Phil Robertson Dead at 79: The Untold Story of the Duck Commander Icon

May 26, 2025 rajeshmandal852

Table Of Contents

Early Life and Education
Founding Duck Commander and Rise to Fame
Health Challenges and Passing
Films and Documentaries Featuring Phil Robertson
Television Series
Phil Robertson’s Net Worth
About Phil Robertson’s Daughter: Phyllis Robertson Thomas

Phil Robertson, the iconic patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the reality television series Duck Dynasty, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79. Known for his unwavering Christian faith, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for the outdoors, Robertson’s life journey left an indelible mark on American culture.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson grew up in a modest household without modern amenities. Despite financial hardships, he excelled in athletics, earning a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. There, he played as the starting quarterback, ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. However, Robertson chose to forgo a potential professional football career, prioritizing his passion for hunting over the sport.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s in education, Robertson briefly worked as a teacher before fully embracing his love for the outdoors.

Founding Duck Commander and Rise to Fame

In 1972, Robertson founded Duck Commander, a company specializing in duck calls and hunting gear. His innovative designs and authentic approach resonated with hunters nationwide, turning the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. The family’s unique lifestyle and business acumen caught the attention of television producers, leading to the premiere of Duck Dynasty on A&E in 2012. The show, which ran until 2017, became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the Robertson family’s humor, values, and devotion to faith and family.

Health Challenges and Passing

In December 2024, the Robertson family publicly revealed that Phil had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He also faced additional health issues, including a blood disorder and back problems. Despite these challenges, Robertson remained steadfast in his faith.His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, announced his passing on social media, stating, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” She emphasized his enduring legacy of faith and the impact he had on countless lives.

Phil Robertson Movies and Series Timeline

Phil Robertson: Movies and TV Series Timeline

Films and Documentaries Featuring Phil Robertson

The Blind (2023)
Release Date: September 28, 2023
Synopsis: A biographical drama depicting Phil Robertson’s early life, struggles, and redemption through faith.
Cast: Aron von Andrian, Amelia Eve
Director: Andrew Hyatt

Torchbearer (2016)
Release Date: 2016
Synopsis: A documentary featuring Phil discussing moral decay and the importance of Christian values.
Director: Steve Bannon

In the Woods with Phil (2017)
Release Date: 2017
Synopsis: A series of videos featuring Phil’s commentary on faith and culture.

Dysfunction to Dynasty (2023)
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Synopsis: An eight-part docuseries chronicling the Robertson family’s journey from hardship to fame.

Television Series

Duck Dynasty (2012–2017)
Network: A&E
Synopsis: A reality series featuring the Robertson family’s business, faith, and lifestyle.

Duck Commander (2009)
Synopsis: A show focusing on the family’s duck call business and hunting lifestyle.

Most of these are available on Amazon Prime, Angel Studios, and other streaming platforms.

Phil Robertson’s Net Worth

Phil Robertson, best known as the star of Duck Dynasty and the founder of Duck Commander, had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his passing in 2025.

His main sources of income were:

Duck Commander: He started this company in 1972. It became very successful by selling duck calls and hunting gear.
Duck Dynasty TV Show: This reality show aired from 2012 to 2017. It showcased Phil’s family, business, and faith, and brought in a lot of money and fame.
Books and Public Speaking: Phil wrote several books and gave talks about his life, faith, and values, which also contributed to his earnings.

About Phil Robertson’s Daughter: Phyllis Robertson Thomas

In 2020, Phil Robertson discovered he had a daughter named Phyllis Robertson Thomas from a past relationship. This was confirmed after Phyllis took a DNA test, and Phil welcomed her into the family warmly, telling her, “You’re the best thing that ever came out of my past.”

A little about Phyllis:

She was born in 1975 in Ruston, Louisiana.
She moved to Missouri and married her husband, Tony. They have two sons, Grant and Joel.
Phyllis is a nurse by profession. She studied at Crowder College and later worked as a missionary nurse and teacher in Nicaragua.
In 2024, she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and now works as a family therapist in Monroe, Louisiana.
Phyllis is also an artist and displays her work at a local gallery in West Monroe, Louisiana.
She writes a blog where she shares stories about her life, family, and faith.

Today, Phyllis and her husband live next door to Phil and Miss Kay Robertson. She’s become a close part of the Robertson family and embraces her new chapter with them.