If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen those annoying "Rest in Peace" videos featuring a grainy photo of Si Robertson. Honestly, they’re everywhere. But here is the good news: Uncle Si is very much alive, though he’s definitely had a rough go of it recently.
Basically, the 77-year-old Vietnam vet and Duck Dynasty breakout star has been keeping the medical community in Louisiana quite busy. Between a scary hunting accident and a stubborn infection that landed him in the hospital, fans have been rightfully worried.
How is Si Robertson doing right now?
Right now, Si is back in the studio and "roasting" the past year on his podcast, Duck Call Room. If you follow the show, you know he hasn’t lost that signature wit. He recently kicked off 2026 by getting hilariously confused about whether the Black Eyed Peas were a band or just dinner. That’s just Si. He’s still carrying around his Tupperware jug of unsweet tea—or McDonald's unsweet tea when he can get it—and telling stories that may or may not be 100% factual.
But we can't ignore that he's looking a bit more fragile.
You’ve probably noticed the oxygen tubes in recent videos. He’s been pretty open about his struggle with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and the lingering effects of a nasty bout with COVID-19 back in 2021. In late 2025, he had a major scare when a severe sinus infection turned into a hospital stay. Justin Martin, the general manager of Duck Commander, actually had to post a photo of Si in a hospital bed just to get ahead of the "death hoaxes" that start flying the second Si misses a podcast recording.
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The 2025 "Busting Out" of the Hospital
In October 2025, Martin shared that Si was "having a little trouble whooping" that infection. But, true to form, Si wasn't interested in hospital food. He reportedly demanded a sausage biscuit and unsweet tea from McDonald's before "busting out" of the facility a day later.
It’s that kind of stubbornness that keeps him going.
Earlier in the year, he also survived a bizarre accident while hunting in Arkansas. He apparently fell out of a boat in a "big dang hurry" and landed right on his oxygen tank. He tried to act like nothing happened, but when he sat out in the cold being unusually quiet, his friends knew something was wrong. He ended up with some minor injuries but was back to his usual self within weeks.
Living With Chronic Health Challenges
Living with COPD at 77 isn't easy, especially for someone who spent his life outdoors. Si has been candid about how his past smoking habits caught up with him. He even underwent a lung surgery a few years back to try and improve his breathing.
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He wears his oxygen concentrator like a bandolier these days. It doesn't stop him from going to the duck blind, but it does change the pace.
- COPD Management: He uses supplemental oxygen almost 24/7 now.
- The COVID Aftermath: His 2021 diagnosis significantly weakened his respiratory system.
- The "Si-Cology" of Recovery: He relies heavily on his faith and his wife, Miss Christine, to keep him grounded.
Family Life and New Horizons
The Robertson family has dealt with a lot of change lately. Phil Robertson, Si's brother and the patriarch of the family, passed away in 2025 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. That hit Si hard. On his podcast, he’s talked about how he feels like Phil is still watching over him, especially during the 2025 duck season.
There is a lot of life still happening in the clan, though.
- Jep and Jessica Robertson just announced a new show for 2026 called Beyond the Bayou.
- John Luke Robertson is expecting twins.
- John Godwin (a regular on Si's podcast) just became a grandpa to twins who had a scary stint in the NICU but are now doing well.
Si remains the glue that keeps the humor alive during these family highs and lows. He recently shared stories about a "deadly Robertson shootout" from family lore and admitted that he and Christine still have little "rituals" that keep their marriage of over 50 years feeling fresh.
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What’s Next for Uncle Si?
Don't expect Si to retire from the public eye anytime soon. He’s too busy trying to "whip Congress back into shape" and giving "master classes" on how to bluff in card games. While he might move a little slower and need a bit more air, his spirit hasn't aged a day since Duck Dynasty first aired in 2012.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you want to support Si or stay updated without falling for clickbait, here is what you should do:
- Ignore the "Breaking News" YouTube thumbnails: If a major Robertson family event happens, it will be announced on the official Duck Call Room podcast or the Duck Commander social media pages first.
- Check the Podcast: Si records Duck Call Room weekly. If he's on the episode, he's doing okay.
- Respect his privacy: While he's a public figure, he’s also an elderly man managing a chronic condition. Send prayers, not prying questions.
Si Robertson is currently stable, recovering from his latest round of health hiccups, and looking forward to what 2026 brings—mostly more tea and more "Jack!" at the end of every sentence.