Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander and a prominent figure of the reality series “Duck Dynasty,” died Sunday at the age of 79, according to a family statement.

Known for his devout faith, outdoor lifestyle, and influence as a conservative cultural figure, Robertson passed away months after his Alzheimer's diagnosis was made public, the Associated Press reported.

Robertson became a household name in the early 2010s when the reality television show “Duck Dynasty” aired on A&E. The show chronicled the humorous and at times heartwarming lives of the Robertson family as they ran the Duck Commander hunting business based in northern Louisiana.

His family announced his death Sunday in a statement shared by his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson. While no official cause of death has been revealed, it follows his Alzheimer's diagnosis shared in December on the family's “Unashamed With the Robertson Family” podcast.

Robertson was born and raised in northern Louisiana, where he spent most of his life surrounded by nature. A lifelong outdoorsman, he turned his passion into a business in the early 1970s, inventing a duck call he claimed mimicked the real sound of ducks.

From Outdoorsman to Reality TV Star

This invention led to the founding of Duck Commander, which soon grew into a multimillion-dollar outdoor brand. Decades later, the company became the centerpiece of “Duck Dynasty,” with Phil at its helm as the bearded patriarch.

The show premiered in 2012 and quickly rose in popularity, blending reality television with family-centered sitcom-style storytelling. Audiences tuned in to follow Phil, his sons—including CEO Willie Robertson, their wives, and extended relatives as they balanced faith, business, and southern life.

What set “Duck Dynasty” apart was its focus on faith, family dinners, and traditional values, usually ending each episode with a prayer. The family’s Christian beliefs and distinct personalities made them stand out in the reality television landscape.

National Spotlight and Controversy

In 2013, Robertson came under intense national scrutiny after making controversial remarks in a magazine interview. He referred to homosexuality as sinful and made statements suggesting African Americans were content during the Jim Crow era.

Following widespread backlash, A&E suspended Robertson from the show. However, the network reversed its decision weeks later after supporters, including Sarah Palin, rallied behind him, citing freedom of religious speech.

His family firmly defended him at the time, portraying him as a man of strong biblical beliefs. They stated they could not envision the program continuing without his presence, and his suspension was short-lived.

Faith and Personal Life Remembered

Robertson's impact extended well beyond television. He was widely regarded by fans and fellow conservatives as a fearless advocate of Christian values and an emblem of self-reliant, rural America.

Korie Robertson thanked supporters in a social media post following his death, writing, “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 added that the family was “grateful for his life on earth” and vowed to carry on his legacy of “love for God and love for others” into the future, expressing their hope of seeing him again in heaven.

Tributes From Friends and Public Figures

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas paid tribute to Robertson on social media, reflecting on a hunting trip they shared and calling him “utterly fearless.” He described Phil as “the best shot I ever met,” recalling their collaboration on a political ad during the 2016 campaign.

Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, also honored Robertson. He remembered visiting the Robertson homestead in West Monroe, Louisiana, and sharing a warm family meal with Phil and his wife, Miss Kay.

Carson described Robertson as a man of “deep faith, bold conviction, and unwavering love for his family,” noting the deep impression the visit left on him. His statement showcased the personal warmth often hidden behind Phil’s rugged public persona.

A Legacy Rooted in Family and Faith

A&E, the network that aired “Duck Dynasty,” also posted a tribute via the show’s official social media, describing Robertson as “a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family.”

They offered their “deepest condolences” and asked for respect for the family’s privacy as they grieved. The show aired for 11 seasons before concluding its run in 2017, but its legacy and fan base have remained strong.

Phil Robertson’s influence lives on through his family, company, television legacy, and the millions who admired his devotion to his beliefs and way of life rooted in faith and nature.