Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson family and a conservative cultural icon, has died at the age of 79. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in December and passed away on Sunday.
Robertson rose to fame in the early 2010s with the A&E reality show “Duck Dynasty,” which followed his life and business ventures as the patriarch of the family-owned Duck Commander company. The show was known for its conservative, Christian values and Robertson’s charismatic personality.
However, Robertson’s outspoken comments on issues such as gay rights and racism sparked controversy and criticism. In 2013, he made headlines when he stated that gay people are sinners and African Americans were happy under Jim Crow laws, leading to A&E suspending him from the show.
Despite the backlash, Robertson’s family stood by him and his conservative views. His daughter-in-law Korie wrote on social media that their patriarch “is a Godly man” and thanked fans for their love and support.
Robertson was born in north Louisiana and spent his life outdoors, playing football at Louisiana Tech and teaching school. He invented the duck call that became the centerpiece of Duck Commander’s business, which grew into a multimillion-dollar enterprise before A&E came on board.
Tributes poured in from conservative politicians and fans, with Senator Ted Cruz calling Robertson “a man of deep faith” and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson praising his “bold conviction” and “unwavering love for his family.” A&E shared their own tribute, expressing sadness and extending condolences to the family.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/obit-phil-robertson-duck-dynasy-47f156dcabdf2ba0a9fa927a5457d510