On a new episode of the Unashamed podcast, Jase Robertson shared details of a conversation he had with his dad, Phil, about his upcoming birthday.
Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson turned 79 on April 24. The beloved television star has endured numerous health struggles in recent months. He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and the early stages of Alzheimer’s at the end of 2024. Phil has also undergone numerous surgeries due to severe back issues caused by the blood disorder.
Phil’s wife of 59 years, Miss Kay, has had health struggles of her own. She has been hospitalized due to injuries and spent time in rehab while she recovers. As a result of Phil and Kay’s health issues, their family made the difficult decision to move them out of their longtime Louisiana home and into a facility where they would have 24-hour care.
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In the months since Phil’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, his family has often shared updates with fans. During Monday’s episode of the Unashamed podcast, Jase shared a story “you have to laugh about so you don’t cry.”
What does Phil Robertson want for his birthday?
Jase told listeners that he visited his dad prior to his birthday and asked what he wanted this year. Phil’s response was “the most shocking thing that I ever thought I would hear that came out of my dad’s mouth.”
The younger Robertson said that the request was proof that Phil “isn’t mentally all there” and that “you have to laugh at this to keep from crying from the overall situation.
It turns out, Phil Robertson wanted a pair of Nike Air Jordans for his birthday!
“You heard of this company called Nike?” Jase recalled his dad saying. “I actually thought he was going to say something about the stock market or something, but he said, ‘I think I want some of those Air Jordan tennis shoes.'”
Jase responded with laughter and looked at his mom, Kay, who was also clearly surprised by Phil’s request. Jase then asked his dad why he wanted some Nikes. Phil replied, “I just really think if I had a pair of those I’d be alright.”
Phil specified that he wanted orange and white Air Jordans, and Jase said he would get him some.
Jase explained that the request was humorous because there is nothing in Phil’s life that has anything to do with Nike and its style.
“I’ve never seen him wear a pair of tennis shoes in my life,” Jase admitted. “You know, sometimes the bucket list, you just start diggin’ around in there and you come out with a pair of high top Air Jordans.”
Watch Jase Robertson tell the story of his dad’s “shocking” birthday request in the video below.