The star of 'Duck Dynasty' Phil Robertson dies at 79

“Don't cry.” In this way, Phil Robertson, who found fame and happiness through his hunting imperial and some controversy, but also popularity for his pronounced religious and political beliefs, answered his death. “Dance, sing, but don't cry when I die,” he said in a podcast with his son Jase in 2023 after a back operation.

The Duck dynasty The patriarch died on Sunday at the age of 79 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2024. His family announced in statements on social media.

The daughter-in-law of Phil Robertson, Korie, who is married to another of Robertson's four sons Willie, said in a Facebook post on behalf of the family: “Today we celebrate that our father, our husband and grandfather Phil Robertson are now with the Lord.” She quoted the Bible and wrote from Phil Robertson: “He often reminded us of Paul's words:” They do not mourn like those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rise again, and so we believe that God will bring those who have fallen asleep in him. “

“We know that so many of them love him and have been influenced by his life,” added the explanation. “We have a private service for the time being, but we will soon share details about a public celebration of his life.”

Jase Robertson posted on X: “My father went with the Lord today! He will be missing, but we know that he is in good hands and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”

Phil Robertson's granddaughter Sadie Robertson, daughter of Willie and Korie, went on Instagram to pay tribute. “One of the last things he told me was” full strength ahead! “Amen!”

Jase first spoke publicly about his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis, which he said Outrageous with the Robertson family. “According to the doctors, they are sure that he has a blood disease that causes all possible problems,” said Jase. “He's just not doing well. He really fights.” In an episode on April 2, Jase gave an update and said that his father's status was “not good” and that he has needed “professional care” since then.

Robertson, a college football player based in Louisiana, was invented in 1972 the Duck Commander Duck Call Instrument, which was the namesake product of a hunting equipment listed by Robertson and his family.

From 1987 the family company extended with the direct-to-video series in the media Duck man. In 2012, A&E began, which would be one of his most famous programs, Duck dynastyWhat followed the Robertson and their business until 2017. The reality television series has produced a number of spinoffs, including Detendynasty: the revivalthat will concentrate on Willie and Korie and her children and are expected to premiere this summer.

Robertson has also gained popularity because he does not apologize for his Christian faith and conservative views. In 2013, according to stories, Robertson was briefly suspended by A&E GQ When he was asked to describe sin: “Start with homosexual behavior and simply transform yourself from there.” Robertson was also loud about abortion, which he rejects, and approved Republican candidates for the local and national political office, including the first backing Ted Cruz in 2016 before he announced his support for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.