Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79, his family has confirmed.
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Robertson was best known for founding the Duck Commander hunting company which was the focus of the popular A&E show.
News of Robertson's death was shared by his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, who posted a tribute on Instagram on Sunday.
She wrote: "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.
"He reminded us often of the words of Paul, 'you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.'
"Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again."
She added: "We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We’re having a private service for now, but we’ll share details soon about a public celebration of his life."
Prior to finding fame through his TV show, Robertson had played football at Louisiana Tech as starting quarterback with NFL legend Terry Bradshaw as his backup.
He founded Duck Commander in 1972, with the show coming about 40 years later in 2012, running until 2017.
Robertson's health had taken a turn in recent years, with the family revealing in December that he had been living with Alzheimer's disease.
His son, Jase Robertson, revealed on a December episode of the Unashamed with the Robertson Family podcast that the star had also been dealing with a blood disease.
His son explained: "Phil's not doing well. I think I spoke on the 1000th podcast. We were trying to figure out the diagnosis, but according to the doctors, they are sure that he has some sort of blood disease causing all kinds of problems."
Watch the podcast episode below:Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, often begins with subtle memory loss, such as forgetting recent events or conversations, per the Mayo Clinic. As it progresses, it can severely impair memory and cognitive function, affecting a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.
Jase explained that the disease had "accelerated, and it's causing problems with [Robertson's] entire body," adding: "And he has early stages of Alzheimer's. So, if you put those things together, he's just not doing well. He's really struggling."
He also shared that the professional hunter, who is also a father to sons Al, Jep, and Willie, expressed a desire to continue working despite his diagnosis.
"I'm like, 'Well Phil, you can barely walk around without crying out in pain, and your memory is not what it once was.' He's like, ‘Tell me about it.’ So he is literally unable to - I think he would agree - to just sit down and have a conversation," he added.
His other son, Willie Robertson, also told Fox News at the time: "[He 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 [onset] Alzheimer’s … and probably some ministrokes because of his blood. 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.”
Jase Robertson also shared an update in April, revealing that his dad's health was worsening, explaining: "The No. 1 question I get everywhere I go [is], ‘How’s your dad doing?’ Now, I’m just giving the blunt truth. I say, ‘Not good.'
"We’re making him comfortable and we’re doing the best we can. I think that’s just what you do."
Our thoughts go out to Robertson's family, friends, and fans at this difficult time.