Phil Robertson, the well-known star of the reality show "Duck Dynasty," has passed away at the age of 79. His family announced the news on Sunday, shortly after his son Jase revealed that Phil was struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Robertson’s daughter-in-law, Korie, expressed their faith, saying they celebrate that he is now with the Lord.
Robertson was a prominent figure in American pop culture, especially since "Duck Dynasty" debuted in 2012. He gained fame not only for his role in the show but also for his outspoken conservative views. He was a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and often spoke at political events, including those for Senator Ted Cruz.
Following his death, HuffPost quickly published an article that criticized Robertson for his views on homosexuality, labeling him a spreader of "homophobic hate." The article highlighted his comments about homosexual behavior being a sin and referenced his opposition to redefining marriage. This sparked a conversation about the impact of his beliefs and the reactions they elicited from various communities.
Robertson’s legacy is a mix of reality TV fame and his controversial political and social opinions. He was known for his strong Christian beliefs and often discussed them publicly. He also received recognition for his stance on free speech, being awarded the Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2015.
As fans and family remember Phil Robertson, discussions about his life and beliefs continue to evoke varied responses across the political spectrum.