The Robertson family has always stood for faith, strength, and unity. But in moments of loss, even the strongest hearts can break. And now, in a moment of quiet courage, Korie Robertson is finally opening up about the private heartbreak that surrounded the final days of family patriarch Phil Robertson — a man millions came to know as the fearless, Bible-quoting leader of Duck Dynasty, and whom Korie knew simply as Dad.
“He wasn’t afraid of dying,” Korie said softly, pausing to wipe away tears. “He was ready. But none of us were ready to let him go.”
In this deeply emotional and private reflection, Korie revealed the tender, raw moments that took place behind closed doors as Phil’s health began to fail. The world saw a man of grit and boldness, but his family saw something else in those final days — peace, gentleness, and love like never before.
“There were days when he could barely speak,” she shared, “but he never stopped praying. Even when the words were whispers, he was still talking to God.”
Korie remembers sitting beside him, holding his hand, watching Phil look around at his children and grandchildren with a kind of calm acceptance that only faith can bring.
“The hardest moment,” she said, voice cracking, “was when he looked at Willie and said, ‘Take care of your mama. She’s strong, but she’ll need you.’ That was the moment we knew… he was saying goodbye.”
Phil, known for his unshakable faith, spent his last days exactly how he’d hoped: surrounded by family, Scripture, and the sound of laughter between the tears.
“He told us not to mourn like those without hope,” Korie said. “And we’re trying. But the truth is — losing him has left a hole nothing can fill.”
What the cameras never showed, Korie now shares: the late-night hymns sung around his bedside, the final family prayer with hands joined tight, and Kay whispering to him that she’d see him again someday.
“It wasn’t dramatic. It was holy,” Korie said quietly. “Phil didn’t fear death. He welcomed it — because he knew where he was going.”
As the Robertson family begins to heal, they remain grounded in the lessons Phil left behind: to live boldly, love fiercely, and walk humbly with God.
“He taught us how to live,” Korie said. “And now he’s taught us how to let go — with faith, not fear.”
Though the world has lost a legend, the Robertsons have lost a father, a husband, and the heart of their family. But in their grief, they carry on his greatest legacy: unshakable faith and enduring love.