The Robertson family, beloved stars of Duck Dynasty, are facing a deeply emotional and trying chapter in their lives as patriarch Phil Robertson grapples with worsening Alzheimer’s disease. In a somber update shared during an April 3rd podcast episode, son Jase Robertson offered a raw, honest glimpse into his parents’ declining health and the burden the family now carries.
“Tell You the Truth, It Hasn’t Been Good”
Known for their unfiltered authenticity and unwavering Christian faith, the Robertsons are not sugarcoating the truth. Jase didn’t mince words: “I’m just giving the blunt truth. I’ll say ‘not good.’” While 78-year-old Phil battles the cognitive toll of Alzheimer’s, 77-year-old matriarch Miss Kay is slowly recovering from a severe fall and subsequent infection.
“We’re making them comfortable and doing the best we can,” Jase said, highlighting the quiet resilience the family has leaned on for decades. “That’s just what you do.”
Kay Robertson’s Hospitalization: “It Seemed Close There”
According to Jase, Miss Kay’s health took a frightening turn in February when a fall resulted in a deep cut that became infected. “It was a horror show,” he recalled, detailing the moment he received the devastating news just before stepping on stage at a public event.
“She’s still in the hospital, but more for rehab now,” he noted. “We were kinda dealing with the fact that maybe this is it.” Despite those fears, Kay’s recovery has shown signs of progress, giving the family a glimmer of hope in an otherwise heavy season.
Phil’s Condition Worsens — Revival Without Him
While fans have eagerly awaited Duck Dynasty: The Revival, expected later this summer, Phil Robertson—arguably the most iconic figure in the series—won’t be part of it due to his deteriorating condition. It’s a painful realization for long-time viewers who came to admire his rough-hewn wisdom, unwavering convictions, and bold gospel witness.
Phil’s declining health comes after decades of faith-driven service, from transforming his once-destructive life to becoming a national symbol of unapologetic Christian values. “From darkness to light,” he once told the 700 Club, describing his dramatic conversion in the 1970s after nearly losing his marriage and family.
A Life of Redemption and Resolve
Phil’s candid reflection on his past—marked by sex, drugs, and self-destruction—is a powerful testimony of transformation. “You can only run sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll so far,” he said in 2013. “I’ve repented, and I’m trying to get my generation to do the same thing.”
He has since spent his life preaching the gospel, confronting cultural decay, and standing for what he believes is moral truth, no matter the cost. “All of the diseases that go with immorality, all of that stuff came out of my generation,” he warned. “I’m trying to make amends.”
Final Leg of the Journey
Now, as the man who helped lead millions to faith approaches what appears to be the final stretch of his earthly race, the Robertson family is rallying together—guided by the same faith, love, and commitment to truth that made them household names.
Phil’s legacy will be remembered not only for duck calls and television ratings, but for his steadfast dedication to God’s Word, his family, and his country.
A Call for Prayer
At a time when so many in the world are searching for purpose, Phil’s life reminds us that redemption is always possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil, Kay, and the entire Robertson family as they navigate this painful season with grace, dignity, and faith.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
