Duck Dynasty Patriarch Phil Robertson Has Been Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s Disease
Phyllis Robertson Thomas, the daughter of Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, is thanking fans for support after their family went public with the news that Phil has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Phil’s sons, Al and Jase, revealed the 78-year-old’s diagnosis on Phil’s Unashamed podcast. In addition to being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Phil is also battling a blood disease “causing all kinds of problems” for him physically.
“It’s causing problems with his entire body,” said Jase. “And he has early stages of Alzheimer’s. So, if you put those things together, he’s just not doing well. He’s really struggling.”
Although Phil wants to return to Unashamed, Al and Jase don’t know if that will be possible. “He is literally, and I think he would agree, unable to just sit down and have a conversation,” Jase said.
The Robertson family is working closely with doctors and trying their best to make Phil “a little more comfortable.”
Robertson Family Members Thank Fans For Support After Revealing Phil’s Diagnosis
In the days since going public with Phil’s diagnosis, various Robertson family members have taken to social media to thank fans for their support. Phil’s granddaughter, Sadie, said:
“I’m genuinely so thankful my family chose to make our life public because of how incredible it is that so many people know my grandpa! Y’all got to see the way he lived his life! I’m so glad that so many people have been able to learn from his faith and his love for his family.”
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One of the most powerful statements came from Phil’s daughter, Phyllis.
Phil and his wife, Miss Kay, share four sons: Al, Willie, Jase, and Jep. Phil was troubled in his younger years before he devoted his life to Jesus, and he ended up having an affair.
He had no idea that the affair resulted in the birth of a daughter, Phyllis. Phyllis found Phil decades later…in 2020. He took a DNA test which proved there was a 99.9% chance he was Phyllis’ father.
The Robertson family, including Miss Kay, welcomed Phyllis with open arms. She and her husband now live next door to Phil and Miss Kay.
Speaking about Phil’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Phyllis said:
“I may not know all of the answers to every question I have, but what I do know is that God is close to the broken hearted. My God has always been near and will continue to be as we process how life has been changing and will continue to change as time goes on. And if I know one thing about my dad, it is that he’s going to let every moment continue to bring glory to his Heavenly Father.”
Phyllis shared how grateful she is that she found Phil four years ago. Now, she and the rest of the Robertsons are relying heavily on their faith as they support Phil through his health battle.
“The best thing to do when tough news comes your way is to lean into God and those that love you,” she said. Read her full post below.
Our prayers go out to Phil and the entire Robertson family.