Sadie Robertson’s final moments with her grandfather will always stay with her.
Following the death of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson at the age of 79—as confirmed by his family on May 25, five months after publicly sharing his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease—Sadie shared a poignant look at their last days together.
While reflecting on her late grandfather’s relationship with his faith, the 27-year-old wrote of Phil in her Instagram tribute, “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
In her post, Sadie shared a sweet carousel of images with her grandfather over the years, including one of Phil speaking at her wedding to husband Christian Huff and another in which she and Christian hold their two daughters Honey James Huff, 4, and Haven Belle Huff, 2, alongside Phil and his wife Kay Robertson.
In announcing his passing, Phil’s family expressed their gratitude for the impact the reality star had during his life.
“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus,” Phil’s daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, married to his son Willie Robertson, wrote on Facebook. “We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”
“We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life,” she continued. “We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”
Phil’s passing came only five months after his son Jase Robertson shared that the Duck Dynasty patriarch had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” he said on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. “It’s accelerated and it’s causing problems with his entire body.”
Jase noted at the time that his father was “not doing well” and was “really struggling.”
But despite his father’s declining health, Jase confirmed last month that he and the family—including his other brothers Alan Robertson and Jep Robertson—were being sure to rally around each other.
“We’re doing the best we can,” he explained during the April 2 episode of his podcast. “I think that’s just what you do.”
For more of Phil’s life with his family, keep reading.
First Hunt
Duck Dynasty‘s Phil Robertson discovered in 2020 that he fathered a daughter named Phyllis from an affair he had decades ago, leading him to reconnect with his lost child and take her duck hunting.
“So thankful God brought us together after all these years,” Phyllis wrote on her Instagram that November. “His timing is perfect, and every day and new experience is a gift.”
Dad and Daughter
“This day ended my first duck season with a great hunt,” Phyllis captioned this January 2021 snapshot. “And this day one year ago marks the beginning of my life with my real dad after learning paternity tests came back positive. Positive. Have there been ups and downs on this crazy ride? Yes. But we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose -Romans 8:28. I’m so very thankful this day and this one year anniversary ended on a positive note.”
Under One Roof
Phil and his wife Kay “Miss Kay” Robertson invited Phyllis and her husband to celebrate Easter with their side of the family—including his brother Si Robertson—in 2021.
Jelly Time
Phil taught Phyllis how to make mayhaw jelly in May 2021.
Father’s Day
Phyllis celebrated her first Father’s Day with Phil in 2021.
“Dad taught me how to make crawfish au gratin,” she wrote on Instagram. “Delicious and memorable Father’s Day, the first one I’ve ever spent with him.”
Christmas With the Robertsons
Phyllis rang in Christmas 2021 with Phil and Miss Kay, as well as their adult kids Al Robertson, Jase Robertson, Willie Robertson and Jep Robertson.
Quality Time
The Robertson family went duck hunting in November 2022.
Good Hunting
“That’s a wrap! From NE Louisiana to SE Kansas, duck season 2022-23 is in the books,” Phyllis wrote in February 2022. “Loved spending time with my dad and family and friends. We had theological discussions and enjoyed the wonder of nature. I built some new skills, helped with a missions fundraiser, and shared the Gospel. And we whacked and stacked some waterfowl! I’d call that a successful season.”
Easter Sunday
“We wish you a joyous Easter as we celebrate the miracle of the resurrection, our hope in Jesus, and the promise of what’s to come,” Phil wrote on Instagram in April 2023. “We pray that our story is your story—that you’ll find light and hope in the living Savior. Happy Easter from our family to yours!”
