Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family, died at 79, leaving a profound legacy both within his family, popular culture, and a family that takes pride in carrying his name forward. His death wasn’t sudden but the culmination of years battling serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s and a rare blood disease. Robertson’s approach to life — and the end of it — was distinctly his own: a quiet readiness rooted in faith and resilience and ambition. This wasn’t a man who shied away from reality because, throughout his life, he confronted it, reflected on it, and the people who followed him saw it first-hand. Therefore, it’s only logical that he faced death with open arms, too.

A couple of months before his death, during a podcast episode appearance, Robertson made it clear he wanted a celebration after his death, not sorrow, and it’s coming to the surface just now. He calmly advised those mourning him to resist tears and sympathy once he’s actually gone, and instead, sing and dance. Phil insisted his story was one of triumph over death, faith through suffering, and legacy over loss, and the directive was clear: when he’s gone, remember his walk through life, the steadfast faith he embodied, and don’t let grief cloud the memory of what he stood for.

Phil Robertson Shared His Sentiments During ‘Unashamed’ Podcast Episode

During his family’s Unashamed podcast episode, Robertson shared profound words about how he wanted to be remembered. The video resurfaced recently after a user @Thegirlnamedblake on Instagram shared it, and although it’s not clear what exact episode that clip is from, the Duck Dynasty patriarch spoke with assurance and a sense of peace, reinforcing his belief that death was not an end but a passage. His exact words were, “When I die, don’t cry. Dance, sing — but don’t cry.” Those who’ve seen Phil and have followed him over the years know that this tone was firm, authentic, comforting, and reflected the very grace and faith that he practiced under pressure throughout his life.

His Brother, Si Robertson, Replied in Catharsis to This Clip in the ‘Duck Call Room’ Podcast Episode After His Passing

While Phil’s directive was to celebrate, not mourn, his brother Si Robertson found a way to pay tribute while struggling to adhere to his brother’s wishes. The May 28, 2025, Duck Call Room podcast episode was all about his brother. He gave it a very wholesome title: “Phil, We Tried Not To, but We Cried | Remembering Phil Robertson” where he openly processed his brother’s death and clearly processed the grief through catharsis. This episode reveals the kind of relationship Phil had with his brothers, friends, and extended family, and the legacy that he has left behind.

Phil Robertson’s Legacy Will Likely Be Cemented in the Upcoming Reboot

Image via NBC
Image via Phil Robertson
Image via Phil Robertson/Instagram
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Image via Karolina Wojtasik/A&E

Robertson’s death was preceded by a steady decline in health that he and his family had been forthcoming with. The family publicly shared his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in December, a progressive disease that erodes memory and cognitive function, but that wasn’t the only illness Phil battled. He also had a rare blood disease that further complicated his health, leading to significant challenges. Additionally, an enlarged spleen also exacerbated his physical decline, and contributed to his frailty in recent months.

Because of this very disease, Phil Robertson wasn’t going to be featured in the upcoming Duck Dynasty reboot, although it was filmed while he was alive. Duck Dynasty: The Revival is set to premiere June 1, 2025. However, with his passing, the dynamic has inevitably shifted, and it’s possible that early episodes may now pivot to paying tribute to his life and contributions. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the show has an opportunity to meaningfully honor him. Robertson’s legacy, however, has already been immortalized in The Blind, a 2023 film chronicling his journey through hardship, redemption, and faith. The movie painted an unvarnished portrait of his early struggles, his transformative encounter with Christianity, and the family dynasty he helped build.