Phil Robertson, the beloved star of the hit reality show Duck Dynasty, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. The news was shared by his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, on Facebook, where she expressed, “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” This heartfelt message marks the end of an era for fans of the show and the Robertson family.
In December, Robertson's family revealed on the podcast Unashamed With the Robertson Family that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His son Jase shared that Phil was suffering from “some sort of blood disease,” which was severely affecting his health. Jase noted, “He’s just not doing well, he’s really struggling.” Fans have taken to social media to express their condolences, with one stating, “Phil was like America’s grandpa who passed along his God-given wisdom for life to pass on to the next generation.”
Phil Robertson made a significant fortune by inventing the Duck Commander call, which ultimately led to the creation of the family business, Duck Commander. In 2013, Duck Dynasty became the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history, showcasing the family's lifestyle and values. Phil's journey was not without controversy; he faced a brief suspension from Duck Dynasty in 2013 after making remarks about homosexuality, which he described as a sin. This was followed by further backlash when he referred to AIDS as God’s punishment for “immoral” behavior.
Despite these controversies, Phil remained a prominent figure with a loyal fan base. He also voiced his opinions on the American healthcare system during an interview with the Fox Business Network, stating, “I didn’t have health care for 50 years.” As a testament to his enduring popularity, a reboot of Duck Dynasty, titled Duck Dynasty: Revival, is set to premiere on A&E later this year.
In other news, former President Donald Trump recently found himself in hot water during a discussion about a significant $14 billion deal between United States Steel and Nippon Steel, Japan’s largest steelmaker. Trump was asked to elaborate on the deal but stumbled over the names, confusing Nippon Steel with Nissan, a well-known automobile manufacturer.
During his remarks, Trump mentioned, “They’re going to invest billions of dollars in steel. And it’s a good company. Nissan is a very good company.” This mix-up comes after Trump was previously opposed to such a deal, and now seems to have changed his stance despite his failure to accurately name the involved companies.
In entertainment news, the countdown for the next James Bond has taken an exciting turn with actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson becoming a global ambassador for the watch brand Omega. Known for its association with the Bond franchise since Pierce Brosnan starred in GoldenEye in 1995, Omega’s partnership with Taylor-Johnson adds an intriguing layer as fans speculate about the next actor to take on the iconic role.
Meanwhile, Tom Brady faced a mixed reception during a recent appearance at the Indianapolis 500, where he was met with boos from fans, likely stemming from his history with the Indianapolis Colts. This rivalry intensified during the infamous "Deflategate" scandal, which remains a controversial topic among NFL fans.
In more somber news, feminist journalist and activist Susan Brownmiller passed away at the age of 90 due to complications from a long-standing illness. Her legacy includes the groundbreaking book Against Our Will, which redefined societal perceptions of rape. Although her work was met with both acclaim and criticism, she left an indelible mark on feminist literature and activism.
As we continue to celebrate the lives and contributions of notable figures like Phil Robertson and Susan Brownmiller, their legacies remind us of the impact individuals can have on culture and society.
