A rainbow and a stranger: The divine encounter that helped Jase Robertson heal after Phil’s death



It’s been nearly two months since Phil Robertson, the beloved patriarch of Duck Dynasty, passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. On their podcast, “Unashamed,” Phil’s sons Jase and Al Robertson have openly shared the raw and heartfelt journey of grieving their father’s loss with their listeners. Yet Jase recently revealed a deeply personal story he had held close — until now.

In the latest episode of “Unashamed,” Jase recounted a poignant, tearful moment that beautifully illustrates how God works in mysterious and profound ways.

“It seems unbelievable. I wouldn’t make this up because it’s kind of a heavy story,” he says.

  

When Phil was at the pinnacle of his fight against Alzheimer’s, Jase, trying to get his mind off his father’s waning condition, went to the driving range to hit a few golf balls.

“I was hitting the ball terribly because I hadn’t been playing golf,” he confesses.

Unbeknownst to him, the club’s multi-time champion was watching him. “I knew him but didn’t really know him,” Jase says, “and he’s like, ‘Do you want me to help you?’”

The two ended up playing nine holes together and exchanging phone numbers.

The very next day, however, Jase received a text message from a friend mourning the death of one of the golf club’s members.

The person who had died was none other than the man Jase had played with the day prior. “I was so shocked,” he says.

Life, as it does, moved on. Phil passed away on May 25, and after funeral arrangements and time to grieve with family, Jase continued recording podcasts and running Duck Commander.

Last week, however, Jase returned to the golf course. Little did he know that another strange encounter awaited him.

Jase, alone on a nearly empty course, suddenly got the feeling that he was “being watched.”

“I look and there’s a guy standing there ... in the parking lot looking at me,” he says. “I said, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ and he said, ‘What are you fixing to do?’ which I thought was a weird question. ... I said, ‘I'm fixing to play nine holes,’ and he said, ‘Can I play with you?’”

Jase could see that the man was sad, and immediately he knew that this encounter wasn’t an accident. “I thought, this has got to be a God thing,” he says.

And it was.

The second the man got into Jase’s cart, he told him that his best friend of 35 years had died and that he hadn’t been able to play golf since.

His friend happened to be the man Jase had played golf with a few months prior.

“He said, ‘I’m into a routine where I go to his grave site and ... then I come up here, and I just sit in the parking lot. ... I know you just lost your dad, and I saw you walk across the parking lot, and I thought, well, maybe he can help me,”’ Jase recounts.

“It was an uncomfortable, weird conversation,” but “we talked about Jesus. We talked about life,” he says.

Right as they were finishing their game, a storm was blowing in. “I turned around and looked back at the fairway. It was the most spectacular rainbow you have ever seen in your life,” says Jase. “When he saw that rainbow, he just burst into tears.”

When they eventually parted ways, Jase was “overcome with emotion.”

“I thought, this is what God does,” he says, noting that the encounter hadn’t just been for the man who was grieving his friend — it was also for him.

“I think God sent him for me,” he says, “because it was probably the most I had talked about Phil in that way.”

To hear the full story from Jase, watch the episode above.

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Jase Robertson shares the last thing he heard his father say



On Sunday, May 25, Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson died following a tough battle with Alzheimer’s disease and other health issues.

After taking some time away to grieve and be with family, Phil’s sons Jase and Al, who are anchors on the “Unashamed” podcast, returned to share details about Phil’s passing and his funeral.

 

The funeral, which was a family service of 300-400 people, was perfectly suited for Phil. The family worshipped, preached the gospel, and celebrated Phil — not because of what he did, but because of what Christ did for and through him.

"I had to kind of detach myself," Jase admits, "because Phil had this famous line that he said many times: 'When I die, don't cry. You can sing; you can dance; you can do a little jig, but I made it.'"

The funeral was held in the same church — down to “the same room” — that Phil gave his life to Christ in. Per Miss Kay’s request, all four Robertson brothers — Jase, Al, Willie, and Jep — spoke. Phyllis, Phil’s daughter from an extramarital affair before he became a Christian, also spoke. Some of Phil’s grandchildren led a powerful worship service that brought many to tears.

Uncle Si, Phil’s brother, provided some needed comic relief, as he “kept talking back to Willie throughout his entire [speech],” even though he declined the opportunity to give his own speech.

“He was the sidekick to Phil and Kay through their first years of dating and probably 10 years of their marriage, and so he turned into the echo, which was funny,” laughs Jase.

At the grave site, Phil was laid to rest next to his sister Jan Dasher, who played a pivotal role in his coming to Jesus.

Jase’s son Reed says that hundreds of people, many of whom had never met Phil but had only watched his content, reached out in the days following his death to share how their lives were touched by his unshakable faith.

“Heaven got a titan,” he says of his grandfather.

