How the Duck Dynasty Revival Will Honor Phil Robertson’s Legacy After His Passing
Duck Dynasty will honor Phil Robertson following the patriarch’s passing just days before the revival’s premiere.
Phil’s son, Willie Robertson, will open the A&E series on Sunday, June 1, reading from his laptop while seated in a living room chair.
“So ladies and gentlemen, start your engines,” Willie states, as reported. “Only one will earn the bandana, so let the games begin. What do you think, Phil?”
Phil is said to give his son a big thumbs up in response.
“Ah, that was awesome!” Willie responds, chuckling as the screen reportedly transitions to a black screen, showcasing an in-memoriam tribute to Phil with a photograph of the beloved patriarch.
One week prior to the return of Duck Dynasty, the Robertson family announced that Phil had passed away at the age of 79 after struggling with Alzheimer’s.
“Today we celebrate that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie Robertson shared in a statement on May 25. “He often reminded us of Paul’s words, ‘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.”
Korie continued: “Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been touched by his life saved by grace, his strong faith, and his eagerness to share the Good News of Jesus. We are thankful for his time on earth and will carry on his legacy of love for God and others until we meet again. We know many of you loved him and were impacted by his life.”
Phil’s diagnosis was first confirmed by his family in December 2024 after news emerged that A&E had commissioned Duck Dynasty: The Revival. The original series aired from 2012 to 2017, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of the Louisiana natives and their business, Duck Commander.
Alongside patriarch Phil and his wife, Kay Robertson, the original series featured Phil’s brother Si Robertson and his sons: Willie, Jep Robertson, and Jase Robertson.
Willie, 53, and his family—including wife Korie, daughter Sadie Robertson, and son John Luke Robertson—were also central to the show’s initial success. Duck Dynasty faced criticism in 2013 when Phil was briefly suspended due to controversial comments made in an interview with GQ.
Phil eventually returned, and after the show concluded, he led a series called In the Woods With Phil and hosted the “Unashamed With Phil Robertson” podcast.
Before Phil’s passing, Willie reflected on how the family was savoring the time they had left with him.
“I think it’s about giving and caring for the people you love the most, like family and grandkids,” Willie exclusively shared with Us Weekly in a May cover story. “Every moment now feels so special, like one Saturday we were fishing together, and I had everyone there, enjoying those small, simple moments.”
He added: “Many of us tend to overlook those moments. We forget how meaningful they are. It hits you when you see someone approaching the end of their life and unable to engage in conversation—those times become precious, and you just want to enjoy them, appreciate the little things, and avoid getting caught up in the chase for everything else that keeps us busy.”
Duck Dynasty: The Revival airs on A&E Sundays at 9 PM ET.
