Sarah Palin has shared a deeply emotional message Thursday after losing the man who had been by her side for years. The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential nominee described herself as heartbroken while taking comfort in her Christian faith, stating that Ron Duguay is now with Jesus.
Duguay, Palin’s longtime partner and one of the most recognizable New York Rangers players of his era, died after a long battle with cancer at age 69. His family had previously disclosed he was fighting stage IV colon cancer, and the public had seen increasingly serious updates in recent weeks.
Just days ago, Palin had asked supporters to pray for him as he remained under care. That plea now carries an entirely different weight. Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, shared a hospital photo of her father earlier this month, asking the public for prayers as his cancer fight appeared to take a grave turn. She described how Duguay collapsed at home after becoming severely dehydrated and struggling to eat, with doctors finding internal bleeding and an ulcer following the incident that left him with facial injuries and several missing teeth.
Thomas later noted some of Duguay’s medical numbers had improved despite his long road ahead. She highlighted a father who kept smiling, cracking jokes, and holding onto a positive outlook while enduring cancer treatment.
The New York Rangers were informed by Duguay’s family of his death. The team issued an official tribute to one of its most popular players in franchise history, remembering the flowing hair and unmistakable skating style that made him a Madison Square Garden favorite. They emphasized his skill, toughness, and charisma that won over New Yorkers.
Duguay entered the NHL as the Rangers’ 13th overall pick in the 1977 draft and became a point-per-game All-Star during the 1981-82 season. His career later took him to Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles before he returned for another run with the Rangers. He finished his playing days with 673 points across the regular season and playoffs and remained connected to hockey through coaching, broadcasting, and alumni events.
For Palin and those closest to Duguay, the hockey record now gives way to something deeply personal: they have lost a partner, father, grandfather, and friend after a long fight. Palin and Duguay began dating in 2022 and maintained their relationship across the enormous distance between Alaska and Florida. During his illness, she repeatedly traveled to support him and his family.
Palin’s final message was both painful and powerful: “the love remains even after a life ends.” She urged everyone to keep Sarah Palin, Ron Duguay’s children, grandchildren, and all who loved him in their prayers.
