The Tragic Timeline: When Was Phil Robertson Diagnosed With Alzheimer's And His Final Months

The question of when Phil Robertson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease received a definitive, and ultimately heartbreaking, answer from his family just months before his passing. As of today, December 12, 2025, the world continues to reflect on the life of the *Duck Dynasty* patriarch, whose health challenges became public knowledge less than a year ago. The Robertson family confirmed that the founder of Duck Commander was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in December 2024, marking the beginning of a swift and tragic decline that ended with his death in May 2025.

The news of the diagnosis was first shared by his sons on their popular "Unashamed" podcast, providing a candid look into the private struggles of the beloved—and sometimes controversial—reality TV star. This information, combined with a concurrent diagnosis of a serious blood disorder, paints a picture of the intense health battles Phil Robertson faced during his final months, shifting the family's focus from duck calls and business to caregiving and spiritual preparation.

Phil Robertson: A Brief Biography and Legacy

Phil Alexander Robertson, known affectionately as "The Duck Commander," was a figure whose life transcended the Louisiana backwoods to become a cultural icon. His journey from a star college quarterback to the head of a multi-million-dollar duck call empire is a testament to his unique blend of rugged individualism and deeply held Christian faith. Here is a brief look at the life and legacy of the Robertson family patriarch:

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• Full Name: Phil Alexander Robertson
• Born: April 24, 1946
• Died: May 25, 2025 (Age 79)
• Birthplace: Vivian, Louisiana
• Spouse: Marsha "Miss Kay" Robertson (Married since 1966)
• Children: Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep Robertson
• Education: Louisiana Tech University (Played football, notably ahead of Terry Bradshaw)
• Career Highlights: Professional hunter, inventor of the "Duck Commander" duck call, founder of the Duck Commander company, and star of the A&E reality television series *Duck Dynasty*.
• Notable Works: Author of several books, including *Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander*.

Robertson's decision to forgo a potential professional football career to pursue duck hunting and his faith laid the foundation for the family business. His invention of the Duck Commander call in 1972 revolutionized the industry, but it was the 2012 premiere of *Duck Dynasty* that catapulted the entire Robertson family into global fame.

The Shocking Diagnosis: December 2024

The specific date of the diagnosis is a key detail in understanding the final chapter of Phil Robertson’s life. His sons, Jase and Al Robertson, along with their cousin Zach Dasher, were the ones to share the news with the public on their podcast, *Unashamed with the Robertson Family*, in early December 2024.

The family revealed that Phil had been undergoing medical evaluation for some time due to noticeable changes in his cognitive function. The official diagnosis confirmed that the beloved patriarch was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

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The timing of the public announcement was critical, coming shortly after the official medical confirmation. The family chose to be transparent with their fans, explaining that while the news was devastating, their faith remained their anchor. This transparency provided an invaluable, though painful, lesson in dealing with a progressive neurological disorder like Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

More Than Alzheimer's: The Concurrent Health Battles

While the Alzheimer’s diagnosis was the most shocking revelation, Jase Robertson later clarified that his father's health struggle was a multi-faceted battle. Phil Robertson was also diagnosed with a serious blood disorder around the same time.

This dual health crisis compounded the severity of his condition. While Alzheimer’s primarily targets cognitive function, the blood disorder contributed to a rapid physical decline. The combination meant that the early stages of cognitive impairment quickly transitioned into a more critical health situation. The family described the situation as "not good," indicating the rapid progression of his overall health deterioration in the months leading up to his passing.

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The entity of a "blood disorder" alongside a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's created a unique and challenging caregiving scenario for Miss Kay and the rest of the Robertson clan. Their updates on the *Unashamed* podcast often touched upon the difficulty of watching their father, a man known for his robust physical presence and sharp wit, struggle with his memory and physical strength.

The Final Months: A Family Rallies Together

The period between the December 2024 diagnosis and Phil Robertson's death on May 25, 2025, was one of intense family unity and spiritual reflection. The Robertsons—including sons Jase, Al, Willie, and Jep, along with their wives and children—rallied around Phil and Miss Kay. The family's public statements focused less on seeking a cure and more on focusing on comfort, faith, and making the most of the time they had left.

The *Duck Dynasty* family's experience highlights several key aspects of coping with a late-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis:

• Caregiving Burden: Miss Kay, Phil's wife of nearly 60 years, took on the primary caregiving role, a responsibility that is emotionally and physically demanding.
• Spiritual Focus: In line with their deep Christian faith, the family emphasized prayer and spiritual preparation, viewing his declining health as a transition rather than an end.
• Open Communication: The use of their podcast, *Unashamed*, served as a platform for open communication with their fans, providing an authentic look at the realities of the disease.
• The Role of Family: The entire extended Robertson clan, including his grandchildren, ensured that Phil was surrounded by love and familiar faces, which is often recommended for dementia patients.

The news of his death in May 2025, just five months after the public revelation of his Alzheimer's diagnosis, was a profound moment for his fans. While the diagnosis answered the question of his declining health, his passing closed the chapter on one of reality television's most iconic figures, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, and the simple life of the Louisiana swamps. His journey, from the football field to the Duck Commander empire and finally through a battle with Alzheimer's, remains a powerful testament to a life lived fully on his own terms.