Sarah Palin is mourning a heartbreaking loss after her longtime boyfriend, former NHL star Ron Duguay, died at 69 following a difficult battle with cancer, just days after his family made an emotional public plea for prayers.
The former Alaska governor, 62, shared a devastating farewell on Thursday, October 22, revealing that while she was struggling with grief, her faith was helping her find comfort following the death of the man she had been dating since 2022.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin wrote on social media. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
Her emotional message came shortly after Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, confirmed that the beloved former New York Rangers player had died following a prolonged fight with cancer.
“Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad,” Thomas wrote in her announcement.
Duguay had been battling stage 4 colon cancer after receiving his initial diagnosis in 2024. The disease eventually spread to other parts of his body, forcing the retired hockey star to undergo extensive treatment while his family rallied around him.
Throughout his illness, Palin remained a source of support, with photographs and videos shared by his loved ones showing her comforting him during some of his most difficult moments.
In February, one particularly touching video showed the former Republican vice presidential nominee gently feeding Duguay as he rested in a hospital bed.
Despite his worsening condition, his family continued to share hopeful updates and remained determined to support him through his recovery efforts.
However, his health struggles became increasingly serious over the summer. In July, Duguay was hospitalized after collapsing at a family home in Florida, suffering injuries in the fall. His daughter later reported that he had shown some improvement, offering supporters a brief moment of relief.
By October, the family’s messages had taken a more urgent turn.
Thomas shared a photograph from her father’s hospital bedside and pleaded with supporters to keep him in their prayers. Palin also posted an image of herself holding Duguay’s hand, thanking those who had reached out with messages of encouragement.
Just days later, the family received the news they had desperately hoped to avoid.
For Palin, the loss marks the end of a relationship that began during a particularly significant chapter of her personal life.
The former governor and Duguay were first romantically linked in early 2022, when he accompanied her during her high-profile defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
Their relationship developed after Palin’s divorce from Todd Palin, her husband of more than three decades, was finalized in 2020.
Duguay, who spent years living in the spotlight as one of hockey’s most recognizable personalities, helped Palin navigate New York City while she attended court proceedings. Their friendship eventually blossomed into romance.
Palin previously described feeling safe and comfortable around the former athlete, explaining that he had become someone she could confide in about deeply personal matters.
Although their relationship sometimes involved long stretches apart, Duguay’s daughter previously praised Palin for remaining supportive and involved throughout his cancer battle.
Long before his romance with Palin brought him renewed celebrity attention, Duguay had already built an extraordinary reputation in professional hockey.
Selected 13th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1977 NHL Draft, the Canadian-born forward quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his scoring ability, charismatic personality and unmistakable flowing hair.
He helped lead the Rangers to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and enjoyed one of his finest seasons in 1981-82, scoring 40 goals and earning an NHL All-Star selection.
His celebrity extended well beyond the hockey rink. During New York’s glamorous disco era, Duguay became known for his appearances in the city’s nightlife scene and even appeared alongside fellow Rangers players in a memorable Sasson jeans commercial.
Over 12 NHL seasons, he played 864 regular-season games, scoring 274 goals and recording 346 assists while representing the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
He later became a familiar television personality as a Rangers analyst for MSG Network.
Following news of his death, the Rangers paid tribute to one of the franchise’s most recognizable former players, praising his talent, determination and larger-than-life personality.
The organization remembered how his distinctive skating style and charisma captivated generations of fans at Madison Square Garden, while expressing condolences to his family and loved ones.
For those closest to Duguay, however, his legacy extends far beyond hockey statistics and celebrity appearances.
He leaves behind three children, grandchildren and countless friends and admirers who followed his career and supported him throughout his illness.
And for Palin, who remained close to him through his final struggle, her emotional farewell captured the pain of losing someone she loved while holding on to the faith that had helped them through his illness.
As she put it in three simple words, “Love never ends.”
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