logo
Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty' Patriarch, Dies at 79

Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty' Patriarch, Dies at 79

Yahoo26-05-2025

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of TV's 'Duck Dynasty' reality show, has died. He was 79.
In December, Robertson's family said on the 'Unashamed With the Robertson Family' that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
More from Variety
'Duck Dynasty' Revival Lands at A&E With 20 Episode, Two-Season Order
'Duck Dynasty' Producers Reach Settlement With ITV Studios
ITV Vs. 'Duck Dynasty' Producers: Judge Cites 'Ambush' But ITV Wins Management Rights Appeal
His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson posted the news to Facebook Sunday, writing, 'We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. He reminded us often of the words of Paul, 'you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.'
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. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.
We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We're having a private service for now, but we'll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.'
'Duck Dynasty' aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017.
more to come…
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz
Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Billy Joel's ex-wife Elizabeth Weber speaks out after his brain disorder diagnosis
Billy Joel's ex-wife Elizabeth Weber speaks out after his brain disorder diagnosis

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Billy Joel's ex-wife Elizabeth Weber speaks out after his brain disorder diagnosis

Billy Joel's first ex-wife, Elizabeth Weber, has broken her silence following the iconic musician's shocking brain disorder diagnosis. The 'Uptown Girl' hitmaker, who was married to Weber from 1973 to 1982, revealed last month that he was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Following the diagnosis, Weber reflected on the pair's ill-fated marriage — saying that she always knew the so-called Piano Man would become a star. 'He's worked so hard all of his life,' Weber told E! News at the Tribeca Festival premiere of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' in NYC on Wednesday. 'I've never known anybody who worked harder than he did in all those years we were together and working together.' While the 5-time Grammy winner, 76, wasn't in attendance at the glitzy premiere, his wife Alexis Roderick Joel, 43, was there in his place. 'I just want him to be restored to good health so he can enjoy his life and his wife and his children. He earned that,' Weber said of her ex-husband. 'The restoration of his good health is all I really care about.' Although their union crumbled after just seven years, Weber told the outlet that she still admires his work deeply, to the point where she finds it difficult to choose a favorite track. 'There's too many of them, and they're all marvelous,' she said. 'Someone can be in the audience and look at him and say, 'That could be me.'' 'Not everybody can be an unnamed pianist who sings, but everyone thinks that they could do that or be that,' she added. The 'New York State of Mind' musician canceled all his tour dates through next year after he announced his diagnosis. The rare disorder, which reportedly affects about 0.2% of people between the ages of 70 and 80, occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the skull, presses on the brain and disrupts cognitive functioning. 'Billy Joel has announced that he will be cancelling all scheduled concerts following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH),' the 'Only the Good Die Young' crooner's team said in a lengthy Instagram announcement on May 23. 'This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,' it continued. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.' 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience,' his team added, 'and thank you for understanding.' Following the news, his wife Alexis broke her silence on the diagnosis, thanking fans for the 'outpouring of love and support.' 'We are so grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received,' she wrote on Instagram. 'Bill is beloved by so many, and to us, he is a father and husband who is at the center of our world. We are hopeful for his recovery. We look forward to seeing you all in the future.' Earlier this week, Howard Stern shared a positive update on his longtime pal's well-being. During an episode of SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show' Tuesday, the 71-year-old shock jock insisted that the crooner is 'not dying.' 'I saw Billy Joel two weeks ago,' he told co-host Robin Quivers. 'We had dinner together.' 'Yeah, he does have issues,' Stern continued. 'But he said, 'Yeah, you can tell people, you know, I'm not dying.' You know, he wants people to know that. He just, he's gotta deal with some medical stuff, but he was delightful.'

