WEST MONROE, La. — Phil Robertson, who turned his small duck calling curiosity within the sportsman’s paradise of northern Louisiana into a giant enterprise and conservative cultural phenomenon, died Sunday, based on his household. He was 79.
Robertson’s household introduced in December on their Unashamed With the Robertson Household podcast that the patriarch of the clan had Alzheimer’s illness. The assertion on social media from Robertson’s daughter-in-law didn’t point out how he died.
Phil Robertson skyrocketed to fame within the early 2010s when the A&E community created a actuality present, offered like a sitcom. It adopted the adventures of Robertson, his three sons — together with Willie, who runs the household’s Duck Commander firm, their wives and a bunch of different kinfolk and buddies.
Phil Robertson and his boys have been instantly recognizable by their lengthy beards and their conservative, Christian and family-oriented beliefs.
That bought Robertson into bother, too. He informed {a magazine} reporter in 2013 that homosexual persons are sinners and African Individuals have been glad underneath Jim Crow legal guidelines.
A&E suspended him from “Duck Dynasty” however reversed course in just a few weeks after a backlash that included Sarah Palin.
On the time, Robertson’s household known as his feedback coarse, however stated his beliefs have been grounded within the Bible and he “is a Godly man.” Additionally they stated that “as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.”
A lifelong Louisiana man
Robertson was born in north Louisiana and spent his life within the woods and lakes that make up the area known as Sportsman’s Paradise.
Robertson performed soccer at Louisiana Tech and taught college. He additionally cherished to hunt and created a duck name within the early Nineteen Seventies that he stated replicated the precise sound of a duck.
The calls have been the centerpiece of the Duck Commander enterprise Robertson would develop right into a multimillion-dollar enterprise earlier than A&E got here calling.
The household simply didn’t promote outside and searching gear, however a way of life.
“The Robertsons face everything from beavers to business deals in their own special way — with a twist of downhome practicality and a sharp sense of humor,” A&E wrote in its promotion for “Duck Dynasty.”
Tributes pour in
Appreciations for Robertson appeared on social media shortly after this loss of life was introduced, largely from conservative politicians.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas wrote on X, “The great #PhilRobertson passed today. He loved Jesus & he was utterly fearless. One of my fondest memories was duck hunting with Phil — he was the best shot I ever met. And, in 2016, he recorded this amazing commercial for me. Rest in peace, my friend.”
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson — a man of deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family,” wrote Ben Carson, former Housing and City Growth Secretary, additionally on X. “I’ll never forget the time I spent with Phil and his wonderful family at their homestead in West Monroe, LA. We rode through the swamp stopping at his favorite duck blinds before being welcomed by Miss Kay with a warm, home-cooked meal, surrounded by their extended family and close friends.”
A&E shared their very own tribute to the “Duck Dynasty” X account, writing: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve.”
