Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79 after a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s disease in his final months.

The professional hunter turned reality star’s family announced the news in a Facebook post on Sunday, leaving fans devastated.

‘Today, we celebrate that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,’ Korie Robertson, Phil’s daughter-in-law, announced on Facebook on Sunday.

She expressed gratitude to everyone who prayed for Phil during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in his final months. She reminisced about how he faced death bravely and saw it as a return to God’s kingdom.

Many surprised fans shared their support, with one commenting, ‘Truly, Phil felt like America’s grandpa.’ Another mentioned, ‘He brought smiles to all our faces!’

Late last year, Robertson had received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, his family said on the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast. Phil’s son Jase Robertson had previously said on the podcast that his father had also been battling a blood disease.

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‘Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus,’ she wrote. 

She added, ‘We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.’

Korie said the Robertson family would continue to remember their late patriarch.

‘We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life,’ she said. 

She added the family was planning on ‘having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life.’

On an April 11 edition of the podcast. Jase and Al Robertson said that Phil and his ailing wife Kay had been staying in the same facility.

‘We now have Phil and Kay back together – it has been fantastic,’ he said.

Jase added, ‘My dad’s not doing great overall, and my mom is not doing great physically. She has to have pretty much 24/7 professional healthcare, but my dad, it’s like .. he’s been so much calmer since she came back.’ 

Jase described the set up at the facility the ailing couple had been residing at.

‘They’re in a facility where there are other people, but they have their own little private room – it’s great – and so, they’re helping each other, so that’s been positive,’ he said. 

Kaye took to Instagram last year to explain to fans how they helped one another survive amid their respective health battles. 

‘Phil takes care of me, and I take care of him,’ said Kaye. ‘Sometimes he fixes a little makeup smudge for me, and I comb the chicken biscuit crumbs out of his beard. 

‘I’m getting over being sick, and I can’t wait to get back to taking care of my pioneer man.’ 

A number of fans paid memorial to the late reality star amid news of his passing on the Facebook page on which it was announced.

One commenter said in response: ‘What a day of rejoicing he is having finally getting to meet Jesus face to face! He has ran his race well, and he now is getting his reward! Praying for peace, comfort, and strength during this time.’

Said another: ‘Honestly, Phil was like America’s grandpa who passed along his God-given wisdom for life to pass on to the next generation.

‘He put smiles on the faces of us all! I grew up watching Duck Dynasty as a child, and it was amazing seeing such a God-fearing man leading by example on how to live life while fearing God and hunting ducks.’