Last week, we reported that the legendary former Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson had passed away at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Now, Phil’s son Willie is speaking out to reveal that his father lost all his memories to Alzheimer’s before his death.
‘Alzheimer’s Is Brutal’
“Alzheimer’s is brutal,” said Willie, 53. “He told me, ‘I don’t have one single memory.'”
Willie went on to say that despite this, the entire Robertson family still treasured the moments they got to spend with Phil in the final months of his life.
“Phil told my mom (known as ‘Miss Kay’ Robertson) that he loved her every time he saw her and I think he hugged me more in the last six months of his life than he did in all the years before that,” Willie continued. “So there was also some sweetness.”
Willie then said that Phil’s declining health helped prepare his family for his death.
“Because of how his final days were and his decline we knew he didn’t want to live like that, so we were ready and so was he,” Willie revealed.
Related: Willie Robertson Breaks Down Over Dad Phil Robertson’s Alzheimer’s Battle Before He Dies At 79
Willie Pays Tribute To Phil
Willie honored his father in a worship service before a screening of his family’s new reality show Duck Dynasty: The Revival, which premiered last Sunday night.
“When a parent passes aways you think about what they passed on to you,” Willie said at the service. “I learned so much from him.”
“I’m sad and I’m happy because he lived his life so much for the day he was going to leave,” he concluded.
Just two days before Phil passed away, Willie revealed that his father had been too sick to take part in the filming of Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
“He was unable to film,” Willie told Christian Post. “He’s not great. Alzheimer’s is kind of a cruel situation to go through. But there are glimpses we have, some good times and some moments with him, but it certainly has progressed. “
“We feel good about the life he’s lived, and he certainly does as well, and just the impact,” he continued. “Such a powerful voice. He did everything I think God wanted him to do on this Earth and he’ll be ready to move on, for sure.”
Related: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson’s Death Was ‘So Hard To Watch,’ His Family Reveals
Phil’s Death
Phil died on Sunday, May 25, 2025. It was Willie’s wife Korie, 51, who announced Phil’s death to the world that night.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie wrote on Instagram. “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.'”
“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,” she continued. “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.”
Phil was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. While it’s devastating that Alzheimer’s robbed Phil of his memories, we can all take comfort in knowing that he’s no longer suffering, and that he’s with God now.
Rest in peace, Phil Robertson.
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