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Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty' Patriarch, Dies at 79 After Battling Alzheimer's Disease
Phil Robertson, patriarch of the A&E reality series 'Duck Dynasty,' has died at the age of 79, his family announced on social media. 'My dad has gone to be with the Lord today!' the television personality's second-eldest son, Jase, '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!' Born on April 24, 1946, Robertson grew up in the small Louisiana town of Vivian, about 30 miles northwest of Shreveport. He married his wife, Kay, in the late 1960s and welcomed into the world four sons: Alan, 60; Jase, 55; Willie, 53; and Jep, 46. After earning a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's in education from Louisiana Tech University, which he attended on a football scholarship, Robertson spent several years teaching in his home state. He switched careers in 1973, launching the hunting company Duck Commander. The successful duck call business, which he later ran with his sons, served as the focal point of 'Duck Dynasty.' The show premiered in March 2012, airing for 11 seasons until its conclusion in 2017. Related Stories 2/20/2025 4/4/2024 Robertson's family didn't share an official cause of death. However, during a December episode of their podcast, 'Unashamed With the Robertson Family,' Jase Robertson Phil Robertson's granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff—the daughter of Willie Robertson and his wife of more than 30 years, Korie Robertson—was among those who paid tribute to him online. 'One of the last things he said to me was 'full strength ahead!' Amen!' the Christian influencer Jep Robertson also issued a statement on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude to fans and those who knew his father. '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,' he In a 2023 episode of his family's podcast, Phil Robertson reflected on his mortality after undergoing a second back surgery, sharing one simple request. 'When I die, don't cry,' he
Time Business News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Phil Robertson: The Unfiltered Voice of Faith
The news of Phil Robertson's passing at the age of 79 on Sunday, May 25, 2025, has reverberated across the United States, particularly among the millions who followed the 'Duck Dynasty' phenomenon. More than just a reality television star, Robertson was the patriarch of a multi-million dollar empire built on duck calls, a fervent advocate for his Christian faith, and a polarizing figure whose outspoken conservative views often sparked national conversations. His life, marked by humble beginnings, profound spiritual transformation, and unexpected fame, leaves behind a complex but undeniable legacy. Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson came from modest means, growing up in a large family with limited resources. Despite these challenges, he excelled as an athlete, earning all-state honors in football, baseball, and track during high school. This athletic prowess led him to a football scholarship at Louisiana Tech University, where he famously played quarterback ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. However, Robertson's passion lay not on the gridiron, but in the wilderness. He famously turned down an offer to play for the Washington Redskins, opting instead for a life dedicated to duck hunting and fishing. After college, Robertson briefly pursued a career in teaching and commercial fishing. His early adult life was not without its struggles, including periods of excessive alcohol consumption that strained his marriage to his wife, Kay, affectionately known as 'Miss Kay.' These tumultuous years eventually led to a profound religious awakening for Robertson, which he credited with transforming his life and setting him on a new path rooted in his unwavering Christian faith. This personal journey of redemption and faith became a cornerstone of his public persona. Robertson's innate understanding of ducks and dissatisfaction with existing duck calls led him to invent his own. In 1972, he crafted his first Duck Commander call, a product born out of necessity and a deep connection to the outdoors. The company, incorporated in 1973, started small, with Phil and Kay initially running the business from their home and supplementing their income through commercial fishing. Over time, fueled by Phil's innovative calls and his family's tireless efforts, Duck Commander grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise. The Robertson family's unique lifestyle, strong family bonds, and the success of their duck call business caught the attention of television producers. In 2012, A&E premiered 'Duck Dynasty,' a reality show that chronicled the daily lives of the Robertson clan as they operated their business in West Monroe, Louisiana. The show quickly became a massive hit, drawing millions of viewers with its blend of humor, Southern charm, and the family's distinctive beards and traditional values. 'Duck Dynasty' catapulted Phil, his wife Kay, and their sons — Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep — into national stardom, turning them into household names and cultural icons. The series ran for 11 seasons until 2017, and its popularity spawned several spin-offs, including 'Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty' and 'At Home with the Robertsons,' further cementing the family's place in reality television history. Beyond the duck calls and reality TV fame, Phil Robertson became widely known for his outspoken Christian faith and conservative political views. He was unapologetic in expressing his beliefs, often using his platform to share his interpretation of biblical principles and to advocate for conservative causes. His podcast, 'Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson,' continued to be a popular outlet for his unfiltered thoughts on faith, politics, and culture. However, Robertson's candor also led to controversy. In a 2013 interview with GQ magazine, his comments on homosexuality drew widespread criticism and led to a brief suspension from 'Duck Dynasty' by A&E. The network stated that his remarks were his personal