Phil Alexander Robertson Dead at 79: 'Duck Dynasty' Star, Duck Commander Founder & Conservative Icon Remembered
- Teo Drinkovic
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Discover who Phil Alexander Robertson was — an American professional hunter, family patriarch, conservative, businessman, and star of "Duck Dynasty"
Introduction
The recently deceased Phil Alexander Robertson (79) was a controversial yet highly prominent figure in American conservative culture, known for his traditional family values, deep Christian faith, and outspoken political views that often stirred public debate. To the American public, he was known as a conservative, the patriarch of the Robertson family, founder of Duck Commander, and star of the reality TV show Duck Dynasty.
Early Life
He was born in Vivian, Louisiana, on April 24, 1946, and died on May 25, 2025. Robertson grew up in extremely modest conditions without basic modern amenities such as electricity, indoor plumbing, or running water.
Despite this, his family was happy and self-sufficient, relying on hunting, fishing, and gardening for food. They grew vegetables and fruit in their garden and sourced meat by hunting deer, squirrels, fish, and other game, along with raising pigs, chickens, and cattle.
Phil was the fifth of seven children born to his mother, Merritt (née Hale), and father James Robertson. In his book Happy, Happy, Happy, Robertson recalls that he lived in poverty, in conditions resembling the 1850s, but adds, “We were always happy, happy, happy, no matter the circumstances.”
Sports vs. Hunting and Fishing
Robertson excelled as an athlete in high school and was an all-state selection in football, baseball, and track. Thanks to his athletic prowess, he received a football scholarship to attend Louisiana Tech in Ruston in the late 1960s. He played as starting quarterback for the Bulldogs during the 1966 and 1967 seasons, before Terry Bradshaw, the Hall of Fame NFL quarterback and No. 1 draft pick in 1970.
At the time, Robertson had impressive statistics, and many believed he had the potential for a professional football career. However, he preferred hunting and fishing over sports and chose not to play in the 1968 season.
Bradshaw once said, “Phil Robertson loved hunting more than he loved football. He came to practice straight from the woods with squirrel tails sticking out of his pockets and duck feathers on his clothes. He was clearly a good shot, so no one complained too much.”
When approached by Paul Harvey with an offer to play professionally for the Washington Redskins, Robertson declined because football conflicted with duck hunting.
For him, football was merely a means to secure a scholarship, while Bradshaw lived and breathed the sport. As Robertson famously put it, “Terry went for the bucks, and I chased after the ducks.”
Alcoholism, Personal Crisis, and Spiritual Transformation
After earning a degree in physical education and a master’s in education, Robertson briefly worked as a teacher. He and his wife, Marsha "Miss Kay" Carroway, were married in 1966. However, their early years were marked by serious turmoil due to Robertson’s alcoholism, infidelity, and irresponsible behavior.
Eventually, he managed to save his marriage and family. Their bond became a symbol of redemption and forgiveness. Wikipedia
In the early 1970s, Robertson found faith and converted to Christianity. He committed himself fully to a Christian lifestyle and became an elder at the Whites Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, Louisiana. His faith became the cornerstone of his identity and public persona. Wikipedia
Duck Commander
Following his religious transformation and family reconciliation, Robertson founded Duck Commander in 1973 — a pivotal life change. As a passionate duck hunter, he had grown dissatisfied with existing duck calls and saw a gap in the market. After much experimentation, he developed a device that closely mimicked the sound of a duck and named it Duck Commander.
This innovative product became the foundation of a multimillion-dollar business, now run by his son Willie Robertson.
Duck Dynasty
Duck Dynasty is an American reality television series that showcases the daily life of the Robertson family. It aired on the A&E network from 2012 to 2017 and achieved massive popularity, peaking in viewership during the premiere of its fourth season with 11.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched nonfiction cable show in history at that time. Wikipedia
Willie Robertson, Phil’s son, took over the family business and played a key role in launching the show. According to Willie, the idea came from his wife Korie, who suggested their family life could be compelling television content. The show portrayed the Robertsons' daily routines, business dealings, and hunting adventures, often infused with humor and Christian values.
In December 2013, Phil Robertson gave an interview to GQ Magazine in which he shared his views on sin, including homosexuality, sparking widespread backlash. A&E suspended him from the show, but following strong public support, particularly from conservative fans and political figures, the network lifted the suspension after nine days.
Robertson defended his statements, asserting they were based on his Christian beliefs. His family also publicly supported him, stating they couldn’t imagine continuing the show without him. ABC News
The series ended in 2017 but left a lasting mark on American pop culture.
Ideology, Worldview, and Politics
After his religious conversion, Robertson became a devout Christian, a committed family man, and a staunch conservative. He believed America’s fundamental problems were spiritual in nature, not political, and attributed national moral decline to a departure from God. He often emphasized the need to return to biblical values.
In interviews and public appearances, he frequently stated that “America has lost touch with its core values” and that “the greatest problem in America is of a spiritual nature.” Fox Business
His worldview was deeply rooted in conservative Christian doctrine, focusing on traditional family structures, monogamy, and adherence to the Ten Commandments.
Robertson was an outspoken supporter of conservative politics and the Republican Party. He was a strong advocate for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, praising their pro-Christian and pro-life policies. He also supported candidate Vance McAllister in a special election for the U.S. House of Representatives, where McAllister’s victory was widely attributed to Robertson’s endorsement. Wikipedia
Conclusion
Phil Robertson passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His death prompted numerous tributes, especially from conservative circles, where he was hailed as an “American icon” and a “defender of traditional values.”
Duck Dynasty remains a testament to how faith and family business can form the backbone of a successful television franchise, despite the controversies and challenges that accompanied it.