Willie Robertson reflects on his father Phil Robertson’s last words

Willie Robertson is holding close the final words of his father, Phil Robertson, who passed away in May at the age of 79 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.In a conversation with TV Insider, the Duck Dynasty star shared how his family had been preparing for the loss ever since Phil’s diagnosis last December.

“Phil had been struggling with Alzheimer’s for a while,” Willie said.

“It was on our mind for sure, his condition. It’s part of life.”Phil’s unwavering faith shaped his outlook on life and death. Willie recalled what his father told the family before his passing: “Do not cry at my funeral. I know where I’m going.” Willie added, “What a life he lived. We heard that from thousands of people, the people he impacted.”The timing of Phil’s passing came the same week the family’s new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiered.

For Willie and his wife, Korie, it became an unexpected yet meaningful tribute. “Phil would have wanted us to do exactly what we’re doing,” Willie said. “Our show reflects our faith—not in a way that’s overt or preachy, but in how we stick together through good times and bad. That’s why we’re on this earth. As we move on, it’s a reminder for all of us that the time will come.

I hope I have a funeral like that, where people feel that way about me as well.”

Korie shared a memory from filming: “Our show came out the week Phil passed. It was really special to our family that we had that one little clip. When filming this time around, he was already in the throes of Alzheimer’s, so he wasn’t able to be part of the show. We did film that one little thing where he gave Willie the thumbs up. It felt like his opportunity to pass on the torch to us.”The premiere episode of Duck Dynasty: The Revival included a heartfelt tribute to Phil. Sitting in the living room with his laptop, Willie read to the family: “So ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Only one will earn the bandana, so let the games begin. What do you think, Phil?”Phil responded with a wide smile and a thumbs up, drawing laughter from his son. Moments later, the screen faded to a black-and-white photo of the Robertson patriarch, accompanied by an in-memoriam message—a quiet reminder of the man whose legacy continues through his family and their shared faith.