Phil Robertson, the patriarch behind the wildly popular “Duck Dynasty” television series, had immeasurable last words for his grandchildren while drawing his final breaths, one family member recalled.
Sharing their last moments together, 27-year-old Sadie Robertson said that her grandpa never lost faith in Jesus Christ despite suffering from multiple illnesses, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
“’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,” Sadie wrote on Instagram alongside a collection of family photos. “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!”
Sadie, another familiar face on the A&E program, said her grandfather’s deathbed beliefs instilled renewed faith among the rest of her family.
She added: “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.”
“One of the last things he said to me was “full strength ahead!” Amen!” Sadie concluded.
News of Phil’s death was first announced by Korie Robertson, his daughter-in-law, married to son Willie Robertson.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” she began. “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.’”
Korie, who married into the family in 1992, said a “public celebration” of Phil’s life will be announced shortly.
“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,” Korie stated. “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.”
On Sunday, the mother of five shared a reel of family photos, including Phil presiding over her wedding ceremony.
She remembered him “for showing us all how to live a life 💯 sold out on the greatest commandments: love for God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and love for your neighbor as yourself.”
“We honor you today and are so very happy, happy, happy for your life with the Father that you are experiencing now! What a life,” she recalled.
Robertson founded the Duck Commander apparel company in 1972, but it wasn’t until 40 years later that he was called up to the small screen to launch “Duck Dynasty.” The reality TV show focused on the family’s management of their brand and travails in and out of the woods.
Now, for the first time since its final 2017 season, “Duck Dynasty” is set for a comeback, according to the NY Post.
“Duck Dynasty: The Revival” will reboot the series with 20 one-hour episodes. Set to start airing this summer, the show will follow Korie, Willie, and “their growing family of adult children and grandchildren, the next generation of Robertsons living on the family homestead in Louisiana,” per the network’s press release in January.