In the final weeks before his death, Jase admits he was struggling watching his dad suffer.

“Every time I thought he was completely gone as far as communication-wise, something would happen, usually with the grandkids or the wives or whatever, and he would just lift up and say something,” he reflects. “My daughter started singing one night. ... He had done nothing all day to show any signs that he was with us, and he reached out his hand and held her hand.”

“It hit me in that moment. I thought God does a lot of good work in suffering,” he adds, citing Romans 5. “My daughter is never going to forget that moment.”

In his last conversation with Phil, Jase told his dad, “You're going to meet Jesus,” and Phil suddenly “came to,” “grabbed [Jase’s] hand,” and eagerly said, “Let’s go.”

To hear more about Phil’s funeral, the family’s final time on Earth with him, and the incredible legacy he leaves behind, watch the episode above.

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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'

— (@)  
 

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 passes away at 79



"Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson has passed away at the age of 79.

Robertson's daughter-in-law Korie Robertson on Sunday announced his passing in an Instagram post.

'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.'

Robertson was a devout Christian and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. "Duck Dynasty" was a hit A&E reality television series that chronicled Robertson's family.

Korie Robertson's post from the family read:

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.

In addition to "Duck Dynasty," Phil Robertson was part of the Blaze Media family. His show "In the Woods with Phil" aired on CRTV and then Blaze Media. In addition he appeared on "Unashamed with the Robertson Family" on BlazeTV.

This is a developing story.

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



Back in December 2024, Phil Robertson, the revered patriarch of Duck Commander, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The condition exacerbated other ailments, including a blood disorder and fractured vertebrae. His sons, Jase and Al Robertson, have been candid with the “Unashamed” audience about the ups and downs their dad has experienced since leaving the podcast. Earlier this month, Jase described Phil’s condition as “not good.”

Their mother and Phil’s wife, Miss Kay Robertson, has also faced her own health challenges. In February, she sustained a severe fall that resulted in an infected cut. The injury required surgery and 11 days in the hospital.

Between Kay’s time in the hospital and Phil’s professional care, the beloved Duck Dynasty couple has been separated.

However, in a recent episode of “Unashamed,” Jase and Al shared a heartwarming update: Phil and Kay have been reunited in a care facility.

 

While both parents are still struggling with their physical health, their reconnection is doing wonders for their spirits.

Jase celebrates their reunion as “fantastic”; Al agrees, calling it “a game-changer.”

“My dad's not doing great overall, and my mom is not doing great physically,” but “she's helping his morale” and vice versa,” says Jase.

“He's been so much calmer since she came back in,” Al adds.

While the reunion has been sweet, it’s also posed some challenges. Phil and Miss Kay alike are adored people. Their family is big, and their friend group is even bigger.

“The challenge has been we have so many people coming up there, we're being disruptive,” laughs Jase, noting that they’re working on solving the problem.

But being so loved and supported that you can't accommodate everyone who wants to visit is no doubt a good problem to have.

To hear more about Phil and Miss Kay, 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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Phil Robertson thanks fans for outpouring of support in the wake of his diagnosis: ‘Fight the fight, keep the faith’



The “Unashamed” audience has been wondering where Phil Robertson has been. Their steadfast leader seemed to suddenly disappear from the podcast overnight.

While the Robertson brothers have informed fans that their dad has been under the weather, it wasn’t until recently that they shared what’s really been going on.

 

Phil “has some sort of blood disease that's causing all kinds of problems” and is in “early stages of Alzheimer’s,” Jase revealed in an “Unashamed” episode over the weekend.

Since this sad revelation, fans across the country have sent prayers and well wishes by the thousands. Many expressed that they learned more about Jesus and the Bible from Phil Robertson than they learned from years of attending church. Others pointed to Phil as the reason they returned to their faith.

“The outpouring of love, of support, of prayer just is ... it's almost been overwhelming for me,” says Al.

“Once my phone started going off, it pretty much hasn't stopped for the last 72 hours,” adds Jase.

Phil is certainly grateful for the love and support he’s received as well.

“Dad's famously not connected to tech, but he does love to hear that out there in ‘computer land,’ as he puts it, there are people that are expressing their love and their appreciation for everything that he's meant to them in their lives,” says Al.

These prayers, it seems, are having a real impact — not just on Phil’s spirit but also on his physical well-being.

“He has had some reprieve in his pain, and I got to think that that's the prayers of millions of people that went up over the last four days,” says Jack Dasher.

Even though the brothers know that decline is inevitable, they want everyone to remember what’s outlined in 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing,” Al reads.

One thing is absolutely certain — Phil Robertson has fought the good fight and kept his faith.

The Robertsons hope we will do the same as Phil continues his battle.

To learn more, watch the episode above.

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