In an emotional update that has shaken fans of Duck Dynasty and the broader faith community that has followed the Robertson family for years, Willie Robertson has confirmed what many feared: his mother, Kay Robertson, is in a state of serious physical and emotional decline following the death of her husband, Phil Robertson.
Speaking during a quiet family podcast segment, Willie struggled to find words, his voice thick with emotion:
“It’s been harder than we expected. Mom… she’s barely holding on. She’s lost more than a partner—she lost the center of her world. And it’s taken a toll on her.”
Phil and Kay shared over six decades of marriage—a love story marked by transformation, faith, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment. For Miss Kay, Phil’s passing earlier this year wasn’t just the loss of a husband—it was losing the man she prayed for, stood by, and built a life around through some of the most challenging and redemptive seasons imaginable.
“We’ve all been grieving,” Willie continued, “but for Mom, it’s deeper. She still sets his place at the table. She still calls out his name when she prays. There’s an emptiness now that no one can fill.”
Family members close to the situation say that Miss Kay’s physical health has weakened, with long days of fatigue, loss of appetite, and quiet moments of confusion. While doctors are involved and the family is providing round-the-clock care, it is clear that the emotional weight of grief is impacting her well-being just as heavily as any physical condition.
Despite this, Willie says her faith remains firm.
“Even in her weakest moments, she clings to Jesus. She told me just yesterday, ‘If I see your daddy again soon, I’ll be just fine with that.’”
The Robertson family is rallying close—Willie, Korie, Jase, Jep, and the grandchildren all taking turns sitting with her, praying over her, and making sure she knows she’s not alone.
Korie Robertson shared on social media a recent photo of Miss Kay holding the hand of her great-granddaughter, both wrapped in a quilt made from Phil’s old shirts. The image moved fans to tears. The caption read simply:
“Even in pain, love is still here.”
Fans across the country have responded with overwhelming love and prayers. Thousands have written messages of encouragement, reminding Miss Kay how much she’s meant to them—from her quiet wisdom on Duck Dynasty to the faith she’s modeled through seasons of loss and strength.
“Miss Kay has been like a mother to us all,” one fan wrote. “We’re holding her in our hearts the way she’s held her family for years.”
For now, the family asks for continued prayer and privacy as Miss Kay rests.
“We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” Willie said. “But we know Who holds it. And we’re trusting Him with Mom, just like we did with Dad.”
The world may be watching from afar, but in the small home by the Louisiana bayou, one family is doing what they’ve always done: turning to faith, holding onto each other, and trusting in love that never dies.
We’ll share updates as the Robertson family releases them. Until then, prayers continue to pour in for Miss Kay—an icon of strength, grace, and enduring love.