‘Duck Dynasty’ star Phil Robertson forces himself to eat while battling Alzheimer’s and plans to ‘keep the faith’
“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson will continue to struggle with a loss of appetite after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
On the latest episode of the “No Shame on the Robertsons” podcast, Phil’s son Jace relayed his father’s wishes and thanked fans for their outpouring of prayers. Jess noted that his father kept “the faith” while battling the diagnosis.
Phil’s other son, Alan Robertson, who was also on the podcast, explained that he told his wife, Lisa, that he didn’t expect the response his father would get after sharing that his health was declining.
Phil Robertson lost his appetite while battling Alzheimer’s disease. (Nicolas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)
“The outpouring of love, support, prayers… was almost a little overwhelming for me,” Allen said.
‘Duck Dynasty’ star Phil Robertson diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease
Jess noted that the original podcast episode announcing Phil’s diagnosis was released just days after they were recorded. When the podcast went live, Phil was able to get a moment of “relief” from the constant pain and loss of appetite he was experiencing.
“The outpouring of love, support, prayers… has been almost a little overwhelming for me.”
“During that brief transition period, Phil’s pain eased a little bit. Although his overall condition remained the same, he felt better. We went down and had lunch with him, and you know Missy and I, because , you know, if you bring him really good food, you can convince him to eat it,” Jess said.
Jess noted that due to his father’s health condition, he was “not hungry at all” and had to “feed himself.”
Phil Robertson’s son revealed last week that Phils was battling Alzheimer’s disease. (Courtesy Phil Robertson)
“I really felt like it was just prayer,” Jace said of his father’s sudden surge of energy. “Because, you know, he’s been in decline for months.”
Jess noted that before the podcast episode was released, Phil was at “the lowest point in the whole process.”
“This is the first time I’ve really seen some progress. He’s feeling better. We had a good conversation and he was cooperative with it,” Jess noted.
Since Phil was feeling better after the podcast was released on Friday, he decided to go to church on Sunday.
The Robertson family on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty.” (emergency room)
“He didn’t do a lot, he didn’t say a lot. But he came for an hour,” Jess said.
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Jess noted that he was overwhelmed by the texts he received after sharing his father’s diagnosis. Donald Trump Jr. stands out the most.
“You know, the president-elect’s son,” he said. “I’m a little overwhelmed. We really appreciate all the prayers.”
Phil Robertson’s son received a text message from President-elect Trump’s son after news of his health broke. (Getty Images)
Jess revealed the diagnosis during Friday’s episode of the “No Shame on the Robertsons” podcast.
“Phil’s not doing well. I think I’m on my 1,000th podcast. We’re trying to find out a diagnosis. But, according to the doctors, he has some kind of blood disorder that’s causing all kinds of problems,” Jay said Si said.
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“It’s like accelerating, causing problems throughout his body. And he has early-stage Alzheimer’s. So, if you put those things together, he’s really not doing well. He’s struggling.”
Jess revealed that Phil was a key member of the Shameless podcast but due to his deteriorating health he “couldn’t sit down and talk”. He also noted that these days, his father could hardly move without “crying in agony.”
“He misses it. He misses the stories we tell,” Jess said of the podcast.
The Robertsons (from left) are Phil, S, Jess and Willy from the reality TV show “Duck Dynasty.” (Associated Press)
Members of the “Shameless Robertson Family” include Phil, Jess, Alan and Phil’s nephew Zach Dasher.
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Jess noted that a group of doctors told him and his family that Phil’s disease was “incurable.”
“We’re trying to make him a little more comfortable,” he noted.
Phil Robertson in A&E’s “Duck Dynasty.” (emergency room)
During the podcast, Jess noted that the Robertson family is grateful for Phil’s prayers and support.
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Phil starred in “Duck Dynasty” from 2012 to 2017.
