Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiered June 1 with all the expected camo, beards, and backwoods banter, but just as we were ready to write it off as a flat return, the final moments delivered something we didn’t see coming. A powerful tribute to the late Phil Robertson, who died on May 25, brought everything to a halt—and left us unexpectedly emotional.

Originally not meant to appear in the new series, Phil’s posthumous inclusion transformed an otherwise forgettable premiere into a moving farewell. With archival footage, reflective voiceovers, and a quiet reverence, A&E reminded viewers what Duck Dynasty was really built on: faith, family, and the man who started it all. The moment wasn’t flashy or overproduced—it was honest. And in a show often known for chaos, it was the stillness that struck the deepest chord.

How ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ Paid Tribute to Phil Robertson

The tribute to Phil unfolded at the close of the episode. Viewers saw Willie Robertson sitting in an armchair, reading from his laptop. He quoted a line Phil was known for: “Start your engines. Only one will earn the bandana.” Willie asked, “What do you think, Phil?” and archival footage showed Phil giving his trademark thumbs-up. Then the screen transitioned to black, replaced by an image of Phil, accompanied by a simple but powerful in-memoriam note. This sequence balanced respect with restraint and it’s highly likely that the family shot that clip particularly for this exact scenario — the demise of Phil Robertson — as his health had constantly been deteriorating for months.

This wasn’t a drawn-out farewell either, because Phil himself had already made it clear to not “cry” about his death. It was a deliberate, stripped-down moment that was about smiling and paying tribute to a patriarch who gave the family the prominence that it enjoys right now. No excessive nostalgia, no elaborate montage — just one clean, respectful transition from the old to the new.

Tributes to the Family Patriarch Came In From All Directions Beyond the Show

 

Image via Zach Dilgard/A&E Image by Zanda Rice Image via Phil Robertson/Instagram Image via A&E Image via NBC

Phil’s son, Jase Robertson, first announced his dad’s death on X, writing, “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands.” Sadie Robertson Huff also shared photos highlighting Phil’s role in her life. Willie and Korie Robertson both released a joint Instagram statement thanking fans for their support, announced a private service, and shared plans for a public memorial, after the patriarch’s demise.

Si Robertson, Phil’s brother, on the other hand, dedicated the May 28, 2025, episode of his Duck Call Room podcast to him, titled “Phil, We Tried Not To, but We Cried | Remembering Phil Robertson.” This was in response to the clip from the Unashamed podcast where Phil clearly told his family not to mourn him by crying. Si spoke candidly about his brother in that episode and offered a rare glimpse into the close bond between Phil and his siblings, illustrating the depth of connection and respect that extended beyond the camera, reminiscent of the original Duck Dynasty that OG fans remember.

Fans Weren’t Expecting to See Phil Robertson in ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’

Image via Karolina Wojtasik/A&E

Though Phil’s deteriorating health had kept him out of recent public appearances, this inclusion caught many off guard because it was earlier announced that he wouldn’t be making any posthumous appearances on the show. However, him showing up at the end like that was a moment that didn’t just acknowledge how he was integral to this empire but also allowed audiences to see him one last time, making his passing feel immediate and personal.

Going forward, Duck Dynasty: The Revival will pivot from this tribute to showcasing the family’s next chapter as Willie steps into a mentoring role, with the younger generation taking on larger responsibilities. Bella, John Luke, Rebecca, Will, and Sadie are expected to become the faces of the show and will reflect the evolution of both the family and the Duck Dynasty brand. The show will likely shift from its original antics to themes of legacy, parenting, and resilience, positioning itself as both a tribute to the past and a roadmap for the family’s future.