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'Duck Dynasty' Star Phil Robertson Receives Heartbreaking Health Diagnosis
Phil Robertson’s health has taken a downward turn.
The Duck Dynasty alum is in the “early stages” of Alzheimer’s disease, according to his son, Jase Robertson, who described the 78-year-old’s various ailments.
“According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase shared on the Dec. 6 episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. “It’s accelerated and it’s causing problems with his entire body.”
The reality star—who appeared with his family on the duck-hunting reality series from 2012 to 2017—noted that his dad’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has complicated his health, adding, “He’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.”
In fact, Jase said that Phil—who shares adult children Jase, Willie Robertson, Jep Robertson and Alan Robertson with wife Kay Robertson, as well as daughter Phyllis Thomas from a past affair—wants to return to his regular activities, but his condition presents both physical and mental hurdles.
“He keeps saying, ‘I’m gonna get back to the podcast,’” Jase recounted. “But I’m like, ‘Well Phil, you can barely walk around without crying out in pain, and your memory is not what it once was.’ He’s like, ‘Tell me about it.’ So he is literally unable to—I think he would agree—to just sit down and have a conversation.”
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
But despite the terminal nature of Alzheimer’s disease—a brain disorder that leads to memory loss—Jase said the family is focusing on how to help their patriarch through his health battle.
“We’re trying to do a lot of things to figure out how to make him more comfortable, and maybe help with his memory,” he went on. “We’ve got a team of doctors and they’re all in agreement that there’s no curing what he has. And so, what do you do? We’re trying to make him a little more comfortable.”
Read on to look back on some of Phil's family photos.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
First Hunt
Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson discovered in 2020 that he fathered a daughter named Phyllis from an affair he had decades ago, leading him to reconnect with his lost child and take her duck hunting.
"So thankful God brought us together after all these years," Phyllis wrote on her Instagram that November. "His timing is perfect, and every day and new experience is a gift."
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Dad and Daughter
"This day ended my first duck season with a great hunt," Phyllis captioned this January 2021 snapshot. "And this day one year ago marks the beginning of my life with my real dad after learning paternity tests came back positive. Positive. Have there been ups and downs on this crazy ride? Yes. But we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose -Romans 8:28. I'm so very thankful this day and this one year anniversary ended on a positive note."
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Under One Roof
Phil and his wife Kay "Miss Kay" Robertson invited Phyllis and her husband to celebrate Easter with their side of the family—including his brother Si Robertson—in 2021.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Jelly Time
Phil taught Phyllis how to make mayhaw jelly in May 2021.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Father's Day
Phyllis celebrated her first Father's Day with Phil in 2021.
"Dad taught me how to make crawfish au gratin," she wrote on Instagram. "Delicious and memorable Father's Day, the first one I've ever spent with him."
Instagram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Christmas With the Robertsons
Phyllis rang in Christmas 2021 with Phil and Miss Kay, as well as their adult kids Al Robertson, Jase Robertson, Willie Robertson and Jep Robertson.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Quality Time
The Robertson family went duck hunting in November 2022.
Instagram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Good Hunting
"That's a wrap! From NE Louisiana to SE Kansas, duck season 2022-23 is in the books," Phyllis wrote in February 2022. "Loved spending time with my dad and family and friends. We had theological discussions and enjoyed the wonder of nature. I built some new skills, helped with a missions fundraiser, and shared the Gospel. And we whacked and stacked some waterfowl! I'd call that a successful season."
Instagram/Phil Robertson
Easter Sunday
"We wish you a joyous Easter as we celebrate the miracle of the resurrection, our hope in Jesus, and the promise of what's to come," Phil wrote on Instagram in April 2023. "We pray that our story is your story—that you'll find light and hope in the living Savior. Happy Easter from our family to yours!"
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