By Lori Acken
Willie and Korie Robertson mark a pair of major milestones as a new season of Duck Dynasty premieres Wednesday night on A&E. The beloved reality couple celebrates their 25th wedding anniversary and the addition of a new family member — recently adopted teen son Rowdy.
“We happened upon him when he was 12 and invited him to come be a part of our family. He’s been here ever since,” Willie Robertson says of Rowdy, now 13, who joins siblings Willie Jr., Bella, new high-school grad Sadie, newly engaged Rebecca and newlywed John Luke.
As for the rest of clan Robertson, Willie says the season features “more funny adventures from my crazy family. The kids are getting older [Jase’s son Reed has his own major life moment], Sadie graduates high school, John Luke is a married man, and Uncle Si is still being Uncle Si [this time in traffic court].”
Asked for the secret to his lively, happy union, Robertson explains that his and Korie’s main marriage credo is “be sure and give more than you take.”
The 44-year-old Louisianan also does his best to give back to the show’s faithful fans, but admits that sometimes it takes a good dose of the Robertson’s trademark humor.
“I met a guy in an airport who said he wanted a picture and he asked his friend to go find his camera,” Robertson shares when asked to recall a memorable fan encounter. “I told him I was in a big hurry and had to go. He says, ‘You sure you’re in a hurry?’ and I say, ‘Yes.’ He reaches in his wallet, grabs a wad of cash, puts it in my hand and asks, ‘Are you still in a hurry?’ I said, ‘I guess I can wait a few minutes!’”
In April, the Duck Commander CEO added a new entry to his ever-expanding resume, launching a faith and family-based podcast on Fox News Radio. Robertson took to the medium quickly.
“It’s going great!” he says. “I love talking to different types of people and learning from their experiences — and trying to help others in the process!”
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