Willie Robertson Reflects on His Father’s Final Words

Willie Robertson, known from “Duck Dynasty,” recently shared the last words of his father, Phil Robertson, who passed away in May at the age of 79. Phil, the founder of the Duck Commander hunting business and a central figure in the A&E reality series, had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for some time.

During an interview with TV Insider, Willie, now 53, remembered Phil’s final message. “Phil had been struggling with Alzheimer’s for a while,” he recalled. “It was certainly on our minds. It’s part of life.” He added that Phil spoke about his strong faith, telling the family, “Don’t cry at my funeral. I know where I’m going.”

Willie further reflected on his father’s impact, saying, “What a life he had.” He noted how many people reached out to share how Phil influenced them. “He would have wanted us to do exactly what we’re doing. It’s about faith, and our show reflects that.” He emphasized that while the show isn’t about preaching, its essence stems from family faith.

Phil Robertson’s health had declined significantly, which is why he couldn’t participate in the new series, “Duck Dynasty: Revival,” that premiered shortly before his death. The first episode included a homage to him, showcasing his presence through a clip where Willie asked viewers about Phil, and his father responded with a thumbs-up.

Willie’s wife, Corey, described Phil’s passing as “a little surreal.” She spoke about the importance of a special clip they filmed when Phil was unable to participate in the show. “This was his opportunity to pass the torch,” she said, highlighting Phil’s legacy of faith that the family strives to continue. “His motto was faith, family, and duck, in that order,” she added, indicating how that guiding principle definitely resonates through their lives.

The family reflected on how they have coped with their loss. Willie mentioned a mixture of sadness and happiness about his father’s beliefs and where he believed he was headed, as well as the countless messages of support they received from fans. “It’s tragic to see him suffer,” he said, “but we were ready for this, and it feels more joyful than anything.” Corey reiterated their focus on funny stories and cherished memories, sharing how they are committed to carrying on Phil’s legacy.

Phil, who struggled with alcoholism early in his life, found redemption through faith, which transformed both him and his family. Married for decades to Kay, they raised four sons, including Willie, and brought forth a legacy that continues to thrive through the Duck Commander business and their television work.