Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced the death of Ron Duguay, the retired National Hockey League (NHL) star and her longtime companion, on Thursday, October 22. Duguay passed away at the age of 69 after a prolonged battle with Stage 4 colon cancer, which he had been fighting since December 2024. Palin, the former Republican vice presidential nominee, shared an emotional tribute reflecting on their relationship and her Christian faith.
"It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends.”" Sarah Palin, Former Alaska Governor
"It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” Palin wrote in her announcement. Her message conveyed both profound grief and a sense of spiritual solace. Just four days prior to his passing, on October 18, Palin had shared a poignant photograph of herself holding Duguay’s hand as he lay in a hospital bed, accompanied by a request for prayers.
Ron Duguay, a prominent figure in the NHL for 12 seasons, was particularly renowned for his time with the New York Rangers. His battle with advanced colon cancer had been arduous, with the disease eventually metastasizing to his liver. This progression led to severe complications and necessitated repeated hospitalizations as medical professionals worked to manage his deteriorating condition. Earlier in the month, Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, had also made a public appeal for prayers as her father's health declined significantly. "I wasn’t planning on posting anything, but I believe in the power of prayer, and right now, we need all the prayers we can get,” Thomas wrote, urging hockey fans and family friends to keep her father in their thoughts.
Duguay's cancer treatment involved an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy and surgery. He experienced multiple medical emergencies during this period. In July, he was hospitalized after fainting at home, which resulted in serious facial injuries from a fall. Doctors subsequently identified additional liver complications, including internal bleeding, an ulcer, and increased pressure in the blood vessels supplying the organ. His comprehensive treatment plan also included the use of a hepatic pump, designed to deliver medication directly to his liver, along with procedures for the removal of his gallbladder and appendix.
The extensive and prolonged illness generated substantial medical expenses, prompting Duguay's family to establish a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the rising costs. Shay Thomas explained the financial strain, stating, "Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would." She also disclosed that the family decided to move Duguay’s treatment from Florida to California due to concerns about the initial medical care he received. He ultimately received treatment near his daughters in Orange County.
Throughout Duguay's challenging illness, Sarah Palin, 62, remained a steadfast companion, frequently visiting him as his medical condition worsened. The former governor and the retired hockey player had been romantically linked since 2022, though they never publicly defined the exact nature of their relationship.
Duguay’s professional career was extensive and impactful. He was selected 13th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1977 NHL Draft. He quickly became one of the team's most recognizable players, celebrated for his exceptional speed, offensive capabilities, and distinctive appearance, particularly his long hair that would flow behind him as he skated across the ice. His most productive season came in 1981-82, when he scored a career-high 40 goals. Over his 12 NHL seasons, Duguay accumulated 216 goals, 320 assists, and 536 points across more than 860 games. His career included stints with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.
Following his retirement from playing, Duguay maintained his connection to professional hockey through broadcasting. He served as a Rangers studio analyst for MSG Network for approximately 12 years before departing the position in 2018. The New York Rangers organization paid tribute to their former star upon the announcement of his death. “The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team stated, praising his skating ability, vibrant personality, and enduring connection with the team’s supporters.
For Sarah Palin, Duguay’s passing signifies the profound loss of a companion whom she had supported through a lengthy and difficult medical battle. Her final tribute encapsulated both the deep grief surrounding his death and the religious faith she expressed as a source of comfort during this challenging time. Ron Duguay was 69 years old.
