Duck Dynasty star has 'unbelievable' health comeback... two months after death of 'soulmate' Phil Robertson
The TV personality, 77, was 'depressed' after her partner of 60 years passed away on May 20 at the age of 79 due to a battle with Alzheimer's.
Last month in June, her son Willie revealed that she was 'not in the best of health' as she mourned the loss of her husband and Duck Dynasty monarch.
However, he recently joined wife Korie to offer a positive update on his mother during an interview with Fox News Digital published on Wednesday.
'She is doing so much better. It's unbelievable how she made the turn. I think she was just really kind of depressed after Phil passed away,' Willie told the outlet.
'You know, you've been with somebody for 60 years, over 60 years, so just losing her soulmate and she is getting older.'
Willie added that his mother had been 'struggling' with Phil's death but has since 'bounced back, and she just went to church. I think she's going out of town this weekend. She's traveling more. She's on our show.'
Korie also expressed how Miss Kay made an appearance on the Duck Call Room podcast this month as 'a proof of life video.'
She further said that Kay has 'been with us for a few things that we've been filming this week. So that's been really special.
'And, you know, that's a special part about our show. We feel like it's just getting to do it with our family and getting to spend that time together.'
Willie also reflected on his father's passing and stated, 'We were just happy knowing that he's gone on to be with the Lord, and he was so secure in that.
'That's pretty much all he talked about his whole life was whenever it ended, the faith and hope that he had.
'Also with Alzheimer's - the bad part is you have to watch them go down, but I think it does prepare you and I think she may have been even in denial, you know, like that it was actually gonna happen.'
Willie explained that Kay 'just had to deal with it' but 'stuck close to the family.'
The reality star continued, 'We were all there and all around her, and she was with different family members and just took care of her friends and the relationships she had.'
He then expressed gratitude that his mother is able to have 'brighter days' but admitted not having his father around has left 'a big void.'
'And I know them two were so together in pretty much everything that they did, so I know it was hard for her.'
Last month in June shortly after Phil's death, Willie candidly shared to USA Today Network that Kay was 'not in the best of health' and loved ones are 'trying to help her out as much as we can.'
And in April before her husband's death, Jase Robertson had also opened up about Kay's health on an episode of the Unashamed With The Robertson Family podcast.
'She got an infection from a fall from a cut that had happened earlier,' he said at the time. 'We were dealing with the fact that maybe this is it.'
Earlier this month, Kay made a surprise appearance on the Duck Call Room podcast where she said, 'I'm tired of being dead.'
Al Robertson - who was also on the episode - opened up about false AI reports about his mother's and Si Robertson's deaths.
'Tales of your demise have been greatly exaggerated, 'cause you're here today. So this is the proof of life video,' he said.
They also reflected on Phil's passing, with Al saying, 'Obviously this was an hard deal for all of us, but it was especially hard for Mom.'
He then brought up the moment when Kay went back to church for the first time since her husband's death - and how she had shocked how others told her how well she looked.
'She said, "I'm tired of people saying how good I look. My husband just died. It's not like I'm back on the market."'
Al added, 'I was like, Mom, they're not saying, "Do you wanna date?" they're saying, "You look amazing."' But Kay chimed in with, 'Well, I thought I should look sad.'
Nearly two months earlier, Phil's family issued a statement on Facebook to announce Phil's death after a battle with Alzheimer's in his final months.
'We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,' Willie's daughter-in-law Korie had written.
'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.'
She then added, '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.'
In the months leading up to Phil's passing, both the late star and wife Kay had been residing at the same facility together, which Jase explained on the podcast.
'My dad's not doing great overall, and my mom is not doing great physically. She has to have pretty much 24/7 professional healthcare, but my dad, it's like .. he's been so much calmer since she came back.'
He continued, 'They're in a facility where there are other people, but they have their own little private room - it's great - and so, they're helping each other, so that's been positive.'
Other family members jumped to social media to pay tribute to Phil such as Willie and Jep Robertson, and the late star's granddaughter Sadie.
Sadie recently revealed the last words her grandfather had told her on Instagram and said: 'One of the last things he said to me was "full strength ahead!" Amen!'
It came after she also shared a Bible verse which read: 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV.'
The media personality continued, 'As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth - going from dead to alive by the power of Christ!
