'Duck Dynasty' Phil Robertson Left One Final Instruction For Family About His Funeral Plans

Before he passed away, “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson instructed his family to honor him at his funeral in a particular way.

The 79-year-old died in May after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, leaving behind his wife, Kay Robertson, five children, sixteen grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. 

Two months after the actor’s sad demise, his son, Willie Robertson, is opening up about his final wishes. 

In a recent interview, Willie and his wife Korie reflected on their dad’s life and the final moments leading to his death. Willie said, “Phil had such a strong faith. He told us before, "Do not cry at my funeral. I know where I'm going."

The 53-year-old actor proudly gushed about his dad’s impact on earth, saying, “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 continued with an in-depth discussion of their father’s faith and how it was reflected in their TV show. Although Willie raves about their doctrine of faith, he noted it wasn’t to “preach to people or convert people.” However, it was evident in their family.

While “The Revival” star looks back at his late father’s legacy, he hopes to have the same impact. Willie said, “I hope to have a funeral like that where people feel that way about me as well.”

Although the professional hunter was severely ill and couldn’t feature on “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” there was a scene of him on it, which his daughter-in-law Korie described as special to their family. 

Korie explained to TV Insider, “The timing was a little surreal. Our show came out the week Phil passed. It was really special to our family that we had that one little clip.”

She went on to detail the clip, saying, “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.

Korie also pointed out that the late actor’s legacy would live on, as the family would ensure it does.

While referencing comments about the older generation failing to pass on any traditions to the next generation, Korie made it clear that it wasn’t the case for the Robertson family. 

She said, “But we are passing on Phil's legacy because his legacy was first about faith. His whole motto was faith, family, ducks, in that order. His first was faith. All our kids are living that out in really beautiful ways and family.”

Korie also noted that the family continues to uphold the values their patriarch left behind through the show.

“We're still running Duck Commander,” the proud daughter-in-law declared. “The business he started from the duck call he invented years and years ago. That has been really special to carry that legacy on now after his passing.”

Before the patriarch passed on, his health had taken a rapid decline, and he was noticeably a far cry from his usual self. 

As The Blast previously reported, Korie recalled that the hunter, who was once energetic, no longer spoke much.She recounted her visit to him on his deathbed and how he muttered incomprehensible words. "He's not saying very much anymore.

He doesn't speak a lot,” Korie recalled, noting that Phil said something that sounded like “full steam ahead.” However, after those words, "He didn't say anything else that made sense.”

Phil’s death was announced in May on Facebook in a message that read, "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord."

The statement highlighted the actor’s bravery in fighting the disease and expressed gratitude to fans for their prayers and unwavering support. 

Fans followed with tributes to the legendary actor. One fan wrote, “He was a great example, and he would want us all to read our Bibles and begin to trust in God, and then tell others about what God is doing!”