Sarah Palin is mourning the loss of her boyfriend, former NHL star Ron Duguay, who has died at the age of 69 after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago. The former Alaska governor shared the news on Thursday with a heartbreaking message.
Ron Duguay is dead at 69. The former NHL star was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which later spread to his appendix and gallbladder. His girlfriend, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, paid tribute to her boyfriend in an emotional message shared on Instagram.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” she wrote.
Palin also shared a tribute from Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, who wrote: “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad.”
The family confirmed that Duguay died peacefully after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Tributes are now pouring in for Ron, not least from the hockey community. His former club, the New York Rangers, took to social media to honor his life and career.
“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,” they wrote.
Palin and Duguay were first linked romantically in 2022. Although they initially played down speculation, Palin later confirmed their relationship in an interview with the New York Post.
Sarah Palin’s boyfriend and NHL icon Ron Duguay dies at 69
The pair had connected through hockey, and their relationship grew closer during a difficult period in Palin’s life. At the time, Palin was involved in a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. She said she had turned to Duguay for advice and support.
“On my free time, he would walk all over New York and he would show me what he and the Rangers did back in the day, or at least where they did it,” she the NY Post. “Ron is the first person that I’ve ever even talked to about a lot of this personal stuff.”
She also praised his down-to-earth outlook, saying he had more common sense than many people in Washington, D.C. The couple was later seen together at public events in New York and Alaska.
Duguay was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and his family revealed earlier in 2026 that the disease had progressed to stage 4. In February, his daughter shared an emotional update, desceribed how difficult it was watching her father fight the illness.
“Cancer is so frustrating. Honestly… nothing prepares you for what this fight really looks like until someone you love is living it every single day,” Thomas wrote.
Was diagnosied with cancer in 2024
In the days before his death, Palin also asked her followers to keep Duguay in their thoughts and prayers. She shared a photograph of herself holding his hand as he lay in a hospital bed. His final months were marked by an increasingly difficult battle against the disease.
Duguay, selected by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 1977 NHL Draft, played 12 seasons in the NHL. He represented the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ron went on to become one of the Rangers’ most recognizable players, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1979.
After retiring, Duguay remained involved in hockey, working as an analyst for MSG Network from 2007 to 2018. Duguay is survived by his three children, Shay Thomas, Amber Stavros and Noah.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Ron’s loved ones in this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.
