Phil Robertson was the founder of the Duck Commander hunting company and became a reality television star on the series Duck Dynasty. However, his reign in the reality world landed him in hot water following comments many believed were homophobic and racist. Phil and his family became memorable, some might say infamous, representations of a specific moment in reality television history.

When Phil passed away in May 2025, some wondered how the family would handle losing their patriarch. Those fans would get their answer shortly afterward when Duck Dynasty: The Revival was announced. The show centers around Willie, Phil’s son, who has taken over as CEO of Duck Commander. However, this new series would pay tribute to Willie’s father in the premiere episode.

Phil Is Seen At The Beginning Of The Premiere Episode Of Duck Dynasty: The Revival In A Tribute

Fans of the Duck Dynasty franchise have been wondering if and how the series would pay tribute to Phil Robertson. The new revival series was announced after his passing and viewers got their answer when they saw the opening of the premiere episode. Willie Robertson, the new series lead, opens his laptop and begins to read a message to the audience.

“So ladies and gentleman, start your engines,” Willie is heard saying. “Only one will earn the bandana, so let the games begin. What do you think, Phil?” Viewers then see Phil answering him by giving a thumps up sign. “Ah, that was awesome!” Willie answers, laughing. The screen then fades to black and viewers see a photograph of Phil appear. Not only is it a fitting way to start the new series, but it’s a fitting way for a family to pay tribute to an important figure in their lives.

Phil’s passing was announced a week before the revival aired. The former patriarch died at 79 after struggling with Alzheimer’s. Korie Robertson confirmed his death in a written statement on May 25, 2025. Phil’s unfortunate diagnosis was announced by the family in December 2024. The confirmation came after it was reported that the A&E network ordered the Duck Dynasty revival series.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” she wrote. “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.'”

Korie added, “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. 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.”

Prior to his father’s passing, Willie spoke to Us Weekly in May about the current situation. The family was trying to value the time they had left with Phil and Willie spoke about how important that was. It certainly appeared to be a sign that they were aware he wouldn’t have a lot of time left.

“I think it’s just [about] giving and caring about the people you love the most, and that’s the family and the grandkids,” Willie told the outlet. “I mean, every moment now I think about how special it is, like, one Saturday we were down fishing, and so I had ’em all there and just these small, tiny moments.”

He continued, “I think a lot of us just forget about ’em. We don’t think about how special they are. And so, you realize that once you see someone getting really towards the end of their life and won’t be here — or certainly are not in the mental capacity to even have a conversation — those moments are special, and you just want to enjoy ’em and live in that moment, live in the small things and don’t get too caught up in just running after all the things that we run after and we get busy.”

Phil Made Some Remarks In The Past That Many Considered To Be Homophobic And Racist

Following the premiere of Duck Dynasty in 2012, Phil made a name for himself as a reality television personality. However, he also became well-known, and somewhat infamous, for his conservative views. He even referred to himself as a “Bible thumper.” These views caused explosive controversy when Phil was interviewed by GQ in 2013. During the conversation, Phil bizarrely claimed homosexuality was one step away from bestiality.

Phil was speaking to the reporter about religion and he was asked what would be considered sinful. He answered, “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

However, the shocking statements didn’t stop there. In the same chat, Phil also downplayed the era of racial segregation. He went so far as to say that he never “saw the mistreatment of any Black person” during that time. The civil rights community, including the NAACP, were understandably upset by these remarks.

Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin and NAACP interim president Lorraine Miller released a joint letter urging A&E to take action. “Mr. Robertson claims that, from what he saw, African Americans were happier under Jim Crow,” the letter read, in part. “What he didn’t see were lynching and beatings of Black men and women for attempting to vote or simply walking down the street. And his offensive claims about gay people fly in the face of science. In fact, it’s important to note that every single leading medical organization in the country has said that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being LGBT – it’s not a choice, and to suggest otherwise is dangerous.”

A&E suspended Phil for just nine days following the interview’s release, with the network saying Phil’s views were not in line with their “core values.” According to the network, those values were “centered around creativity, inclusion and respect. But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family . . . a family that America has come to love.”

The network said they decided to remove Phil’s suspension because it had consulted with several advocacy groups. “After discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family,” another statement read.

The Robertson family unsurprisingly defended Phil after the backlash. The family said that he was just expressing what he was taught as a “Christian,” despite the “coarse” language he used in the interview. Phil, also unsurprisingly, didn’t apologize for his remarks, despite the HRC and NAACP encouraging him to do so.

Phil’s Son Willie Has Taken Over As The New Lead In Duck Dynasty: The Revival

After Phil’s death, fans of the original series were wondering what the revival would be like without him. It turns out, there is now a new patriarch at the center. Duck Dynasty: The Revival centers around the lives of Willie Robertson and his wife Korie Robertson, along with their children and grandchildren. As the new CEO of the Duck Commander hunting company, Willie has taken on the role Phil left behind.

Willie says he is now “officially semi-retired.” In the second episode of Duck Dynasty: The Revival, Willie lets viewers see how he spends an ideal day off. One of the ways he enjoys his retirement is by spending time with his family. Willie attempts to watch his seven grandchildren in the episode without any assistance.

Willie’s wife, Korie, wasn’t entirely convinced that he would be able to handle all the grandkids alone. Her mother set up shop outside the house in case Willie needed help. This was orchestrated by Korie. “Now that Willie is fully ‘semi-retired,’ he lost his mind thinking he’s going to take care of all the grandkids at one time,” Korie said. Willie is then heard saying, “You know my philosophy. ‘Go big, or go home.’ So, I’ll take all of ’em.”

Willie even told viewers his grandchildren have several nicknames for him. Sometimes they call him “Dubbs,” which Willie says is short for “W.” Their grandmother also has nicknames from the grandkids. The children call her “KK” or “K-Mama.”