The Robertson Family Confirms Miss Kay's Diagnosis
For years, fans of Duck Dynasty have followed the Robertson family's journey, celebrating their highs and offering support during their lows. After the death of patriarch Phil Robertson, conversations around matriarch Kay's health intensified, leading to a public discussion by the family themselves. During a July 2025 episode of the Duck Call Room podcast, son Alan Robertson addressed the swirling rumors head-on, explaining that while Miss Kay is retired from the public eye, her physical and cognitive health has faced challenges.
Alan confirmed that his mother does have "a little bit of dementia," a diagnosis that has added another layer of difficulty to the family's life, especially in light of Phil's own battle with Alzheimer's disease before his passing. He was quick to clarify, however, that Miss Kay's memory issues are not as severe as her late husband's had been. Her health journey has been marked by both physical recovery and emotional healing as she grieves the loss of her partner of 60 years.
Miss Kay's Recent Health Issues
While the dementia diagnosis is a recent public confirmation, Miss Kay's health has been a concern for the family for some time. In early 2025, she experienced a serious health scare that required hospitalization and rehabilitation. Her son Jase revealed on a podcast that she had suffered a fall, which led to a substantial injury and a severe infection. The family admitted they had feared for her life during this period.
This incident, combined with Phil's declining health, prompted the family to arrange for round-the-clock professional care. Following Phil's death, Miss Kay moved in with her granddaughter Anna and her husband, Jay, ensuring she was constantly surrounded by family. After months of physical therapy and grieving, Alan and Korie Robertson provided more positive updates in mid-2025, noting that she was in much better spirits and regaining strength.
The Impact of Phil's Death
Losing a lifelong partner is an immense challenge, and Willie Robertson highlighted how this grief compounded Miss Kay's physical struggles. The emotional toll led to a period of depression for the matriarch, something Willie openly discussed with USA Today. While she was recovering from surgery, her surprising strength was evident at Phil's funeral, where she smiled while honoring his legacy. This resilience has been a common theme, with family members noting her progress in physical therapy and a general improvement in her overall well-being.
Rumors vs. Reality: Miss Kay's Health
Due to her retirement from public life and the family's privacy during this difficult time, rumors about Miss Kay's health have circulated. Here is a breakdown of the speculation versus what the family has confirmed:
| Speculation | Family's Confirmation |
|---|---|
| She is gravely ill and on her deathbed. | In July 2025, Miss Kay appeared on a podcast, jokingly stating, "I'm tired of being dead." She has since been described as much healthier. |
| Her cognitive decline is as severe as Phil's. | Alan Robertson explicitly stated that her dementia is not as severe as Phil's Alzheimer's was. |
| She was severely injured and did not recover. | The family confirmed a serious fall and infection but reported a full recovery after hospitalization and physical therapy. |
| The family is hiding her deteriorating health. | The Robertsons have been transparent about her health, openly discussing her struggles with grief and dementia on their podcasts. |
The Role of Family Support
The Robertson family has rallied around Miss Kay, providing an extensive support system during her health challenges and mourning. This has involved:
- Relocation: Miss Kay moved in with her granddaughter Anna and son-in-law Jay for 24/7 care.
- Podcasting: Family members have used their platform to keep fans informed and quash false rumors.
- Healthcare: Professional care was provided during her most fragile state earlier in 2025.
- Emotional Support: The family has openly acknowledged her emotional struggle with grief, allowing her space to heal.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of "Does Miss Kay have dementia?" has been definitively answered by her family. While she does have a mild form of dementia, it is not as severe as the illness that affected her late husband, Phil. Her journey has also included a period of significant physical recovery from a serious fall and healing from the emotional pain of losing her husband. The Robertson family has maintained transparency while also debunking exaggerations, allowing Miss Kay to retire with dignity and receive the care she needs surrounded by her loved ones. Her public appearances on the family's podcast and positive health updates confirm she is on the road to better health.
