Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson has reflected on the poignant last message his father Phil shared with his family prior to his death.
Speaking to TV Insider on Friday, July 25, Willie, 53, opened up about what it was like to lose Phil one week before Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiered. (Phil died in May at age 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s.)
“Phil had been struggling with Alzheimer’s for a while. It was on our mind for sure, his condition. It’s part of life. Phil had such a strong faith,” Willie recalled to the outlet. “He told us before, ‘Do not cry at my funeral. I know where I’m going.’”
Willie added that he was touched about how much Phil meant to people around the world and said that his dad would have been proud of the show.
‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson Dies Following Alzheimer’s Battle
“What a life he lived. We heard that from thousands of people, the people he impacted. Phil would have wanted us to do exactly what we’re doing,” Willie continued. “Whatever is a reflection of that faith, and our show is a reflection of our fatih. Not overtly. We’re not trying to preach to people or convert people, but I think you can see the fruit in the faith of our show and our family and how it sticks together through good times and bad. That’s why we are on this earth. As we move on, I think it’s a reminder to all of us the time will come. I hope I have a funeral like that where people feel that way about me as well.”
The Robertson family confirmed Phil’s death in May via a statement.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Willie’s wife, Korie Robertson, 51, wrote in the May 25 statement. “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.”
She added: “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. We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life.”
Phil’s diagnosis was originally confirmed by his family in December 2024 after news broke that A&E ordered Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
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“According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Phil’s son Jase Robertson, 55, explained during an episode of the “Unashamed With the Robertson Family” podcast. “It’s accelerated and it’s causing problems with his entire body.”
The original incarnation of Duck Dynasty aired from 2012 to 2017. As well as Phil and his wife, Kay Robertson, the original series featured Phil’s brother Si Robertson and Phil’s sons: Willie, Jase and Jep Robertson.