Hoda Kotb reveals who she wants to replace her on 'Today' fourth hour
Hoda Kotb reveals who she wants to replace her on 'Today' fourth hour

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • USA Today

Hoda Kotb reveals who she wants to replace her on 'Today' fourth hour

Hoda Kotb reveals who she wants to replace her on 'Today' fourth hour Show Caption Hide Caption Watch Hoda Kotb's 'Today' announcement, Jenna Bush Hager's response Hoda Kotb revealed that she's leaving the "Today" show in early 2025. Later in the morning, Jenna Bush Hager reacted on set. Hoda Kotb is revealing who she thinks should replace her on the fourth hour of the "Today" show. The former "Hoda and Jenna" cohost left the NBC morning franchise's main anchor desk and fourth hour in January to launch new wellness venture Joy 101, but she still has opinions to offer about who should sit next to Jenna Bush Hager. Kotb told "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen that "anybody would be so lucky, but to me, the contenders are Savannah, I think she would be great; I think Justin Sylvester is amazing" in reference to the E! News host and frequent "Today" fourth hour guest. Hoda Kotb returns to host 'Today' with Jenna Bush Hager: What to know "Scarlett Johansson crushed it, she said it was her favorite job," Kotb added, although she and Cohen agreed that the Oscar winner is unlikely to join the show full-time. The mom of two continued by saying that "Las Culturistas" comedian "Matt Rogers is great" and "also our dear friend Sheinelle Jones, who is going through a horrible time, but I think she would be good." However, Kotb insisted that "I feel like it's whoever clicks great with Jenna." The NBC morning show's loyal fans have floated Jones as a replacement, but the third hour star has been absent for months during the health battle of her late husband, Uche Ojeh. On May 23, "Today" show anchors announced on air that Ojeh died from an aggressive form of brain cancer at 45. "With profound sadness, we share this morning that Uche Ojeh, the husband of our friend and 'Today' co-host Sheinelle Jones, has passed away after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma," Savannah Guthrie said on the "Today" show.

‘Big Bang Theory' star Kunal Nayyar gets candid on if he'd be open to a reboot
‘Big Bang Theory' star Kunal Nayyar gets candid on if he'd be open to a reboot

