Duck Dynasty Star’s Final Words Revealed
Sadie Robertson has revealed the final words of her grandpa and Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, who died at age 79 on Sunday.
The outspoken Christian was the spiritual patriarch of the family and often talked of the love of his grandchildren. She shared on social media his final moments as his battle with multiple illnesses and Alzheimer’s disease took his life.
“’Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.’ – 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV,” the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram. “As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth—going from dead to alive by the power of Christ!”
She shared family photos, then ended with what he told her: “One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”
Her mom, Korie Robertson, and Phil’s daughter-in-law, earlier shared the news of his passing on social media on Sunday evening.
“We celebrate today that our father, husband and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” she wrote, according to Fox News. “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.”
She added that the family will have a private service but will share details about a public celebration of his life.
Robertson played college football at Louisiana Tech, where he was the starting quarterback while NFL legend Terry Bradshaw was his backup. He founded Duck Commander in 1972. The “Duck Dynasty” television show premiered 40 years later, in 2012, before it ended in 2017.
During a December episode of “Unashamed with the Robertson Family,” Robertson’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease was announced. His son Willie Robertson later told Fox News that Phil was “battling a lot of different things right now.”
“He’s got a blood disorder, and then he’s got the mental issues that could be early [on-set] Alzheimer’s … and probably some ministrokes because of his blood,” he said. “And so, it could be some stroke stuff happening, that has happened. So, we’re still checking on all that.” But then he also has a back issue. He’s fractured his back and that’s where the pain’s at. So, he’s kind of battling many different things at the same time.”
Above all else, he will be remembered for his Christian faith, Korie said.
“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,” she said. “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.”
–Alan Goforth
