The “Duck Dynasty” matriarch lost her partner of 60 years, a heartbreaking blow that has taken a significant toll on her mental health.
Kay Robertson’s health remains fragile following the death of her husband, Phil Robertson. Her existing health concerns, first revealed in April, have now been compounded by the weight of grief.
Kay’s son, Willie Robertson, shared an update about her wellbeing a week after Phil’s passing. “Kay is not in the best of health. We’re trying to help her out as much as we can,” he said. Willie noted that part of his mother’s health struggles stem from depression, as she is grieving the loss of her partner of six decades.
Phil died in May after battling Alzheimer’s disease, leaving Kay heartbroken in grief. Following the update on Kay’s condition, fans have taken to social media to pray for her and speak on the deep impact of losing a lifelong partner.
One fan seemed unsurprised by the heartbreaking news, simply stated, “I knew that was going to happen.” Another person shared a solemn reminder, “Dying from a broken heart is more common than you think. Prayers for Miss Kay🖤.”
Someone else highlighted the emotional toll of such a loss, “Broken heart syndrome it’s real.” A deeply empathetic message read, “Long time companions usually don’t last long after a loss. She has a broken heart, and wants to be with her husband. It’s an awful situation.”
An individual also acknowledged the depth of grief, “Losing a spouse is a whole different life feeling and grief process. Prayers for her and the family.” Another supporter expressed heartfelt concern, “Poor Miss Kay, I’m sure she is profoundly lost and lonely without her husband of 60 years. I’m praying for her.”
In a similarly tender note, someone offered, “Praying for Ms Kay. She misses her husband for sure. I wish her the best.” Another fan, full of compassion, wrote, “Sending love and prayers to Miss Kay and the family. May God give them strength and comfort during this difficult time.”
Due to her health condition, Kay did not attend the premiere party for “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” on June 1 in Monroe, Louisiana. Additionally, Kay appears only in an early episode of the “Duck Dynasty” reboot as her health has kept her from being featured in later episodes.
“Mom was on the show at the beginning so we have some sweet moments with her,” noted Willie. Meanwhile, Phil did not make any new appearances in the revival, though he is shown in flashback scenes.
Kay’s health concern were first revealed in April by her son Jase Robertson during the family’s podcast “Unashamed With the Robertson Family.” At the time, Jase shared that he had feared for his mother’s life after a fall and a resulting infection that required hospitalization. He recalled that they were coming to terms with the possibility that she might not recover.
Now, following her husband’s passing, Kay Robertson’s situation appears even more difficult. The couple’s love story was brought to the big screen in 2023 through the independent film “The Blind,” which was produced by Willie and his wife, Korie.
The movie explored Phil’s early struggles with infidelity and alcohol, and his eventual transformation through his Christian faith. Upon its release, the film moved audiences, reportedly sparking baptisms and spontaneous gatherings for worship and fellowship. According to Willie, the film saw a noticeable surge in streaming views after Phil’s death.
Phil, who was the founder of Duck Commander and the bearded patriarch featured on A&E’s hit reality series “Duck Dynasty,” died at the age of 78. His family confirmed the news on May 25, 2025, through multiple social media posts honoring his life and legacy.
A message shared on Phil’s official Instagram account announced his passing and affirmed the family’s faith, saying they found comfort in knowing he was now with the Lord.
They recalled how Phil often reminded them of Scripture that encourages believers not to grieve without hope, because of their belief in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life.
The family expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love and support, noting that Phil’s deep faith and commitment to spreading his message had made a lasting impact. They would continue to honor his legacy by living out his values of faith and love.
Phil’s son, Jase, echoed the family’s sentiments in a message on X, sharing that his father had gone to be with the Lord. While acknowledging the sadness of his passing, he expressed peace in knowing Phil was in God’s care and affirmed the family’s faith that they would be reunited with him one day.
My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again! #PhilRobertson #Jesus
— Jase Robertson (@JaseDuckman) May 26, 2025
Granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff reflected on his spiritual influence, citing one of their last conversations, “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
She described his testimony as life-changing for their family and many others, adding, “Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.”
Will Robertson, also a grandson, posted a photo from his childhood and wrote, “my Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. His life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful [sic].”
He expressed gratitude for Robertson’s impact and legacy, “i’m forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i’m thankful to know he’s sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw 🩶[sic].”
In the months before Phil’s passing, his son Jase publicly acknowledged the seriousness of his father’s health. In December 2024, he revealed on the family’s “Unashamed” podcast that doctors had diagnosed Phil with a blood disease and early-stage Alzheimer’s.
“You know Phil’s not doing well,” he said. “So if you put those things together… he’s really struggling.”
By April 2025, Jase offered a more direct update, telling listeners, “Not good. That’s what I said.” He explained that the family had arranged professional care to support Phil.
Recalling a recent visit, Jase described an emotional moment involving their relative Zach. “He kind of stuck his head in the window… and I was like, ‘How’d that go?’ And Zach just lost it,” he said. “When you’re in these battles day by day, you kind of compartmentalize everything just so you can deal with it.”
Jase also shared that, despite the difficulty of the situation, the family, especially the younger generation, did their best to keep Phil comfortable and cared for during his final weeks.
Amid these challenges, the Robertson family was preparing for a return to television. In March 2025, A&E announced “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” a new 20-episode series produced by Spoke Studios and Tread Lively Productions.
Set to premiere in the summer 2025, the series will follow Willie and Korie, their adult children, and grandchildren as they shape the future of Duck Commander and carry on the family’s values and entrepreneurial spirit.
The show will feature familiar faces from the original series, including Kay, Uncle Si, John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella, and Rebecca. Following its run on A&E, episodes will also stream on a major platform.
“The Robertsons earned a seat in homes across the country with their unique brand of downhome practicality, southern charm and relatable humor,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E and Lifetime.
Willie and Korie, who also serve as executive producers, shared their enthusiasm about the revival. “We’re thankful for all who have followed along as our family has grown and expanded and can’t wait to get cameras rolling again on all our new adventures, or perhaps misadventures,” they said.
The project was first hinted at in a January 23 Facebook post from the show’s official page. The announcement featured Willie and Korie in their signature camouflage and revealed plans for a new “Duck Dynasty” revival series.
The announcement marked a hopeful step forward during a deeply personal and emotional chapter for the family.
