things together, he's really not doing well. He's struggling," Jase Robertson said.

He went on to say that his father had trouble walking around without "crying in pain."

Sadie Robertson wrote on Instagram about her grandfather and posted an image of them together.

"In moments like this, it can feel overwhelming for such bad news to be such public news. But you know what? I’m genuinely so thankful my family chose to make our life public because of how incredible it is that so many people know my grandpa!" she wrote.

"I’m so glad that so many people have been able to learn from his faith and his love for his family.
I’m so proud to be his granddaughter. I’m so proud to have learned how to love the word, honor the word, and teach the word from him," she added.

Evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham Jr. was among those who called for prayer for Robertson's condition.

"Would you join me in praying for Phil Robertson, his wife Miss Kay, and their family?" wrote Graham on social media. "Phil is having serious health issues. I’ve appreciated Phil’s bold faith in Jesus Christ and the way he points to God’s Word."

The Robertson family gained nationwide prominence after their show "Duck Dynasty" broke cable rating records for a nonfiction series. The show ended in 2017 after 11 seasons.

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Jase Robertson shares the film he says 'needs to be watched by society'



“Very seldom do I recommend things to watch,” says Jase Robertson, who isn’t much of a media guy.

However, last weekend, Jase’s wife happened to bring up Matt Walsh’s 2022 documentary “What Is a Woman?”

Jase was shocked to discover that a film with such a title existed, and so, intrigued, he watched it.

His conclusion is that “What Is a Woman?” “needs to be watched by society.”

“All this guy did, to his credit, was simply ask a question,” he says, pointing to the “global controversy” that gender has become.

“When [Walsh] asked that question,” says Jase, he discovered that “the belief has become popular among those who attack the gender God-defined roles that it's impossible for them to answer.”

Jase shares his bewilderment that the socially acceptable answer when it comes to someone’s gender is basically “let the kid decide what they want to be.”

“They'll say your gender is whatever you want to be, including any kind of animal. I mean you can be a cat, you know, you can be a wolf,” he says.

“That’s nonsense,” is all Phil Robertson has to say about it.

To hear more of the conversation, watch the episode above.

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Hollywood had to learn that faith comes first in ‘Duck Dynasty’



“Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson had humble beginnings, but the wild success of his family’s reality show would have any spectator guessing otherwise.

“A lot of Christians told us like ‘Oh you can’t do this, you’re going to destroy your family.’ But I was like ‘if not us, then who?’” Robertson tells Glenn Beck, recalling the beginning of his family’s rise to fame.

“I felt firm in our faith and who we were,” he continues, adding, “You get a chance, and I felt like maybe God led us to this and said, ‘Hey, here’s your opportunity.’”

When Willie pitched the idea to his father, Phil Robertson, about starting a reality TV show, he wasn’t interested until Willie told him it could help get the gospel to more people.

“That was what attracted me,” Glenn says. “I heard people talk about you guys. They said, ‘There's this show, and they pray at the end.’”

While prayer and faith were a large part of their show, the Hollywood producers that worked on it at first weren’t pleased.

Willie concedes that the production company used to edit out “in Jesus’ name,” which they have since stopped doing. “I think they always struggled with what made it work,” he continues. “They would put shows behind it that were, you know, I wouldn’t say anti-faith but definitely you know, super worldly.”

When the viewers would be confronted with the show that followed, they’d switch the channel.

“They struggle with knowing, I think, especially, I think the faith part and the prayer part, how much that played into it,” Willie says.

“If you could boil it down in one sentence, what was the secret of the show? Why did it work?” Glenn asks.

“I think it was a combination of authenticity, faith, and funny,” Willie says.


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