Professional hunter and TV personalityPhil Robertson, best known for his role on the series"Duck Dynasty,"has died. He was 79. In anemotional May 25 Instagram post, Robertson's son, Willie Robertson, and daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, confirmed Phil died after being diagnosed withAlzheimer's disease. "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord," the couple 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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Korie Robertson (@korie.robertson) Robertson's other son, Jase Robertson,confirmed in December 2024that the TV personality and Duck Commander founder was in the "early stages" of Alzheimer's disease, adding that the brain condition joined a series of other health issues that were "causing problems with his entire body." "Phil's not doing well," said Jase at the time on the "Unashamed with the Robertson Family" podcast. "We were trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, they are sure that he has some sort of blood disease that's causing all kinds of problems." 'A well-loved friend':George Wendt, beloved bar regular Norm on 'Cheers,' dies at 76 Robertson, whose family-run hunting products business, Duck Commander, was the focus of "Duck Dynasty," starred on the first four seasons of the A&E series, which debuted in 2012. He subsequently appeared in a recurring role until the show's 11th and final season in 2017. In 2013, Robertson sparked controversy aftermaking remarks in GQ magazinethat some considered anti-gay, which led A&E to put him on "indefinite hiatus." Though he was briefly sidelined from the series, the suspension was later called off. "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," Willie and Korie Robertson wrote on Instagram. "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." Priscilla Pointer dies:'Dallas' actress and mother of Amy Irving was 100 Robertson's death comes as the Duck Dynasty franchise is set to return with the reboot "Duck Dynasty: The Revival." The spinoff will follow Willie and Korie Robertson and their family of six as they "grapple with mapping out the future of Duck Commander." A&E has ordered two seasons of the show, consisting of 20 episodes each. Willie and Korie Robertson said a private service will be held in Robertson's honor, but a "public celebration of his life" will be announced soon. Contributing: Jay Stahl, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Phil Robertson dead: 'Duck Dynasty' star dies at 79
