Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiered on A&E on Sunday night. Sadly, this came one week after the death of Phil Robertson, who passed away at the age of 79 on May 25 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Though Duck Dynasty: The Revival was filmed before Phil’s death, his health had declined to the point where he could not appear on the reality show with the rest of his family. In the premiere episode, Phil’s son Willie, 53, could not help but become emotional as he discussed his father’s grueling health battle.
Willie Breaks Down Over Phil’s Health
“Willie’s dad was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s and it’s been a struggle for all of us,” Willie’s wife Korie, 51, explained in a confessional. “I know he wouldn’t want to admit it, but I definitely think it’s affected Willie and it’s just made him think really hard about his own legacy.”
As they made dinner for their family, Korie decided to approach her husband about Phil.
“I think maybe you’ve been going through a few things right now because we’re in that middle place of taking care of aging parents and taking care of kids and grandkids still,” she said.
Indeed, Willie and Korie have six children and eight grandchildren.
“I know it’s not very Robertson to talk about your feelings, but you can talk about your feelings,” she continued.
Willie reacted to this by breaking down, wiping tears from his eyes as he tried to compose himself.
“You’ve got so much on your plate,” Korie said as she comforted him.
In typical Robertson fashion, Willie humorously attempted to attribute his tears to something else entirely.
“Those are the strongest onions,” he quipped, pointing out that he had been chopping the vegetables at the time. “They’re burning the crap out of my eyes.”
We’ve all had moments when we’d like to blame chopping onions for our tears. However, nobody can blame Willie for becoming emotional about the health battle that would ultimately claim his father’s life.
Phil Passes Away
It was Korie who announced Phil’s death to the world hours after his passing.
“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.”
Related: ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson’s Death Was ‘So Hard To Watch,’ His Family Reveals
Phil Was ‘Unable To Film’ Duck Dynasty: The Revival
Just two days before Phil died, Willie confirmed that his father would not be appearing on 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.”
Find out more about Phil’s unwavering Christian faith in the video below.
The Robertson family revealed Phil’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the world in December of 2024. It appears that he had an aggressive form of the disease that progressed rapidly.
While it’s devastating that Phil is no longer with us, we can all find comfort in knowing that he is with God now. Please join us in saying a prayer for Willie, Korie, and the rest of the Robertson family during this incredibly tragic time.
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