Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has died at the age of 79.

Robertson, known as the “Duck Commander”, was the patriarch of the family and a key figure in the reality show, which aired from 2012 to 2017.

His death was confirmed on 25th May by his son, Willie Robertson, along with other family members.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” the family wrote on Instagram.

“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.’”

The Robertsons are well known for being committed Christians and using their media platform to share the gospel.

Phil’s granddaughter Sadie Robertson, a popular Christian speaker, said her grandfather was now “fully alive in Christ”.

“As I was sitting with Papaw Phil today, I thought about this verse… he has already experienced this on earth—going from dead to alive by the power of Christ!” she wrote on Instagram.

“It was his testimony that changed his life, our family’s life, and thousands of others. Now he is experiencing it in the fullness. Fully alive in Christ. The new has come.

“One of the last things he said to me was ‘full strength ahead!’ Amen!”