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'Duck Dynasty' Star Phil Robertson's Son Shares "Blunt Truth" About His Alzheimer's Battle
Phil Robertson’s health doesn’t appear to be improving.
Months after the Duck Dynasty star’s son Jase Robertson shared that his dad was battling Alzheimer’s disease, it appears little has changed about the 78-year-old’s condition.
“The number one question I get everywhere I go: ‘How’s your dad doing?’” Jase said on the April 2 episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. “Now, I’m just giving the blunt truth: I say, ‘Not good.’”
Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Jase, 55, noted his family is committed to keeping a positive mindset.
“We’re doing the best we can,” he continued. “I think that’s just what you do.”
Fortunately, Jase had good news to share about his mom Kay Robertson, 77, revealing she was on the mend after a fall resulted in a serious infection that required medical attention.
“For my mom, it’s been a lot better this past week, because she was really not doing good,” he explained. “She’s still in the hospital, but it’s more rehab physically, trying to get her to eat.”
The update was especially encouraging given that those around the matriarch were preparing for the worst.
“We were kinda dealing with the fact that maybe this is it,” Jase said candidly. “That’s what it seemed like in the moment. It seemed close there, so it was difficult.”
Jase previously discussed his dad’s Alzheimer’s battle and noted the disease was still in “early stages.” But even then, it appeared the diagnosis was just one factor complicating Phil’s health.
Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
“According to the doctors, they’re sure that he has some sort of blood disease that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jase shared on a December episode of the podcast. “It’s accelerated and it’s causing problems with his entire body.”
And while there is no cure for the disease, which slowly deteriorates a person’s memory, Jase assured fans his family was making every effort to help Phil through his struggles.
“We’re trying to do a lot of things to figure out how to make him more comfortable, and maybe help with his memory,” he continued. “We’ve got a team of doctors and they’re all in agreement that there’s no curing what he has. And so, what do you do? We’re trying to make him a little more comfortable.”
For a closer look at Phil and his family, keep scrolling.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
First Hunt
Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson discovered in 2020 that he fathered a daughter named Phyllis from an affair he had decades ago, leading him to reconnect with his lost child and take her duck hunting.
"So thankful God brought us together after all these years," Phyllis wrote on her Instagram that November. "His timing is perfect, and every day and new experience is a gift."
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Dad and Daughter
"This day ended my first duck season with a great hunt," Phyllis captioned this January 2021 snapshot. "And this day one year ago marks the beginning of my life with my real dad after learning paternity tests came back positive. Positive. Have there been ups and downs on this crazy ride? Yes. But we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose -Romans 8:28. I'm so very thankful this day and this one year anniversary ended on a positive note."
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Under One Roof
Phil and his wife Kay "Miss Kay" Robertson invited Phyllis and her husband to celebrate Easter with their side of the family—including his brother Si Robertson—in 2021.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Jelly Time
Phil taught Phyllis how to make mayhaw jelly in May 2021.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Father's Day
Phyllis celebrated her first Father's Day with Phil in 2021.
"Dad taught me how to make crawfish au gratin," she wrote on Instagram. "Delicious and memorable Father's Day, the first one I've ever spent with him."
Instagram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Christmas With the Robertsons
Phyllis rang in Christmas 2021 with Phil and Miss Kay, as well as their adult kids Al Robertson, Jase Robertson, Willie Robertson and Jep Robertson.
Insatgram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Quality Time
The Robertson family went duck hunting in November 2022.
Instagram/Phyllis Robertson Thomas
Good Hunting
"That's a wrap! From NE Louisiana to SE Kansas, duck season 2022-23 is in the books," Phyllis wrote in February 2022. "Loved spending time with my dad and family and friends. We had theological discussions and enjoyed the wonder of nature. I built some new skills, helped with a missions fundraiser, and shared the Gospel. And we whacked and stacked some waterfowl! I'd call that a successful season."
Instagram/Phil Robertson
Easter Sunday
"We wish you a joyous Easter as we celebrate the miracle of the resurrection, our hope in Jesus, and the promise of what's to come," Phil wrote on Instagram in April 2023. "We pray that our story is your story—that you'll find light and hope in the living Savior. Happy Easter from our family to yours!"
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