views and did not reflect those of A&E. The suspension, however, was met with a significant backlash from his supporters, who defended his right to freedom of speech and expression. After a nine-day hiatus, and discussions with the family and various advocacy groups, A&E lifted the suspension, and filming resumed with the entire family. This incident highlighted the tension between personal beliefs, public platforms, and corporate responsibility in the digital age. Despite the controversies, Robertson's supporters admired his unwavering conviction and his willingness to speak his mind. He became a significant voice for Christian conservatives, frequently invited to speak at churches and organizations, sharing his testimony and encouraging others in their faith. His book, 'Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander,' became a New York Times bestseller, further showcasing his influence beyond television. In recent months, Phil Robertson's family had openly shared that he was battling Alzheimer's disease, a condition that deeply impacted his health. His passing at 79 marks the end of an extraordinary life. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, confirmed his death on social media, expressing that he was 'now with the Lord' and thanking supporters for their love and prayers. Phil Robertson's legacy is multifaceted. He was an innovative businessman who revolutionized the duck call industry. He was a television personality who brought a unique slice of rural American life and strong family values to millions of homes. Most importantly, he was a man of deep faith whose convictions shaped his life and influenced countless others. He leaves behind his wife Kay, five children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his enduring spirit and the family empire he built. While a private service is planned, details for a public celebration of his life are expected to be shared soon, allowing the many lives he touched to pay their respects to the original Duck Commander. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Boston Globe
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty' patriarch, dies at 79
Phil Robertson was one of the stars of 'Duck Dynasty,' an A&E series that stars his family -- Robertson and his wife, Kay; their sons; the sons' wives; an uncle and some grandchildren -- and revolves loosely around their duck hunting gear business. Robertson was born April 24, 1946, in Vivian, a rural town in the northwestern corner of Louisiana, as one of seven children. Advertisement He attended Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship and after receiving his bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's in education, spent several years teaching in Louisiana schools. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Unsatisfied with the existing duck calls on the market, Robertson set out to craft his own. In 1972, he whittled what would become the signature product of his company, Duck Commander, which he founded the following year. Robertson was initially opposed to the idea of a television show, his son Willie told The New York Times in 2013. 'He said, 'I'm already as famous as I want to be.'' Willie Robertson said. 'I explained to him: 'Phil, this can expand your platform to talk about the things you like to talk about,'' including his Christian faith. Advertisement 'Duck Dynasty,' which ran over 11 seasons from 2012 to 2017, once ranked among the most popular shows on cable and had as many as 12 million viewers. It is loosely centered on the Duck Commander business, headed by Willie, Phil Robertson's third son with Kay. It drew fans for its idiosyncratic humor, the characters' offbeat antics and the way the family was able to mine self-deprecating wisdom from the redneck caricature. The family was also notably one of the first in the reality television industry to openly admit that their show was staged, describing it as 'guided reality' in which producers would often sketch out the parameters of a situation and have the family live it. That helped the show solidify the idea that distinguishing between real and fake isn't really important in reality television. The show has occasionally courted controversy. In 2013, Robertson was briefly suspended from the show after an interview surfaced in which he had made statements that were widely seen as offensive to gay people. But the network quickly reinstated him under pressure from fans and after the family issued a statement saying in effect that there would be no show without their patriarch. Last year, Jase Robertson said on the family's podcast, 'Unashamed with the Robertson Family,' that his father had early stage Alzheimer's. 'Phil's not doing well,' Jase said, adding that Robertson also had a 'blood disease causing all kinds of problems.' Robertson's survivors include his wife; his sons Alan, Jase, Jep and Willie; and several grandchildren. This article originally appeared in
American Press
16-05-2025
- General
- American Press
William 'Bill' Voris King
William Voris 'Bill' King, 82, of Lake Charles, La., passed away peacefully, at home, on May 13, 2025. Born on April 9, 1943, Bill was a proud lifelong resident of Lake Charles. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy, and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Louisiana Tech University. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Vietnam War era. In 1967, Bill married the love of his life, Marjorie C. 'Betty' King. Their 51-year marriage was a testament to love, partnership and enduring commitment, lasting until Betty's passing in 2018. Bill spent much of his professional life as a longtime manager of Hayes Minerals LLC. He also served as vice president of Kelly, Weber and Company, LLC. He was also involved in many oil and gas ventures across Louisiana and Texas. A 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and dedicated Shriner, Bill was deeply committed to philanthropy. He served as Chairman of the Board for the Shriners Hospital in Mexico City and made a $1,000,000 personal donation to the Shriners Hospital system. Annually, Bill made substantial contributions to several charities. In 2025, he established the Bill and Betty King Foundation, to carry forward his charitable legacy. Bill was appointed by Governor Edwin Edwards to the Louisiana Pan-American commission, served as vice chairman of the Louisiana Commerce and Industry Board under Governor Bobby Jindal and contributed as a member of Governor Jindal's natural resources transition team. A passionate outdoorsman, Bill found great joy in duck hunting and bass fishing at his beloved Coastal Club. He also supported McNeese State University athletics and served as past president of the Quarterback Club, and the 100 Club, and was a generous supporter of the Athletics Foundation. