Phil Robertson Obituary (1946 – 2025) West Monroe, LA
Phil Robertson, the business mogul and reality show star who rose from poverty to create the Duck Commander and “Duck Dynasty” empires, died May 25, 2025, at the age of 79 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.?
Robertson grew up in deeply rural Louisiana without electricity or toilets in his home, often living off the land. His high school athleticism helped him earn his way into Louisiana Tech University, where he played football alongside future Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. However, despite interest from recruiters, Robertson had no interest in playing football professionally. He preferred to hunt and fish. In the early 1970s, he invented the Duck Commander duck call, which better mimicked the actual sound of ducks than earlier models. The Duck Commander became a huge success, eventually leading to “Duck Dynasty,” an A&E reality show that put a spotlight not just on Robertson’s business, but on a colorful cast of characters, most of whom were his family. The show was a big hit, ran for 11 seasons, made the Robertsons stars, and helped turn Robertson into an icon of outdoor living. His expressions of faith and outspoken views also made him popular among conservative Christian audiences.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson-a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family,” neurosurgeon and former U.S. secretary of housing and urban development Ben Carson said on the social media platform X. “I’ll never forget the time I spent with Phil and his wonderful family at their homestead in West Monroe, LA. We rode through the swamp stopping at his favorite duck blinds before being welcomed by Miss Kay with a warm, home-cooked meal, surrounded by their extended family and close friends. The genuine sense of faith and fellowship was tangible-something that’s all too rare these days. He was an American original who never backed down from the truth. His legacy of faith, family, and freedom will live on.”
