Willie Robertson Highlights Phil Robertson’s Personality in Emotional Tribute

The Robertsons announced the passing of patriarch Phil Robertson on May 25. He was 79. The family has used social media as a way to pay tribute to the man who touched their lives in numerous ways. Phil’s son, Willie Robertson, shared his thoughts on the loss of his father in an emotional message, which he posted on Instagram on May 26.

Willie posted a collection of photos of himself and his father from throughout the years. There are some pictures from his childhood, as well as other, more recent photos. In the caption, he reflected on their time together and the bond they shared.

Willie Robertson Pays Tribute to His Father Phil Robertson

“Looking back at pics I noticed he was always looking at me funny, prolly trying to figure out, ‘How did this boy turn out like this?’ I remember in 8th grade bringing my boombox in the living room and doing a break dance routine for him as he sat on his recliner,” Willie wrote. “He just looked strangely at me and said, ‘Well, I’ve never seen anything quite like that!’ I took it as a compliment.”

The moment was repeated decades later, when Willie shared that toward the end of his father’s life, he did another dance for him. “In a much weaker voice, he simply said, ‘Will, you got moves I didn’t know you had.’ Not sure why I was always dancing in front of Phil. Maybe I figured it was the last thing he would think I would do, so I just did it.”

Willie also reflected on the things that his dad taught him. “I watched him, and knew he had figured out so many things,” he wrote. “Most importantly, he taught me the value of sharing my faith with others. He was the Real Deal, the same on Sundays as Fridays. Most of our conversations were not about hunting or business, but about sharing the Gospel. I was never more proud that when I printed my book, Gospeler, for him to read first. I wanted him to know what he had passed down to me. He read it in one sitting and said, ‘That’s the best explanation of the Good News I have ever read…and you were so nice about it!’ That made me laugh because sometimes he would forget about the nice part.”

Willie Robertson Shares the Last Words His Father Said to Him

Willie’s post also highlighted the last words that his father said to him, telling him, “You’re my brother.” Willie continued, “It made total sense to me. He always told me we were coworkers in the Kingdom of God. Maybe that’s why I always just called him Phil. Not sure if he is up in Heaven now doing his own dance moves for our Father.”

He concluded his post by expressing his love for his dad and how much he would miss him. But also thanked him for the values he instilled in him. “Thank you for raising me the right way and teaching me the most important lesson to prepare me for the day you passed on,” Willie wrote. “Not sure how people deal with loss without the Lord. We may be wrong about all this….but I doubt it! Sleep well Dad, can’t wait to see you.”

Fans reacted to the post with condolences and mentions of how “Duck Dynasty” had positively impacted their lives.

It was previously announced that Phil had Alzheimer’s Disease. “Dad’s not doing well at all. It’s definitely progressing,” Willie told Us Weekly on May 20. “And mom has shown the same type of symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s just part of life — and mom has her good days.”

The Robertsons will make their reality TV comeback with “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” set to air on June 1 at
 9 p.m. ET on A&E.