How the Duck Dynasty Family Is Honoring the Life of Phil Robertson

by Alaina Goode

June 2, 2025
3 minute read

Phil Robertson passed away on May 25, 2025.  Just a week before the Duck Dynasty reboot aired its first episode. The timing of it all feels a little surreal, doesn’t it?

I still remember watching the original show years ago and seeing that final scene where the whole family would gather around the dinner table and pray. It was the first time I’d ever seen something like that on TV, a family unapologetically praying together in Jesus’ name. It became a tradition for the show and a reflection of what mattered most to them.

Now, with Phil’s passing, it feels like a full-circle moment not just the end of an era, but the beginning of something lasting.

 

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A post shared by Korie Robertson (@korie.robertson)

There are so many things you could say about Phil Robertson, but here are three that really stood out to me and things I think we can all take with us.

Phil found the roadmap.

Back in 2020, Phil did an I Am Second interview that ended up going viral. After he passed, the team shared more clips including this really sweet moment with Miss Kay where they talked about their nightly routine of saying goodnight. e.

But what really stood out was Phil talking about the Bible: how it’s the greatest story ever told and how everything we need in life can be found in God’s Word. He was so grounded in it. He called it the roadmap, and you could tell he meant it.

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man or woman of God will be known for every good work. Use the scriptures to train your children, it’s the greatest story ever told and the greatest hope any human being can ever have.” | Phil Robertson

Phil believed that the Bible wasn’t just for Sunday mornings it was for everyday life. He gave all the glory to God and encouraged others to raise their kids in the Word, too.

It’s never too late.

If you saw the movie The Blind in 2023, then you know Phil’s story wasn’t always pretty. The movie dives into his early struggles with alcoholism, brokenness, and almost losing his family. It’s raw and real. But it’s also redemptive.

Phil eventually gave his life to Jesus, and that changed everything. His story is proof that no matter how far gone you feel, you’re never beyond God’s reach. It’s never too late for Him to step in and completely transform your life.

“Full strength ahead!”

This part really got me. After Phil passed, Sadie Robertson Huff,  his granddaughter, shared a post about her final moments with him. One of the last things he said to her was, “Full strength ahead.”

Sadie said on her podcast that Phil lived with “the end goal in mind.” Even as Alzheimer’s began affecting him over the last six months of his life, his purpose stayed clear: to point people to Jesus.

 

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A post shared by Sadie Robertson Huff (@legitsadierob)

She mentioned that she wished she had thanked him for teaching her how to preach and share the gospel. Her husband, Christian, reminded her, “You still can.” And she shared his response at the top of this podcast episode.

“Some of us are striving to do what the Lord has called us to do but, God is looking for a pure heart. A simple life to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.” | Sadie Robertson Huff

Phil’s life wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made it powerful. He was living proof that when you surrender your life to Jesus, He can take the messiest parts and turn them into something meaningful.

“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

That verse pretty much sums up Phil’s story. From his past struggles to his powerful faith, he became a new man and his family is carrying that legacy forward in a beautiful way. Phil would be proud.

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