Phil Robertson Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Family Asks for Prayers

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the “Duck Dynasty” family and founder of the Duck Commander Company, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, his family revealed. On a recent episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast, his son Jase Robertson shared the difficult news, offering insight into the challenges the family is facing as Phil’s health declines.

“Phil’s not doing well,” Jase said during the episode. “We were trying to figure out the diagnosis, and according to the doctors, he has some sort of blood disease causing all kinds of problems. It’s like accelerated, and it’s causing issues with his entire body. And he has early stages of Alzheimer’s. So, if you put those things together, he’s really not doing well. He’s struggling.”

Phil, 77, has been a key figure in the Unashamed podcast alongside his sons Jase and Alan, and his nephew, Zach Dasher. However, his deteriorating health has made it impossible for him to continue participating.

“He is literally unable to sit down and have a conversation,” Jase explained. “He misses it. He misses the stories we tell. But these days, he can barely walk around without crying out in pain.”

The Robertson family has been working closely with a team of doctors, but the prognosis is grim. “There’s no curing what he has,” Jase said. “We’re trying to make him a little more comfortable.”

Despite the difficult situation, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support they’ve received. “We appreciate every single prayer,” Jase said, emphasizing the importance of faith in their journey.

Phil Robertson rose to fame as the head of the Robertson family in Duck Dynasty, a reality TV show that aired from 2012 to 2017 on A&E. The show, which focused on the family’s duck-hunting business and their Christian values, became a cultural phenomenon and set cable ratings records for non-fiction programming.

However, Phil’s outspoken nature also sparked controversy. In 2013, A&E suspended him after comments he made in a GQ interview equating homosexuality to sin. The suspension drew praise from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups but led to a backlash among Phil’s conservative supporters, who accused the network of censorship.

“They put me on what they called an ‘indefinite hiatus,’” Phil later said. “I thought, ‘I think I may be getting fired.’ But I never said a word to them. After nine days, they reinstated me, but by then, some sponsors had already pulled out. They made a mockery of what I said.”

Phil defended his remarks as a straightforward quotation from the Bible, emphasizing his commitment to his faith. “I just quoted what God had to say about that sin and nine other sins,” he explained. “I still love them. I don’t hate anyone. The Bible teaches us to love thy neighbor, even with their mistakes.”

The controversy contributed to a decline in viewership, and the show officially ended in 2017 after 11 seasons. Phil, however, remained steadfast in his faith and advocacy for Christian values. In 2022, he released a book, Uncanceled: Finding Meaning and Peace in a Culture of Accusations, Shame, and Condemnation, addressing cancel culture and his experiences.

As the Robertson family navigates Phil’s health challenges, they remain grounded in faith and resilience. Jase described the process as difficult but underscored the importance of community and prayer.

Phil’s condition is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other debilitating illnesses. While his health limits his public presence, Phil’s legacy of faith, family, and authenticity continues to inspire millions of fans.

For now, the Robertson family is focused on making Phil as comfortable as possible while leaning on their faith and the support of their community. As Jase noted, “We’re grateful for all the love and prayers. It means the world to us.”

Phil Robertson’s life story—a journey of triumph, controversy, and unwavering faith—remains a powerful example of perseverance and grace. His family’s dedication to preserving his legacy ensures that his impact will endure, even in the face of this challenging chapter.