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his father, Voris King; his mother, Frances King; his brothers, Alvin, and Charles King; and his sister, Virginia Ayers. He is survived by his son, Geoff Gilbert, and wife, Tricia; and his daughter, Jackie Gilbert and wife, Suzanne, both of Austin, Texas. He also leaves behind many cherished friends, colleagues, and fellow outdoorsman across the Country. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: the Bill and Betty King foundation at 4353 Edgewater Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70605. The King family extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Gary Kohler and nurse, Peggy; Dr. Rolando Tapia; Dr. Loree Leatherman; Alanna Perkins of the VA pharmacy, and in-home caregivers Lisa Franklin, Tresa Leger, and their outstanding team. Special acknowledgment goes to Sharon Anderson, who faithfully served the King family for 49 years, and for the last several years, served as one of Bill's caregivers alongside Scott and Paulette O'Pry. Additionally, Lori Simon, and Maegan Coker are recognized for their part in Bill's care over the last several years. Additional thanks go to Attorney David Sigler, and CPA Doug Cooley for their instrumental support in the creation of the Bill and Betty King Foundation, and their many years of dedicated friendship and service. At Bill's request, a private graveside service will be held at Orange Grove, Cemetery, in Lake Charles. William Voris 'Bill' King lived a life of leadership, generosity, and deeply held values. His personality was infectious. He leaves behind a trail of people across the country that loved him. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the causes he championed. We invite you to leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana lawmakers to consider a flat rate for TOPS scholarships
A photo of Keeny Hall at Louisiana Tech University from September 2016. (Creative Commons license) The Louisiana Legislature will consider creating a flat rate for TOPS program scholarships, regardless of what school students attend. It would increase the out of pocket costs for LSU and University of New Orleans students. Currently, the state sets the TOPS award amount that each university receives. House Bill 77 by Rep. Chris Turner, R-Ruston, would decouple those rates from university tuition, meaning students would have to pay more out of pocket to attend more expensive universities but pay less at regional universities such as Nicholls and McNeese. It would create a significant decrease in revenue for LSU and UNO. Turner's bill would also create a new award level that would provide additional money to students who earn at least a 3.5 grade point average and a 31 out of 36 on the ACT college admissions test. If Turner's bill passes, the base-level amount, which approximately half of Louisiana TOPS students receive, would be $6,000 annually, TOPS Performance students, who have at least a 3.25 GPA and a 23 ACT score, would receive $6,500. TOPS Honors students, who have at least a 3.5 GPA and a 27 ACT score, would receive $9,000. The bill's proposed TOPS Excellence award, the new highest amount, would be $12,000. Because the current base TOPS level is above $6,500 at LSU and UNO, both institutions could lose millions in state funding under Turner's plan, while most other schools in the state would see a boost. LSU's nursing programs would also see a funding loss under the bill. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Turner said he and coauthor, House Education Chairwoman Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, worked with some of the state's universities and the Board of Regents on the bill, which he said was intended to create fairness between the universities and to help keep high-performing students in the state. 'It wasn't fair to give this university more and not the other one,' Turner said in an interview. 'All the institutions would be treated equally.' The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, more commonly known as TOPS, is a merit-based scholarship program that helps Louisiana students attend in-state schools. Turner said he believed the bill would hurt LSU on the lower end, but that it would make up its loss through the new Excellence award amount. But LSU's main campus has nearly 10,000 students who would lose TOPS funding under the bill and only a small number of students who would qualify for Excellence. Any potential loss in funding would hit UNO particularly hard as it grapples with a budget crisis and looks to cut millions from its budget. Students currently enrolled at LSU and UNO would begin to pay more out of pocket for the fall semester if the bill passes in its current form. The proposal is expected to face staunch opposition, because of its impact on LSU and UNO and an overall cost increase for TOPS. Gov. Jeff Landry has pushed for a standstill budget after voters rejected Amendment 2 in the March 29 election. It would have moved hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue from state savings accounts into Louisiana's general fund for lawmakers to spend. For some schools with lower tuition and fees, the new award amounts would create an excess for students. Under present law, that money would be applied to students' room and board expenses, which typically are paid out of pocket. But under a new law the legislature approved last year, schools have complete autonomy to raise their fees, meaning they could increase the cost of attendance to meet the new award amount — and increase their revenues. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
