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‘Duck Dynasty’ star says Phil Robertson didn’t ‘speak a lot’ before his death at 79

Korie Robertson spoke about Phil Robertson’s well-being days before the “Duck Dynasty” patriarch died at age 79.

Last week, she told The Post that Phil’s health was “declining really rapidly.”

Phil battled multiple health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Willie Robertson and Korie Robertson attend the 11th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at the Grand Ole Opry on May 26, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Getty Images

Korie, 51, who is married to Phil’s son, Willie, 53, said that watching Phil while he was dying was “so hard to watch.”

She added, “But he’s so loved, and all the family is just coming around him and taking really good care of him.”

This undated image released by A&E shows Phil Robertson, flanked by his sons Jase Robertson, left, and Willie Robertson from the popular series “Duck Dynasty.” AP

Korie Robertson, left, and Willie Robertson from the A&E series “Duck Dynasty,” at the Sherri Hill Fashion Show, Sept. 9, 2013, in New York. AP

Korie and Willie confirmed Phil’s death on Instagram Sunday night.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” the Robertson family wrote in the post.

Phil Robertson. Anne Wermiel/NY Post

“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus,” the statement continued. “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.”

The family added: “We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”

The hit reality series “Duck Dynasty,” which originally ran for 11 seasons from 2012 to 2017, is back for a revival. Premiering June 1 (9 p.m. on A&E) and already renewed for a Season 2, “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” revisits the Robertson family.

Willie Robertson and Korie Robertson of Duck Dynasty attend the PEOPLE/TIME Party on the eve of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 26, 2013, in Washington, DC. Getty Images for Time Inc

As they say on the show, the Robertson family prioritizes “faith, family and ducks.”

The revival series now centers around Korie, Willie, and their six adult children and eight grandchildren.

The original “Duck Dynasty” followed the Robertson family, who have the hunting and outdoor recreation business Duck Commander in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Phil Robertson, Jase Robertson, Si Robertson and Willie Robertson from the A&E series, “Duck Dynasty” in 2012. AP

The Season 4 premiere scored over 11 million viewers in 2013.

Phil was part of the original show — and started the family business with a patented duck call — but in recent years, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“He is not able to be on the show at this time,” Korie told The Post.

She added that she went to visit Phil with her daughter, Sadie, 27, shortly before his death. 

“He’s not saying very much anymore. He doesn’t speak a lot,” she explained.

Phil Robertson in an undated image. AP

Si Robertson, Ms. Kay Robertson, Jase Robertson, Korie Robertson, Willie Robertson and Phil Robertson promoting “Duck Dynasty” Season 3 in 2013.

But, she recalled that during their visit, Phil “looked up and said something like, ‘full steam ahead.’ It was so sweet.”

“He didn’t say anything else that made sense, but he just said that to [Sadie], and it was just really special.”

The family was “cherishing” those moments with him, she explained.

Phil Robertson with his wife, Kay, in a photo their granddaughter Sadie Robertson shared on Instagram in 2013.

Phil was married to Kay Robertson, 77. They had four adult children, including Willie, 53, Jase, 55, Jep, 46, and Alan.

Phil also revealed that he had a secret daughter, Phyllis, 50, from an affair in the ‘70s.

Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson, Phil Robertson, Miss Kay Robertson and Si Robertson attend the A+E Networks 2012 Upfront at Lincoln Center on May 9, 2012, in New York City. FilmMagic

Korie and Willie Robertson in a 2024 selfie posted on Instagram. korie.robertson/Instagram

Korie said that her mother-in-law, Kay, is also not doing well.

“She’s actually in quite a few of the early episodes of this season,” Korie explained, referring to “Duck Dynasty: The Revival.”

“As the season went on, she had some health issues, too. And she’s not been able to be on anymore,” she went on. ‘So we’re just thankful that Kay got to be on some of the earlier episodes, and we’re going to really cherish those.”