New York Post

time2 hours ago

  • New York Post

‘Big Bang Theory' star Kunal Nayyar gets candid on if he'd be open to a reboot

We'd love to put this plan into motion. After starring as astrophysicist Raj in 'The Big Bang Theory' for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019, Kunal Nayyar would love to get the gang back together. But, it might be too soon to be shouting 'Bazinga!' just yet. 12 Kunal Nayyar attends the 'South Asians at the Oscars' Pre-Oscars Party. Getty Images for A-Game Public Relations 'First of all, I would be game because I'd love to spend more time with people who are my family,' Nayyar, 44. 'But look, we only ended in 2019. I'm not sure you're legally allowed to have a reunion. What? Six years after the show ends!' 'I think that would obviously have to mature a little bit,' the 'A.J. Fikry' alum continued. 'Even though the show ended in 2019, it's still on every single day, so it feels like even though the show is over, it's still on. So I think some time would have to pass, and hopefully, if I'm not too old to wear a t-shirt or a sweater vest, yes, I would love to come back on.' The CBS sitcom followed a group of best friends and roommates and also starred Kaley Cuoco as Penny, Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper, Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter, Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz, and Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler. 12 Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg on 'The Big Bang Theory.' ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection When the show went off air, fans weren't completely out of the 'Big Bang' universe, as the spinoff 'Young Sheldon' started in 2017, which followed Sheldon Cooper growing up in East Texas. 'There is an entire generation of people who are watching 'Young Sheldon' for the first time, and then they realize there is an entire 12 years of a show after 'Young Sheldon,' so it's the greatest gift,' Nayyar gushed, 'and it was one of the greatest periods of our life, and we are all so lucky to have lived it.' If the network were to get the cast back together for one more hoorah, the actor knows exactly what the close-knit friend group would be up to. 12 Beth Behrs, Kunal Nayyar on 'Big Bang Theory.' ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection 'I think we would just be sitting on the couch eating Chinese food like we always have. That's the family, and the family always stays together,' the actor told The Post. Looking back at his time on set, the comedian admitted that it was hard to stay in character while dealing with a room full of hilarious stars. And one funny man, in particular, is to blame. 'You know, Simon Helberg, who played Wolowitz, is still the funniest human to have ever lived,' Nayyar stated. 'Any time I'm in a scene with him, he would just do something that would set me off. I'm not sure I was pissing them off, but we show up in front of a live audience. You have to get it right. You can't mess around. I was quite embarrassed because I would always break, and I would wait for the camera to turn to the other actor, and then I would break and come back.' 12 Nathan Fillion, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar on the CBS sitcom. ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection 'But I was terrible so I'm apologizing to everyone,' he added. 'We were very lucky to have a really loving and happy set for 12 years.' These days, the 'Criminal: UK' star is still in touch with 'everyone,' explaining that their bond is one for the books. 'You can't go through a run like that without being [close],' confessed Nayyar. 'I spent more time with them than I did with my actual family. So I'm in touch with everyone. We are all still very close.' 12 'The Big Bang Theory.' ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection Although, don't expect this cast to have a text chain. 'It's individual text,' Nayyar teased, 'I have like 70 family group chats, so no more group chats!' Over the years, the tech creator has taken on a variety of roles but has one genre in mind that he'd be open to exploring next. 'I would love to do true crime detective, badass kind of work,' revealed Nayyar. 'Just to explore that world, obviously, because I played one specific character on television for so long. I did a TV show on Netflix called 'Criminal: UK.' I got nominated for a BAFTA for that. I did a show for Apple called 'Suspicion.' I did a movie called 'A.J. Fikry.' Predominantly, mostly dramatic work, but it's something different and nice to explore.' 12 Laura Spencer, Kunal Nayyar in 'The Big Bang Theory.' ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection Nayyar also shared who his dream co-star would be, although he couldn't pick just one. 'If Philip Seymour Hoffman were alive, he'd be my greatest guest star of all time,' Nayyar detailed. 'I love Jeffrey Wright, Tom Hanks, all the classic actors who I really, really look up to. I would love to work opposite of.' Along with being a seasoned actor, Nayyar is proving he's more like his on-screen character than some may think, having created the new app IQ121 (pronounced IQ One-Two-One). 'I think all of us actors will admit that we bring aspects of our personality to all the characters we play,' Nayyar said about playing Raj. 'If that means a part of me is nerdy, I am happy to accept it.' 12 Kunal Nayyar's new app designed to help individuals, families and professionals organize, manage and safely store essential life documents and digital assets. 12 Kunal Nayyer in season 2 of 'Criminal: UK.' ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection 12 Kunal Nayyar in 'Criminal: UK.' ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection 'Biggest similarities, there are quite a few, obviously,' he expanded. 'Obviously, we are very different in real life. I have no issues talking to women. I've been married a long time now, but there are a lot of similarities. I am obsessed with 'Star Wars,' I am a big comic book nerd; there are many ways in which we are similar, and of course, there are many ways in which we are different.' When it comes to putting his all into this work, as long as their is a creative outlet involved that he's passionate about – Nayyar is all in. 'I don't really differentiate between creating an app or acting – for me, it's all a creative process,' he shared. 'I love the idea of creating this app, and I love the idea of being on set and shooting a movie or shooting a TV series, so I don't think there is one or another. I feel, in my heart, I am going to do it with the purest energy I can.' 12 Kunal Nayyar in 'The Storied Life of AJ Fikry.' Vertical Entertainment 12 Kunal Nayyar. Vertical Entertainment Nayyar's new app, meanwhile, was created while he was on a flight from London to Los Angeles, thinking of all the info he needed to get his parents before he booked their trip. 'IQ121 was actually born because I live between Los Angeles, London and New Delhi, and I have family scattered all over the world,' he explained. 'And every time I needed to book a flight for my parents to come visit me, it's like, 'Can you please scan your passport? Can I get your license? I've got to fill this out. So, I was like, why don't we have one place, a digital storehouse for the family, where we can create a place that is safe and encrypted for us to share sensitive documents.' In this day and age of technology, it's more important than ever to have a safe and easy space to access and share documents, as well as pictures and personal information. 12 Kunal Nayyar attends the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of 'Gladiator II.' Getty Images for Paramount Pictures 'That is sort of how this came together,' he added. 'For me, it was more out of a necessity. I was like we need to create something so families scattered all over the world [can access it]. This is exactly why I created this and why it's very important for our times.' Nayyar hopes users will use IQ121 for years to come for a multitude of reasons. 'It's not just a digital storehouse for sensitive, familial documents; it's also a place [where] you can upload photographs and memories. I hope ultimately it becomes a digital file you can then hand down to generations in the family.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store