'It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
30 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Google Veo 3 : Unlock Precise Animation Control With Visual Instructions
What if you could bring your wildest creative visions to life with just a few strokes of a pen? Imagine sketching a simple arrow or symbol on an image and watching it transform into a dynamic, AI-powered animation. With the latest breakthrough in animation technology, Google Veo 3 introduces a feature so intuitive and powerful that it feels like unlocking a secret 'GOD MODE' for creators. By eliminating the need for complex text prompts, this tool bridges the gap between imagination and execution, empowering anyone—from seasoned animators to curious beginners—to craft stunning visuals with ease. It's not just a tool; it's a revolution in how we approach storytelling and design. In this overview, All About AI explores how Google Veo 3's visual instruction-based animation is reshaping the creative landscape. You'll discover how this feature simplifies workflows, enhances precision, and opens up endless possibilities for character animation, environmental simulations, and object interactions. Whether you're looking to create immersive short films, captivating social media content, or educational videos that engage and inspire, this tool offers a seamless way to bring your ideas to life. But the innovation doesn't stop there—paired with complementary tools like SUNO for custom music and 11 Labs for realistic sound effects, Google Veo 3 is redefining what's possible in AI-driven animation. So, how far can your creativity go when the boundaries are removed? Let's find out. Google Veo 3 Animation Update The core of this feature lies in its ability to interpret visual input. Instead of requiring detailed text-based prompts, you can draw arrows, symbols, or text directly onto the first frame of an image. The AI processes these visual cues to generate smooth and seamless animations. For example: Draw an arrow to indicate a direction, and the AI animates the object or character to move accordingly. Add symbols or text to suggest specific actions, and the AI translates them into dynamic sequences. Once the animation is complete, the visual instructions disappear, leaving behind a polished and professional result. This method not only simplifies the animation process but also enhances precision, making sure that your vision is accurately realized. Expanding Creative Possibilities Google Veo 3's capabilities open up a wide range of creative opportunities, making it a versatile tool for various applications. Here are some practical use cases: Character Animation: Bring characters to life by animating actions such as walking, running, or interacting with objects. For instance, a simple arrow can guide a character's movement across the screen, while symbols can indicate specific gestures or expressions. Bring characters to life by animating actions such as walking, running, or interacting with objects. For instance, a simple arrow can guide a character's movement across the screen, while symbols can indicate specific gestures or expressions. Environmental Simulation: Create vivid natural phenomena like flowing rivers, erupting volcanoes, or drifting clouds. Your drawn instructions can control the direction, speed, and intensity of these effects, adding depth and realism to your scenes. Create vivid natural phenomena like flowing rivers, erupting volcanoes, or drifting clouds. Your drawn instructions can control the direction, speed, and intensity of these effects, adding depth and realism to your scenes. Object Interaction: Design realistic interactions between objects, such as vehicles navigating a busy street or characters picking up and using items. The AI ensures smooth transitions and lifelike movements, enhancing the overall quality of your animations. These applications demonstrate the tool's versatility, making it suitable for professionals and hobbyists alike. Google Veo 3 Visual Instructions for Effortless Animations Watch this video on YouTube. Master AI animation generation with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Enhancing the Animation Workflow This feature is designed to simplify and enhance the animation process, making it more accessible to users of all skill levels. By replacing intricate text-based prompts with visual instructions, Google Veo 3 offers a more intuitive and user-friendly workflow. This approach: Reduces production time: Visual input allows you to create animations faster, minimizing the need for extensive revisions. Visual input allows you to create animations faster, minimizing the need for extensive revisions. Lowers the learning curve: Beginners can easily grasp the tool's functionality without prior experience in traditional animation software. Beginners can easily grasp the tool's functionality without prior experience in traditional animation software. Encourages creativity: The intuitive interface inspires users to experiment with new ideas and techniques, fostering innovation in animation design. By streamlining the workflow, this feature enables users to focus on their creative vision rather than technical complexities. Applications in Storytelling and Content Creation The potential of this feature extends beyond technical animation, offering significant benefits for storytelling and content creation. Dynamic visuals are essential for engaging audiences, and