Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is mourning the death of longtime companion and former NHL star Ron Duguay, who died at 69 following a battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Palin, the former Republican vice presidential nominee, announced his death Thursday, October 22, sharing an emotional message 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,” Palin wrote.
Duguay, a former New York Rangers standout who spent 12 seasons in the NHL, had been battling advanced colon cancer since December 2024.
The disease eventually spread to his liver, resulting in serious complications and repeated hospitalizations as doctors attempted to manage his deteriorating condition.
Just four days before announcing his passing, Palin had shared a photograph of herself holding Duguay’s hand while he lay in a hospital bed.
“Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,” she wrote October 18.
Palin, 62, remained close to Duguay throughout his illness, frequently visiting him as his medical condition worsened.
The former governor and the retired hockey player had been romantically linked since 2022, although they never publicly defined their relationship.
Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, also appealed for prayers earlier this month as her father’s health declined.
“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,” she wrote.
Thomas urged hockey fans and family friends to keep her father in their thoughts during his final weeks.
Duguay had experienced multiple medical emergencies during his cancer treatment.
In July, he was hospitalized after fainting at home and suffering serious facial injuries in a fall.
Doctors subsequently identified additional complications involving his liver, including internal bleeding, an ulcer and increased pressure in blood vessels supplying the organ.
His treatment involved chemotherapy, surgery and a hepatic pump designed to deliver medication directly to the liver.
He also underwent procedures that included the removal of his gallbladder and appendix.
The prolonged illness created mounting medical expenses, prompting his family to establish a GoFundMe campaign to help cover treatment costs.
“Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,” Thomas previously explained.
She also disclosed that the family moved Duguay’s treatment from Florida to California after concerns arose about the medical care he initially received.
The former hockey star ultimately received treatment near his daughters in Orange County.
Despite the difficult final months of his life, Duguay leaves behind a lengthy professional career that made him one of the Rangers’ most recognizable players.
New York selected him 13th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft.
He became known for his speed, offensive abilities and distinctive appearance, particularly his long hair flowing behind him as he skated.
Duguay enjoyed his most productive season in 1981-82, scoring a career-high 40 goals.
Over 12 NHL seasons, he recorded 216 goals, 320 assists and 536 points while appearing in more than 860 games.
His career included appearances with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
Following his retirement, Duguay remained connected to professional hockey through broadcasting, per Trending Politics.
He spent approximately 12 years working as a Rangers studio analyst for MSG Network before leaving the position in 2018.
The Rangers paid tribute to their former star following 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 said.
The organization praised his skating ability, personality and lasting connection with the team’s supporters.
For Palin, Duguay’s passing marks the loss of a companion she had supported throughout a lengthy and difficult medical battle.
Her final tribute reflected both the grief surrounding his death and the religious faith she said brought her comfort.
Duguay was 69.
