'Duck Dynasty' founding father Phil Robertson dies at 79

Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of A&E Network’s “Duck Dynasty," has died, his family announced Sunday.

"We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord," his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, wife of Willie Robertson, posted on Facebook.

While Robertson's cause of death has not yet been disclosed, the family had revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Korie Robertson thanked supporters for "the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life."

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Robertson, a hunting industry pioneer and the patriarch of the beloved Robertson family," according to a statement from the show producers.

The family said it will have a private funeral service, but a public celebration of his life is planned later.

"Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time," according to the show statement. "We extend our deepest condolences and respect their privacy as they grieve."

Before Robertson got into the hunting business, he played football for Louisiana Tech, where he was starting quarterback for 16 games in 1966 and 1967.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of former LA Tech quarterback, Phil Robertson," according to a school statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robertson family during this time."

He left the program before 1968, handing the starting quarterback spot to backup Terry Bradshaw, a future Hall of Fame member.

"I said, ‘Bradshaw, here’s the deal. You’re a big strong kid, you’ve got a strong arm and you want to play in the NFL and you want to play football,'" Robertson once said in an interview. "He said, 'That’s right.' I said, ‘I’m going after the ducks full time. I’d rather hunt ducks than have large violent men stomp me in the dirt. ... You go for it and I’ll see you later.'"

Robertson, the founder of the Duck Commander duck call, had moved into producing and writing numerous television shows that celebrated country living and people, and featured his colorful family.

The show, which ran from 2012 to 2017, focused on how the family managed its booming business, which produces and sells equipment and apparel for hunters.

Cameras followed the patriarch and members of the family as they navigated their business and passion for the outdoors.

In addition to "Duck Dynasty," the series included "In the Woods with Phil" (2017) and "Duck Commander" (2009), according to IMDB.

Over the years, Robertson became a known figure in politics. He endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, during his 2016 White House run before backing Donald Trump.

A&E briefly suspended Robertson and ratings declined after he told GQ magazine in 2013 that gays are sinners and Black people were happy living under Jim Crow laws.