Google Veo 3 provides the tools to achieve this effectively. You can use it to: Create short films: Develop intricate character movements and environmental effects to tell compelling stories. Develop intricate character movements and environmental effects to tell compelling stories. Produce social media content: Design eye-catching animations that stand out in crowded feeds, helping your content gain visibility. Design eye-catching animations that stand out in crowded feeds, helping your content gain visibility. Develop educational videos: Use clear and visually engaging animations to explain complex concepts, making learning more interactive and enjoyable. This feature offers the flexibility to experiment with various scenarios, making sure that your content is both creative and impactful. Integration with Complementary Tools To further enhance your animations, Google Veo 3 seamlessly integrates with other AI-driven tools, allowing you to create high-quality, multi-sensory content. These integrations include: SUNO: Generate custom AI-driven music to complement your animations. Whether you need a dramatic score or a playful tune, SUNO helps set the tone and mood of your videos. Generate custom AI-driven music to complement your animations. Whether you need a dramatic score or a playful tune, SUNO helps set the tone and mood of your videos. 11 Labs: Add realistic sound effects to your animations. From environmental sounds to character actions, this tool ensures that your videos are immersive and engaging. These integrations allow you to produce professional-grade content with minimal effort, combining visuals, sound, and music into a cohesive and captivating experience. Fostering Creative Exploration Google Veo 3 encourages users to push the boundaries of their creativity, offering a platform to experiment with innovative ideas and techniques. You can explore: Complex scenarios: Animate intricate scenes, such as natural disasters, bustling cityscapes, or detailed character choreography. Animate intricate scenes, such as natural disasters, bustling cityscapes, or detailed character choreography. Dynamic effects: Experiment with elements like flashing lights, moving objects, or shifting perspectives to create visually stunning results. Experiment with elements like flashing lights, moving objects, or shifting perspectives to create visually stunning results. Unconventional ideas: Test unique concepts and discover new storytelling methods that captivate your audience. The AI's ability to interpret and execute visual instructions ensures that your creative vision is brought to life with precision and flair. Advancing AI Animation Technology Google Veo 3's innovative feature represents a significant advancement in AI animation technology. By prioritizing visual input over text-based instructions, it simplifies the animation process while expanding creative possibilities. Whether you are a seasoned animator or a novice content creator, this tool offers the flexibility and functionality to bring your ideas to life. Combined with integrations like SUNO and 11 Labs, it enables you to produce dynamic, high-quality videos that captivate and inspire. This feature not only redefines animation workflows but also sets a new standard for creativity and accessibility in AI-driven content creation. Media Credit: All About AI Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Guardian
31 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Born in the USA: Is American Eagle really using whiteness to sell jeans?
American Eagle is a US-founded fashion brand that sells jeans, shrunken 'baby' T-shirts and cropped sweatshirts to predominantly tween and teenage girls. On TikTok, users gush about their clothes in outfit-of-the-day posts or shopping hauls. This week, however, the brand found itself facing backlash over its new campaign, starring the 27-year-old White Lotus and Euphoria actor Sydney Sweeney, in which critics are alleging American Eagle uses the language of eugenics to try to sell denim. The campaign depicts Sweeney in a denim shirt and baggy jeans provocatively posing as a male voice says: 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.' In one now-viral clip, Sweeney is filmed pasting a campaign poster on to a billboard. The poster's text reads 'Sydney Sweeney has great genes jeans'. In another video that has since been removed from American Eagle's social media channels, Sweeney, who has blond hair and blue eyes, says: 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality, and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.' Critics were quick to point out the implications of the advert's wordplay. In one video that has had more than 3m views, a TikTok user compared it to 'fascist propaganda,' adding: 'a blonde haired, blue-eyed white woman is talking about her good genes, like, that is Nazi propaganda'. On the brand's own channels, users are battling it out in the comments section. 'It's giving 'Subtle 1930's Germany',' reads one. Another person posted: 'The woke crowd needs to leave the room.' Even the US senator Ted Cruz has weighed in. Reposting a news story on X, he commented: 'Wow. Now the crazy Left has come out against beautiful women. I'm sure that will poll well ...' According to Sophie Gilbert, a staff writer at the Atlantic and author of the book Girl on Girl which explores how pop culture is shaped by misogyny: 'The slogan 'Sydney Sweeney has good jeans' obviously winks at the obsession with eugenics that's so prevalent among the modern right.' Dr Sarah Cefai, a senior lecturer in gender and cultural studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, agrees. 