Alabama QB Ty Simpson shares post mourning the death of popular TV star Phil Robertson at 79

Popular TV star Phil Robertson died at the age of 79 on Sunday. Robertson was the star of Duck Dynasty, and he founded the Duck Commander hunting company, which was the focus of the A&E reality show.

His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson released a heartfelt statement on social media.

"We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord," Korie's post read. "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."

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson shared the family's message on his Instagram story.

Ty Simpson mourns the death of Phil Robertson

Robertson battled Alzheimer's before his death, but his cause of death was not disclosed.

Before becoming a hunter and TV star, Robertson was a quarterback for Louisiana Tech in 1966 and 1967. He started ahead of Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw.

Ty Simpson is the front-runner to be Alabama's starting QB

Ty Simpson was a five-star recruit in the class of 2022, and he's set to finally get his chance to be the starting QB at Alabama.

Simpson has served as the backup QB of the Crimson Tide for the past two seasons but is the front-runner to be the starter this season.

Although fall camp has yet to take place, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer revealed Simpson is the projected starter right now.

“If you had to play right now, go with the veteran in Ty (Simpson),” DeBoer said on The Paul Finebaum Show, via On3. “Did a nice job this spring. As for the others, we just need to keep the competition going. They know that that’s their expectation because they know where they’re at right now isn’t good enough for where we need to be to have the success we want to have as a football team.”

Simpson is in a quarterback battle with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, but it does appear the former five-star recruit has the leg up.

Simpson went 14-for-25 for 167 yards last season.

Alabama is set to open its 2025 college football season on Aug. 30 against Florida State.