Phil Robertson, the 78-year-old patriarch of the “Duck Dynasty” family, is confronting multiple serious health challenges, including a blood disorder, early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, a fractured back, and possible ministrokes. His sons, Jase and Willie Robertson, have shared updates on his condition, expressing concern over his deteriorating health.
The blood disorder has led to thicker blood, potentially causing ministrokes, while the fractured back results in significant pain, especially when moving from seated or lying positions. Despite these hardships, the Robertson family draws strength from their faith and remains hopeful for Phil’s recovery. Phil’s unwavering faith continues to offer comfort to him and his loved ones during this challenging time.
“It’s like accelerated, and it’s causing problems with his entire body. And he has early stages of Alzheimer’s. So, if you put those things together, he’s really not doing well. He’s struggling,” he continued.
His son, Willie Robertson, spoke with Fox News Digital by phone and clarified that Phil is “battling a lot of different things right now.”
“He’s got a blood disorder, and then he’s got the mental issues that could be early [on-set] Alzheimer’s … and probably some ministrokes because of his blood,” Willie explained. “And so, it could be some stroke stuff happening, that has happened. So, we’re still checking on all that. But then he also has a back issue, he’s fractured his back and that’s where the pain’s at. So, he’s kind of battling many different things at the same time.”
Willie said that Phil’s back pain is the current biggest issue impacting his overall well-being.
“Especially in any situation where he’s getting up from the seated position or laying position, [it’s] super stressful for him, too, and very painful,” he said.
The family has been on top of Phil’s health issues and started seeking help when the potential signs of Alzheimer’s first began to show.
“We noticed some of the issues, and so we started taking him up to the doctor and trying to check out what exactly was wrong,” Willie said.
“some days are good and some days kind of aren’t so good” says Willie. They are trying to have the most normal conversations that they can with him.
If you’ve ever experienced someone with Alzheimer’s it’s not an easy thing to go through and see a family go through it.
Phil’s wife and Willie’s mother, “Miss Kay,” is dealing with some of her own health issues stemming from a broken foot in the summer, affecting her mobility.
Willie mentioned that Miss Kay wishes she could help more. The couple has been together for almost 60 years.
“They’re both down there, in the same spot. They sit in their chairs and they’re doing the same thing. So, they’re keeping each other’s company for sure.”
Despite his condition, Phil is “as sharp as ever” when it comes to his faith and knowledge of the Bible.
I’ll be keeping the family in my prayers.