'Honestly, what were they thinking, that a white supremacist fantasy has permission to be aired so conspicuously?' Aria Halliday, an associate professor in gender and women's studies, African American and Africana studies and author of Buy Black: How Black Women Transformed US Pop Culture, isn't surprised by the ad. In recent years, she says, 'we have seen an influx of media reasserting the beauty of thin, white, blond, and blue-eyed people,' with many brands 'invested in re-presenting the wholesomeness and sanctity of conservative white values.' Critics have also zeroed in on the campaign's focus on Sweeney's body. In one clip the camera zooms in on the actor's breasts – lingering in a way that Gilbert sees as 'leering and unapologetic' – as Sweeney says: 'My body's composition is determined by my jeans.' The camera then cuts back to Sweeney's face as she shouts: 'Hey, eyes up here!' For Cefai, 'its sexualisation of the viewer via its voyeurism exposes western sexism as a racialised fantasy of whiteness'. American Eagle were approached for comment by the Guardian but did not respond. Fashion campaigns are notorious for purposefully sparking controversy, but the denim genre is a particularly seedy seam. In a 1980s Calvin Klein campaign, a 15-year-old Brooke Shields mused: 'You know what gets between me and my Calvin's? Nothing.' In 1995, another Calvin Klein ad featured models including Kate Moss being filmed in a basement as they undid the top button of their jeans and were asked: 'Are you nervous?' It was criticised for alluding to child exploitation. The American Eagle campaign comes at a time when the US is witnessing a cultural shift centering whiteness as well as more conservative gender roles, while the Maga movement has been linked with promoting a 'soft eugenics' way of thinking. In 2025, there are new factors reinforcing old stereotypes. For Halliday, the rise of GLP-1 medications for weight loss and the record high unemployment of Black women in the US all feed into a wider cultural shift that is 'about recentering whiteness as what America is and who Americans look like.' Some fashion imagery is reflecting this wider regression. The blacklisted photographer Terry Richardson is shooting for magazines and brands again, while Dov Charney, whose role as CEO of American Apparel was terminated after allegations of sexual misconduct, is now making content for his new brand that resembles the heavily sexualised noughties style of his former brand's advertising. For American Eagle, a brand whose biggest demographic is 15- to 25-year-old females, to tailor their campaign to the male gaze seems retrograde, if not downright creepy. However, Jane Cunningham, co-author of Brandsplaining: Why Marketing is (Still) Sexist and How to Fix It, says many gen Z-ers who are fed a 'hypersexualised visual diet' on social media may buy into the strategy. 'Their attitude may be that they are 'owning' their sexuality by being overtly sexual in the way they present,' she says, pointing to the pop star Sabrina Carpenter as another example of someone who has also been accused of catering to the heterosexual male gaze. Sign up to Fashion Statement Style, with substance: what's really trending this week, a roundup of the best fashion journalism and your wardrobe dilemmas solved after newsletter promotion Halliday says that while 'Black girls are rarely the target audience for ads,' some may still be curious to try the jeans: 'the desire to be perceived as beautiful is hard to ignore,' she says. Many gen Z-ers may not have experienced this genre of advertising, or 'intentional provocation as branding strategy', before, says Gilbert, for whom the campaign also reminds her of 90s Wonderbra ads with their 'Hello Boys' slogan. But maybe they will come to see through it. They are 'extremely savvy as consumers', she points out. 'They have the kind of language and expertise in terms of deconstructing media that I couldn't have dreamed of utilising as a teen during the 1990s. And they know when someone is trying to play them, which seems to be happening here. She adds: 'It all feels like it was cooked up in a conference room to provoke maximum controversy and maximum outrage, and to get maximum attention.' And it seems – in the business sense at least – to be working. Since the campaign launched, American Eagle's stock has shot up almost 18%. To read the complete version of this newsletter – complete with this week's trending topics in The Measure – subscribe to receive Fashion Statement in your inbox every Thursday.
The Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Sun
Six-time Grammy Award-winning singer Flaco Jimenez dies aged 86 after ‘facing a medical hurdle' as family pays tribute
GRAMMY Award winner Flaco Jimenez has died at the age of 86. The music star died surrounded by his family on July 31. Jimenez, who hailed from San Antonio, was known for his Tex Mex and Tejano music. His death comes just months after being hospitalized over a "medical hurdle." "'It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father," his family said. They said he will be "missed immensely." During his career, he picked up six Grammy Awards. In 2015, he won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. .
