On the beloved show Duck Dynasty, Uncle Si Robertson has always been a favorite. Now, he’s preparing for lung surgery after struggling with his health for over a year and a half.

At 74 years old, Uncle Si remains optimistic about his upcoming surgery. He’s confident that once he’s recovered, he’ll be back to his chatty self, filling everyone’s ears with his signature stories.

Throughout several episodes of his podcast, “Duck Call Room,” Si Robertson has openly talked about how smoking has contributed to his lung troubles and breathing issues.

In addition to his smoking habit, he also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This made his early 2021 COVID-19 diagnosis particularly scary.

He later shared that he was worried he wouldn’t be able to beat COVID-19. Surrounded by his family and friends who support his podcast, he realized he hadn’t done enough to support his own health.

The section titled, “Uncle Si’s COVID-19 Story,” recalls how Si initially refused to go to the hospital. When he was eventually allowed to go home, he initially refused to take his medication. This narrative is set against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Ultimately, he did comply and started to feel better. In May of 2022, Si began explaining his need for lung surgery.

During episode 146 of the Duck Call Room, Si mentions that while both lungs operate normally when he inhales, one lung doesn’t work correctly when he exhales. This is why he needs surgery to insert a device that will help his weaker lung exhale properly.

The surgery is just around the corner.

Si shares in an email, “It looks like I’m approved for lung surgery, but there are still a few more steps we need to take first.” He promises, “Once it’s done, I’ll have even more stories to tell, all of which will be over ninety-five percent accurate.”