Phil Robertson, the iconic founder of Duck Commander and co-host of the 'Unashamed' podcast, is facing serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s and a worsening blood disorder, as revealed by son Jase on their podcast.

At 78, the beloved patriarch of the Robertson family has found himself battling two formidable foes—Alzheimer’s disease and an aggressive blood disorder—with doctors expressing little hope for a cure. Jase Robertson's candid update highlights the impact of these struggles on Phil’s daily life, including troubling moments during recent duck hunting trips, signaling a stark contrast to the robust outdoorsman known for his feisty spirit and, ironically, unyielding memory of every duck he ever saw.

Jase shared that their father's mental clarity has been particularly inconsistent, with good days where he can recall memories that span decades, and bad days when basic conversations can become a complex puzzle. The family is learning to navigate these ups and downs, a process not unlike trying to teach a duck to play chess—frustrating and largely futile.

During a recent outing that epitomized the plight of many seasoned hunters, Phil found himself unable to shoot his trusty shotgun. "It was miserable," Jase recalled, conveying the profound sadness that their father felt in a moment that would have once been filled with camaraderie and the usual banter about which duck had the most captivating waddle. Instead, it raised poignant questions about identity and the simplicity of just being in the moment, preferably with one’s shotgun in hand and a definitive aim.

Phil has faced his blood disorder, which has troubled him for several years prior to the more recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis. To say that he was a figure of immense strength is an understatement. He founded Duck Commander in 1973, a company that grew from humble beginnings crafting duck calls into a multi-million dollar enterprise that would turn the Robertson name into a household staple, like peanut butter and jelly—or at least, more common than broccoli.

In a twist that would seem like the plotline of a rejected sitcom, Phil also recently discovered he has an additional daughter named Phyliss, which essentially means family reunions are now even more eventful. The news broke in 2020, and if you think keeping track of hunting trips and duck types is confusing, imagine trying to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and the particulars of a redefined parental responsibility.

Phil’s love story with wife Kay, whom he married in 1966 and with whom he shares four children, has inspired many lonely hearts. They’ve navigated the complexities of life and family as gracefully as one attempts to canoe over rapids while duck hunting. Perhaps they should market their approach to life as a unique survival guide—complete with chapters on duck calls and how to recognize the ability to dodge crises, albeit not as effective with Alzheimer’s and blood disorders.

Now, Phil’s position on the 'Unashamed' podcast has become less about discussing hunting tips and more about small, triumphant moments of clarity, as he is currently unable to participate fully. Long gone are the days when he could easily rattle off the best hunting strategies or engage in witty repartees with Jase. Instead, listeners now hold their breaths in anticipation of a story that might echo through the ages, yet may falter at any moment like a duck caught in a sudden rainstorm.

As the Robertson family unites to support Phil through this turbulent season, they reflect not only on his past triumphs but also on how to cherish the present. Each shared memory becomes a testament to the impact he’s had on their lives and the legacies they hope to carry on, much like a well-timed quack can echo across a still pond. They say laughter is the best medicine, which means the family has their work cut out for them in making sure there’s enough humor to alleviate the tension of navigating such serious issues.

While the family of duck enthusiasts copes with the complexity of Phil's situation, it serves as a bittersweet reminder that while memory can fade, the bonds of love and laughter remain strong. If Phil has taught us anything, it’s that even if we forget where we put our duck calls or which way the wind is blowing, we can always find solace in the comfort of each other's company--and perhaps find a few ducks along the way.