Phil Robertson, "Duck Dynasty" star, dies at age 79

Phil Robertson, who rose to fame as the patriarch of the Robertson family on the hit reality show "Duck Dynasty," has died, his family announced. He was 79.

"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," his family wrote on social media. "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."

A cause of death was not immediately given. Jase Roberton, one of Phil Robertson's sons, revealed on the family's podcast in December that his father was in the "early stages" of Alzheimer's disease.