Al Robertson, the oldest son of the Duck Dynasty family, is remembering his father, Phil Robertson, who passed away on May 25 after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
In a statement shared with CBN News, Al reflected on the deep impact his father had on his life—not only as a parent, but as a mentor and a partner in faith.
“Well, it has finally happened,” he wrote. “The man who raised me, trained me, disciplined me, accepted me, loved me, and walked beside me in sharing the Gospel of Jesus has left this life and crossed over to await the Great Resurrection.”
Instead of dwelling on grief, Al chose to focus on hope and faith.
“I feel joyful, and even relieved, that he no longer suffers from a terrible, mind-destroying disease known as Alzheimer’s,” he shared. “I’m humbled to carry on his legacy: reaching as many people as possible with the saving grace of Jesus Christ—His coming to earth, His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.”
Al also looked back with gratitude on the last ten years, when he and his father worked side by side on books, podcasts, and other ministry projects. He called those years “some of the most rewarding ministry experiences” of his life.
“I do not grieve like men with no hope,” he said. “And I don’t say goodbye—but ‘see you in a while.’ As he reminded me so often, especially in these last years: ‘Al, the resurrection looms larger every day for us all.’ Indeed it does, Dad. Indeed it does.”
Other members of the Robertson family have shared heartfelt tributes to Phil Robertson, remembering not just the man he was to them, but the faith that defined his life.
Sadie Robertson Huff, his granddaughter, recalled one of the last things he said to her: “Full strength ahead!” She described it as more than just words a charge to keep pressing on even in grief.
“It was his testimony that changed his life, our family’s life, and thousands of others,” Sadie wrote, pointing to her grandfather’s powerful transformation after overcoming alcoholism and surrendering to Christ. “Now he’s experiencing it in full fully alive in Christ. The new has come.”
Willie Robertson, Phil’s son and Sadie’s father, also reflected on his final moments with him.
“The last words he said to me as I leaned down over his weakened body were, ‘You’re my brother,’” Willie shared on Instagram. “It made perfect sense. He always told me we were coworkers in the Kingdom of God. Maybe that’s why I always just called him Phil.”
As the Robertsons grieve their loss, they are also celebrating the legacy Phil leaves behind. Their story continues with Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiering June 1 on A&E, where viewers will see how faith, family, and mission remain at the center of their lives.
The family asks for continued prayers as they walk through this season of both loss and hope.