As Duck Dynasty: The Revival memorialized patriarch Phil Robertson in the first episode of the season, Phil’s daughter-in-law shared her tribute where she reflected on the reality star’s final days, taping into the pain as to why the series never planned to feature him in the first place. Phil, who died in May after a tough battle with Alzheimer’s, had such an enormous presence in starting the iconic series, and daughter-in-law Korie Robertson said the family knew time was not on Phil’s side.

Phil Robertson’s Final Days Were Full of Love

Image by Zanda Rice Image via Phil Robertson/Instagram Image via NBC

In an interview with The New York Post, Korie opened up about the reality star’s final days and why he couldn’t be an active part of Duck Dynasty: The Revival back when he was still alive. Korie, who has been married to Phil’s son, Willie Robertson, for over 33 years now, shared that Phil’s Alzheimer’s reduced him to a shell of his former self. Korie confessed that it was extremely hard for the family to see Phil’s health declining so rapidly. She added that eventually, they knew that he wasn’t going to be around for much longer, and that they couldn’t do anything about it. Korie spoke with The Post before Phil’s unfortunate death and revealed that the family was just trying to keep him comfortable and make him feel loved.

While the first season of the Duck Dynasty revival was filmed during Phil’s final days, he wasn’t in any condition to be on camera. Korie admitted that after the reality star was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s along with a blood disorder, he had stopped talking a lot. Even then, the reality star would often say things like, “full steam ahead.” Of course, none of the things he said would make complete sense in context, but for the family, it was something to hold on to. Even as his health declined, he was able to offer his loved ones strength, whether he knew it or not. Since Phil was slowly losing all sense of awareness, though, the family couldn’t film around him. Not to mention that they wanted to respect the sensitivity of the situation.

‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ Pays Tribute to the Late Star

Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiered on June 1, 2025, only a few days after Phil’s death. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible for the show to continue without honoring the legacy of the man who started it all. During the premiere episode, viewers got a final glimpse of Phil and the warmth he brought to the original show. The moment shows Willie reading something on his laptop in the family living room before turning to his dad and asking for his opinion. The camera then cuts to Phil, who smiles and gives a thumbs-up before the screen fades to black. While the late reality star appears on screen for a split second, seeing his familiar happy self was enough to bring anyone to tears.

Phil Robertson’s Family Is Ready To Take the Business to New Heights

Image via A&E

The fans can expect Duck Dynasty: The Revival Season 1 to feature mentions and glimpses of the Robertson family patriarch. However, the show largely revolves around the next generation of Robertsons taking over the family business. The revival isn’t just a continuation of the original show, it marks a brand-new chapter for Phil’s children and grandchildren as they navigate how to go on without him. With Willie announcing his decision to retire, the revival will focus on the hunt for a successor to lead the family’s hunting empire.

Despite Phil’s absence, the revival remains true to the original show’s focus on faith, family, and tradition. Since the foundations Phil laid for his family’s business and the show are so strong, it’s no surprise that Willie upholds the same values as he passes the torch to the next generation. The cast of the show might look a little different, but the soul of Duck Dynasty remains the same.