Phil Robertson

Biography

Phil Alexander Robertson (April 24, 1946 — May 25, 2025) was an American professional hunter, businessman (founder of the Duck Commander company), and reality television star on the popular television series Duck Dynasty. He was also featured on the television show Duck Commander, a hunting program on the Outdoor Channel, and served as patriarch of the Duck Dynasty Robertson family. Robertson and Marsha "Miss Kay" Carroway began dating in 1964 as "high school sweethearts." The couple was married in 1966. Despite early troubles in their marriage due to Robertson's "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle," a 2013 editorial published by Yahoo TV correspondent Kelly Woo described the Robertsons' union as a "long-standing, rock-solid marriage." Their first son, Alan, was born while they were attending college. Robertson attended Louisiana Tech University, where he played football. He received a master's degree in education and spent several years teaching prior to founding Duck Commander, a hunting equipment company. Robertson was a devout Christian, a member of and elder at the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, and was outspoken about his beliefs. He had various personal problems in his 20s including excessive alcohol drinking, causing a separation in the marriage for a period and he credited a subsequent religious awakening for his having been able to overcome the problems. Robertson opposed abortion and called it a violation of the Declaration of Independence. He frequently spoke on the issue during public appearances. In 2013, alongside joint author Mark Schlabach, Robertson published a memoir titled Happy, Happy, Happy. He became the subject of controversy after a 2013 interview he did with GQ magazine, where he said that homosexual behavior was sinful. As a result, A&E suspended him from Duck Dynasty. Facing a strong backlash from his supporters, the suspension was lifted after nine days. Robertson died at the age of 79 on May 25, 2025. No cause was announced but it is known Robertson suffered health issues, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2024.