Phil Robertson, "Duck Dynasty" star, dies at age 79
Phil Robertson, who rose to fame as the patriarch of the Robertson family on the hit reality show "Duck Dynasty," has died, his family announced. He was 79.
"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," his family wrote on social media. "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."
A cause of death was not immediately given. Jase Roberton, one of Phil Robertson's sons, revealed on the family's podcast in December that his father was in the "early stages" of Alzheimer's disease.
Jase Robertson wrote on social media Sunday, "He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!"
Phil Robertson's granddaughter, Sadie Robertson Huff, wrote on Instagram, "One of the last things he said to me was 'full strength ahead!' Amen!"
Phil Robertson was a high school quarterback who would go on to play at Louisiana Tech, notably starting ahead of future four-time Super Bowl winner and Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw in both 1966 and 1967.
Phil Robertson would go on to create and patent the Duck Commander duck call, which also became the name of the company he incorporated in the early 1970s. In addition to duck calls, the company expanded into selling a variety of other products under other brand names, such as fishing equipment, deer calls and even truck accessories. Phil Robertson's son, Willie Robertson, currently serves as the company's CEO.
The A&E reality series "Duck Dynasty, which ran from 2012-2017, followed the lives of the members of the Robertson family, shooting them to fame.
Phil Robertson was briefly suspended by the network in 2013 when, in an interview with GQ magazine, he said homosexuality was "sinful" and mentioned it in connection with bestiality. A&E ultimately relented and ended his suspension without any episodes of the show being affected.
Phil Robertson and his family were outspoken conservatives. Phil Robertson initially backed Ted Cruz in the 2016 Republican primary, but eventually said he would support President Trump once he secured the party's nomination. Phil Robertson also backed Mr. Trump over former President Biden in 2020.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
31 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Versatile Jerar Encarnación returns to Giants after March surgery on his broken left hand
SAN FRANCISCO — Bob Melvin has been waiting for the chance to write Jerar Encarnación's name into San Francisco's lineup. The versatile Encarnación came off the 60-day injured list Monday and was available for the opener of a four-game series with the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park, though not yet in the starting lineup. Melvin hopes that he could start Tuesday — whether that's at first base or in right field.
Associated Press
33 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Versatile Jerar Encarnación returns to Giants after March surgery on his broken left hand
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bob Melvin has been waiting for the chance to write Jerar Encarnación's name into San Francisco's lineup. The versatile Encarnación came off the 60-day injured list Monday and was available for the opener of a four-game series with the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park, though not yet in the starting lineup. Melvin hopes that he could start Tuesday — whether that's at first base or in right field. Encarnación underwent surgery in March on his broken left hand after he was injured trying to make a diving catch during spring training. He batted .302 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in Cactus League play after hitting .248 with five home runs and 19 RBIs in 113 at-bats last year. 'We know he can give us some power and he's got power to all fields,' Melvin said. 'We saw it at the end of last year, we saw it in spring training. When we were about to leave spring training there were going to be a lot of at-bats for him.' The Giants could use a big boost at the plate, and Encarnación hopes to deliver. 'I'm just going to do what I'm able to do to contribute to the team,' said Encarnación, a Dominican Republic native who made his major league debut with Miami in 2022 and joined the Giants as a free agent last May. The Giants optioned outfielder Luis Matos to Triple-A Sacramento so he can further develop and play regularly. San Francisco returned home having dropped five of nine games on its road trip to Washington, Detroit and Miami. The Giants entered Monday having scored only 30 runs over their last 14 games — the club's fewest in such a stretch since being limited to 28 runs from June 20-July 5, 2013. 'That's the good thing about him is he can play multiple positions, he can pinch hit,' Melvin said. 'It's nice to have him back. Spring training we were talking about how impactful he was going to be. He was having a great spring and next thing you know he's out for a while. He feels good at the plate, he hit some home runs the last couple days, he's ready to go.' Encarnación has been eager to rejoin the Giants, but embraced his faith and that it took the time it did for him to fully recover and come back. He missed the first 59 games, then made seven rehab appearances with Triple-A Sacramento last week, playing three games at first base, starting two as designated hitter and two more in right field. 'I'm so happy and content that I'm here,' he said, before adding with a smile a few minutes later that he's 'great, muy bueno.' ___ AP MLB:
CBS News
44 minutes ago
- CBS News
Hundreds line up for "Survivor" casting call at Cache Creek, hopeful to earn a spot on the CBS hit show
BROOKS — CBS Sacramento and Cache Creek Casino Resort teamed up to host a casting call for the hit CBS show "Survivor" on Monday, June 2, at the casino. More than 300 people lined up, some as early as 1 a.m. Monday, before the doors opened at 9 a.m. Those braving the long line were hopeful of catching the attention of the reality competition show's producers and being cast. "We got here at 3:40 in the morning, hence my friends and I are numbers 3, 4 and 5," said Eddie Lopez, who came in to audition from San Francisco. "I've tried out more than once, I've sent videos in, went to several tryouts. For me, it wouldn't be for the million dollars, it would be to be on Survivor." For some of the first in line, first impressions make a difference. All contestants were tasked with taping a video audition live that would be viewed by CBS producers. If they are interested in choosing someone from this casting call, the show will contact the contestant. "Survivor is my dream. It would mean everything, the world to me. I don't care about the money, I just want to play," said Caitlin Gariealdi of El Cerrito. Everyone in line had a different reason for wanting to shoot their shot at making the show. "It would feel like a fun adventure," said Vincent Traverso of Napa. "I've been watching since the first season. I remember it had a dramatic impact on me at that time in 2000." Bridgit Moore of Modesto says she also has been a fan of "Survivor" since its start. "Ever since I've watched the show, I've thought, 'I could do that challenge,' " said Moore. "Being a part of the show would be a dream come true." Each contestant had one shot to stand out in their video audition. For Mary Hill of Spring, Texas, she showed up in an outfit with "Survivor" host Jeff Probst's face on it and prepared a song she wrote for her audition. "Oh my god, if I make it, I'm going kiss the ground in Fiji. And I promise you I will do the best," said Hill. This year marks Hill's 20th year trying out for "Survivor." She's travelled to auditions all across the country and made lifelong friends along the way with other show cast hopefuls. "I have been trying, people are like, 'Why don't you quit? They haven't picked you.' I said, 'This is what I want to do for myself. I don't want the million dollars. I would play it for free,' " said Hill, a lifelong nurse. Mike Baker of Folsom showed up to the audition with his own brain surgery survivor in tow as inspiration: his daughter, who has cerebral palsy. Baker says he has something to prove to her. "Show her the ways, show her how you can accomplish anything," said Baker. "She is the light of our lives, she can do anything." Hundreds are now hoping they will be the lucky one to get the call of a lifetime following Monday's audition. West Sacramento's own Joe Hunter, a local fire captain, was a finalist on the last season of "Survivor." Hunter will be returning for the show's 50th season.
