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Willie Robertson is remembering his late father Phil Robertson’s last words.
Willie, 53, and his wife Korie, reflected on losing Phil — who died at age 79 in May after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in December — the same week that the family’s new show, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, premiered.
“Phil had been struggling with Alzheimer’s for a while,” Willie told TV Insider. “It was on our mind for sure, his condition. It’s part of life.”
Recalling his “strong faith,” Willie revealed what Phil said to the family before he died. “He told us before, ‘Do not cry at my funeral. I know where I’m going.’ What a life he lived. We heard that from thousands of people, the people he impacted.”
“Phil would have wanted us to do exactly what we’re doing,” he added of filming the new reality series. “Whatever is a reflection of that faith, and our show is a reflection of our faith. Not overtly. We’re not trying to preach to people or convert people, but I think you can see the fruit in the faith of our show and our family and how it sticks together through good times and bad. That’s why we are on this earth. As we move on, I think it’s a reminder to all of us the time will come. I hope I have a funeral like that where people feel that way about me as well.”
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Korie called the timing of Phil’s death “a little surreal” for the family.
“Our show came out the week Phil passed. It was really special to our family that we had that one little clip,” she recalled. “When filming this time around, he was already in the throes of Alzheimer’s, so he wasn’t able to be part of the show.”
“We did film that one little thing where he gave Willie the thumbs up. It was really special because for our family it felt like, okay, this is his opportunity to pass on the torch to us.”
On the premiere episode of Duck Dynasty: The Revival, the series paid tribute with a brief but touching tribute to the late Robertson patriarch. Willie read off his laptop as he sat on an armchair in the living room.
“So ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Only one will earn the bandana, so let the games begin. What do you think, Phil?” Willie asked, to which Phil answered with a big thumbs up.
“Ah, that was awesome!” his son replied with a hearty laugh before the screen faded to a black and white photo of Phil alongside the in-memoriam tribute.
The pair also revealed that the family will continue to honor Phil on season of Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
“As the show grows, there will be a big show about Phil’s passing,” Willie revealed. “That will be reflected through an entire show of craziness as well.”
“We do some nutty things in his honor and also just honor him,” he added. “There are some good moments after finding out about his passing and the show starts. You’ll see that in season 2.”
The Duck Dynasty star’s family revealed in social media posts on May 25 that Phil had died, months after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
In a joint Instagram post, Willie and Korie wrote, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.”
“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life,” the pair continued, in part, adding, “We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.”
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His son Jase Robertson and granddaughter Sadie Robertson Huff also paid tribute.
Jase posted a tribute on X, writing, “My dad has gone to be with the Lord today! He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!” while Sadie marked his death with an Instagram post featuring a series of photos of their famous family throughout the years.
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Duck Dynasty: The Revival airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on A&E.
