Sarah Palin is grieving the loss of her boyfriend, former NHL star Ron Duguay, who has died at the age of 69 following a difficult battle with cancer. The former Alaska governor shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday, paying tribute to him in an emotional message.
Ron Duguay has died at 69 after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which later spread to his appendix and gallbladder. His girlfriend, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, announced her grief through a touching Instagram tribute.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” she wrote.
Palin also shared a message from Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, who paid tribute to her father.
“Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad,” she wrote.
The family confirmed that Duguay passed away peacefully after a long and difficult fight against cancer.
Tributes have since poured in from friends, fans, and members of the hockey community. His former team, the New York Rangers, also honored his memory with a heartfelt statement.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history. Ron’s signature skating style – with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice – captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the organization wrote.
Palin and Duguay were first romantically linked in 2022. Although they initially kept their relationship private, Palin later confirmed they were together during an interview with the New York Post.
Sarah Palin’s Boyfriend and NHL Icon Ron Duguay Dies at 69
The couple first connected through their shared interest in hockey, and their relationship became closer during a challenging period in Palin’s life.
At the time, Palin was involved in a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. She explained that she had turned to Duguay for advice and emotional support.
“On my free time, he would walk all over New York and he would show me what he and the Rangers did back in the day, or at least where they did it,” she told the New York Post.
“Ron is the first person that I’ve ever even talked to about a lot of this personal stuff.”
Palin also praised Duguay for his practical outlook, saying he had more common sense than many people in Washington, D.C.
The pair were later spotted together at several public events in New York and Alaska.
Duguay was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. His family revealed earlier in 2026 that the disease had progressed to stage 4. In February, his daughter shared an emotional update about the difficulties of watching her father endure the illness.
“Cancer is so frustrating. Honestly… nothing prepares you for what this fight really looks like until someone you love is living it every single day,” Thomas wrote.
Was Diagnosed With Cancer in 2024
In the days leading up to his death, Palin also asked her followers to keep Duguay in their thoughts and prayers.
She shared a photograph of herself holding his hand as he lay in a hospital bed. His final months were marked by an increasingly difficult battle with the disease.
Duguay was selected by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 1977 NHL Draft and went on to enjoy a 12-season career in the National Hockey League.
During his career, he played for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
He became one of the Rangers’ most recognizable players and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1979.
After retiring from professional hockey, Duguay remained connected to the sport. From 2007 to 2018, he worked as an analyst for MSG Network.
He is survived by his three children, Shay Thomas, Amber Stavros, and Noah.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Ron Duguay’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
