WASHINGTON — “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson died Sunday at 79. 

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson wrote on Facebook. “He reminded us often of the words of Paul, ‘you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.'”

Her announcement on Facebook comes months after the family said he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The family said he was in the “early stages” of the disease in December. 

His cause of death is currently unknown. 

Phil’s son, Jase Robertson, said on their “Unashamed with the Robertson Family” podcast his father had “some sort of blood disease causing all kinds of problems,” but he had been battling with it for multiple years. 

In April, Jase said doctors told the family that ‘there’s no curing’ what Phil has and they would work to make him more comfortable amid the health struggles. 

A private service will be held for the family, but Korie says details about a public celebration of his life will be announced soon. 

“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,” the family said in a statement. “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.”

The Robertson family rose to fame after Phil starred on the A&E show “Duck Dynasty” from 2012 to 2017. It ran for a total of 11 seasons.