In a heartfelt conversation on the *Unashamed with the Robertson Family* podcast, Jase Robertson, star of the beloved show *Duck Dynasty*, revealed that his father, the iconic Phil Robertson, is facing the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The news, though sobering, reflects the family’s unshakable strength as they navigate this new chapter in Phil’s life.
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson family and a reformed alcoholic, has always been known for his sharp mind and strong faith. However, over the past few years, something has seemed amiss. Jase explained that the family noticed his father wasn’t quite himself—he was no longer the vibrant, energetic figure they had always known. The family, in true Robertson fashion, went on a mission to figure out what was going on.
The doctors initially suspected that Phil was suffering from a blood disease, which they believe could be contributing to a wide array of physical and mental health issues. As Jase put it, “Phil’s not doing well. We were kind of trying to figure out the diagnosis,” alluding to the uncertainty that clouded the family’s understanding of what was happening.
Sadly, Jase confirmed that, while the blood disease is indeed part of the equation, it appears that Alzheimer’s disease is also at play. “He has early stages of Alzheimer’s,” Jase said, making it clear that the combined impact of these two serious conditions has taken a toll on Phil. “So, if you put those things together, he’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling,” Jase added, speaking openly about his father’s battle.
However, the Robertson family’s deep faith shines through even in these difficult moments. Alan Robertson, Phil’s oldest son, shared that while it’s true that their father is struggling, there are still moments of hope. “He has good days and bad days,” Alan said, emphasizing that, much like anyone dealing with Alzheimer’s, Phil’s condition fluctuates. The family continues to support him as best they can, seeking out ways to comfort him and help him retain his memory.
As Jase explained, the family is exploring various options to make Phil’s life as comfortable as possible. “We’re trying to do a lot of things to try to figure out how to make him more comfortable, and maybe help with his memory,” he shared, describing the ongoing efforts to care for Phil as his condition progresses.
The Robertson family’s resolve and love for one another are evident in how they approach their father’s diagnosis. Despite the challenges they face, they remain determined to make Phil’s remaining years as fulfilling as possible, demonstrating the same grit and faith that made them famous on *Duck Dynasty*.
In an earlier interview with Fox News, Phil reflected on his time in the public eye and his outspoken faith, which led to a controversial moment when A&E canceled *Duck Dynasty* after Phil made remarks about homosexuality. He explained, “I just quoted a Bible verse… I quoted what God had to say about that sin and nine other sins, but it was in the list of sins.” He went on to express that while A&E may have dropped the axe on him, he didn’t hold it against them, adding, “The upper crowd at A&E decided to drop the axe on me without first looking into what went down.”
The Robertson family’s journey through these trying times showcases their unwavering faith, love for one another, and their resilience. As Phil faces the daunting reality of Alzheimer’s, the family remains steadfast in supporting him, just as they have throughout their years in the spotlight.
