Sarah Palin’s longtime boyfriend, former NHL star Ron Duguay, died on October 22, 2026, at age 69, following a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. His death brought a heartbreaking end to a relationship that had attracted public attention since early 2022.
The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential nominee had been romantically involved with Duguay for approximately four years. Their relationship began after Palin contacted the retired hockey player while dealing with her defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
Throughout his illness, Palin reportedly remained a supportive presence, travelling to spend time with him during his cancer treatments.
Here is what is known about Sarah Palin’s boyfriend, their relationship and her previous marriage to Todd Palin.
Who Was Ron Duguay?
Ron Duguay was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, best known for his career with the New York Rangers.
Born on July 6, 1957, in Sudbury, Ontario, Duguay spent 12 seasons playing in the National Hockey League.
He became particularly popular among Rangers supporters because of his playing style, personality and distinctive appearance.
Duguay was instantly recognisable for his long, flowing hair, which became part of his public image during an era when NHL players were not universally required to wear helmets.
After retiring from professional hockey, he remained involved in the sport through broadcasting and commentary.
How They Met
Sarah Palin and Ron Duguay first attracted dating rumours in early 2022, when they were spotted spending time together in New York City.
Their connection reportedly developed after Palin contacted Duguay while seeking advice related to her legal dispute with The New York Times.
The lawsuit concerned a newspaper editorial that Palin argued had damaged her reputation.
Duguay’s support during that period helped establish a personal connection between them.
What initially appeared to be a friendship eventually developed into a romantic relationship.
Although their professional backgrounds were different, they became comfortable appearing together publicly.
Their Four-Year Romance
Palin and Duguay dated from approximately 2022 until his death in October 2026.
During their relationship, the couple divided time between their personal commitments and Duguay’s health needs.
Palin had already experienced a major change in her family life following the end of her marriage to Todd Palin.
Her relationship with Duguay represented a new chapter after more than three decades of marriage.
The former hockey player also became a familiar presence in coverage of Palin’s life outside politics.
Their romance continued despite the geographical distance and professional responsibilities involved.
His Cancer Battle
Duguay had been battling stage 4 colon cancer before his death.
Reports described a difficult period involving medical treatments and ongoing health challenges.
Palin reportedly travelled to support him and remained involved during his illness.
The couple’s relationship consequently became closely connected to his treatment journey.
Duguay’s family also provided updates about his condition as supporters followed his battle with cancer.
Despite efforts to manage the disease, his health continued to deteriorate.
He died on October 22, 2026, at the age of 69.
His death prompted tributes from hockey fans and people familiar with his relationship with Palin.
NHL Career
Duguay’s professional hockey career began when the New York Rangers selected him in the 1977 NHL Draft.
He played eight seasons with the Rangers and became one of the team’s recognisable personalities.
A major achievement came in 1979, when he helped New York reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Although the Rangers lost the championship series to the Montreal Canadiens, the run became an important moment in Duguay’s career.
He later played for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Across 12 NHL seasons, Duguay established a reputation as a skilled forward with a memorable presence on the ice.
Broadcasting Career
After his playing career ended, Duguay remained connected to hockey through television.
He worked as an analyst for MSG Network from 2007 to 2018, contributing to coverage of the New York Rangers.
His broadcasting work allowed him to share insights from his years as a professional player.
For longtime Rangers supporters, Duguay remained a familiar personality decades after his retirement.
His combination of playing experience and outspoken commentary helped maintain his connection with the sport.
The broadcasting role also introduced him to younger hockey audiences who had not watched him play.
Sarah Palin’s First Husband
Before dating Duguay, Sarah Palin was married to Todd Palin, her longtime partner and former high school sweetheart.
The couple married in 1988 and built a family while Sarah pursued her political career in Alaska.
Todd became a familiar public figure during her time as governor and throughout the 2008 presidential election, when she ran as John McCain’s vice-presidential candidate.
Their marriage lasted more than three decades.
However, the relationship eventually ended, and their divorce was finalised in 2020.
The separation marked a significant personal change for Palin after many years of marriage.
Her Five Children
Sarah Palin and Todd Palin have five children together: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper and Trig.
Their family attracted national attention during Palin’s political career, particularly after her selection as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2008.
As her children grew older, several established their own families and careers.
Palin has also become a grandmother.
Although her family life has occasionally appeared in public discussions, she has continued maintaining relationships with her children following her divorce.
Her romance with Duguay began after this major transition in her personal life.
Relationship Status in 2026
Following Ron Duguay’s death on October 22, 2026, Sarah Palin is no longer in the relationship she began with him in 2022.
There is no publicly confirmed new partner, and the former Alaska governor has not announced another romantic relationship.
Duguay’s death came after approximately two years of serious health challenges associated with advanced colon cancer.
For Palin, the loss followed a relationship that developed during a period of significant personal change after her divorce.
For readers searching for Sarah Palin’s boyfriend in 2026, Ron Duguay was her longtime partner until his death at age 69.
Their four-year relationship brought together two well-known public figures from different worlds: American politics and professional hockey.
While Duguay will be remembered for his achievements with the New York Rangers and his broadcasting career, his final years also included a relationship with Palin that remained part of his personal story until his death.
