The New York Rangers called Ron Duguay one of the most popular players in franchise history. On Thursday, Sarah Palin announced that the former forward had died at 69.
Duguay, her longtime companion, lost his fight with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Palin, 62, a former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee, delivered the news in a social media post that invoked 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.’
Duguay’s story started on the ice. The Rangers used the 13th overall pick in the 1977 NHL draft to select him, and that choice kicked off a 12-season career.
He also skated for the Detroit Red Wings, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings.
His career totals reached 216 goals, 320 assists and 536 points over more than 860 games. He hit his scoring peak in the 1981-82 season, when he tallied a career-high 40 goals.
Rangers fans embraced him for his speed, his long flowing hair and his commanding presence on the ice.
When his playing days ended, Duguay moved into broadcasting. He spent 12 years as a Rangers studio analyst for MSG Network and left the job in 2018.
After news of his death spread, the Rangers issued a 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.’
Duguay learned of his cancer in December 2024, when doctors diagnosed advanced colon disease. It later spread to his liver. Complications followed, and he returned to the hospital several times.
One emergency came in July. Duguay fainted at home and injured his face badly when he fell.
Doctors who examined him found internal bleeding, an ulcer and elevated pressure in the blood vessels that feed the liver.
His care included chemotherapy, surgery and a hepatic pump. Surgeons also took out his gallbladder and appendix.
His family opened a GoFundMe campaign to offset the rising cost of treatment. His daughter, Shay Thomas, explained the need.
‘Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,’ Shay explained.
She also described how the family chose where he would be treated.
‘Earlier in his treatment journey, the care he received in Florida nearly cost him his life.
That led us to bring him to Orange County, where my sister and I live, so he could receive treatment here.’
Earlier this month, Shay asked the public to pray for her father. She posted her request online and tagged two relatives.
‘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. And I know so many love him so much. Please keep our dad in your prayers. @noah_duguay @amberstavros’ she wrote.
Palin made her own appeal on Oct. 18, four days before she announced his death.
She shared a photograph showing her hand clasped around Duguay’s as he lay in a hospital bed. ‘Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,’ she wrote.
She spent much of his decline at his bedside.
Palin and Duguay had been romantically linked since 2022. The two never attached an official label to their relationship.
Shay told the public earlier this year that the pair were ‘very close.’
She said his medical treatments, along with Palin’s responsibilities caring for her son, Trig, cut into the time they could spend together.
