Still, the Duck Dynasty: The Revival star couldn’t help but to get a little teary-eyed while reflecting on his late dad Phil Robertson‘s health battle on the June 1 premiere episode of the A&E series.

As Willie’s wife Korie Robertson explained in a confessional, which was filmed before Phil’s death, “Willie’s dad was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s and it’s been a struggle for all of us. I know he wouldn’t want to admit it, but I definitely think it’s affected Willie and it’s just made him think really hard about his own legacy.”

She went on to approach Willie about Phil as the two prepared dinner for the family, telling her husband, “I think maybe you’ve been going through a few things right now because we’re in that middle place of taking care of aging parents and taking care of kids and grandkids still.”

“I know it’s not very Robertson to talk about your feelings,” continued Korie, who shares six kids with Willie and is grandmother to eight grandkids, “but you can talk about your feelings.”

As Willie wiped away a tear from his eyes, the matriarch continued, “You’ve got so much on your plate.”

However, Willie brushed off his emotional outburst to something else.

“Those are the strongest onions,” he quipped, pointing out the vegetables he had been chopping on the counter. “They’re burning the crap out of my eyes.”

Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson

Bryan Tarnowski

Phil died on May 25 at age 79, according to the Robertson family.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Willie and Korie shared on Instagram May 25. “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.”

Their 27-year-old daughter Sadie Robertson also paid tribute to who she called “Papaw Phil,” writing in her own Instagram post about her late grandfather’s faith, “It was his testimony that changed his life, our families life, and thousands of others.”

“Now he is experiencing it in the fullness,” she added. “Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.”

To see more of Phil’s family moments, read on.

 

Phil Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

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.”

Phil Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

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.”

Phil Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

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.

Phil Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas

Jelly Time

Phil taught Phyllis how to make mayhaw jelly in May 2021.

Phil Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

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.”

Phil Robertson, Miss Kay, Kay Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas, Daughter

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.

Phil Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas

Quality Time

The Robertson family went duck hunting in November 2022.

Phil Robertson, Daughter, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

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.”

Phil Robertson, Korie Robertson, Willie Robertson, Phyllis Robertson Thomas

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!”