Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin faces a personal loss after a long battle marked by hospital stays and prayer.
The announcement brought together grief, gratitude, and faith, closing a difficult chapter for a family and generations of sports fans.
Palin announced Thursday that longtime companion Ron Duguay, the former NHL star, died at 69 following his battle with cancer.
The former Republican vice presidential nominee shared her heartbreak while expressing confidence in the Christian faith that sustained her.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now.”
“He fought so hard.”
“Love never ends.”
Duguay had been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in December 2024, beginning a grueling medical ordeal that included repeated hospitalizations.
The Stage 4 disease eventually spread to his liver, bringing complications as his family sought treatment and support.
Just four days before announcing his death, Palin asked supporters to pray for him.
Her October 18 post included a photograph showing her holding Duguay’s hand while he lay in a hospital bed.
“Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,” she wrote.
The image reflected the closeness the pair maintained throughout an illness that shaped their lives.
Palin, 62, frequently appeared at his bedside as his condition deteriorated, remaining alongside him through the final stretch.
Her announcement followed an earlier appeal from Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, who also asked supporters for prayers.
Thomas said she believed in prayer’s power and knew many hockey fans loved her father.
The family’s appeals offered a public glimpse of a private struggle involving worsening illness, financial pressures and difficult treatment decisions.
In July, Duguay was rushed to a hospital after fainting at home and sustaining severe facial injuries in a fall.
Doctors subsequently identified complications associated with his cancer treatment and liver disease, including internal bleeding and an ulcer.
His medical problems also included increased pressure in the blood vessels supplying his liver.
Duguay received chemotherapy, underwent surgery and was treated with a hepatic pump during his cancer battle.
He also underwent procedures involving removal of his gallbladder and appendix.
The family established a GoFundMe campaign to help meet the mounting expenses associated with his care.
“Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,” Thomas explained.
She also criticized earlier treatment he received in Florida, saying it nearly cost him his life.
Thomas said the family brought Duguay to Orange County, where she and her sister live, so he could receive treatment.
Palin and Duguay had been romantically linked since 2022, although they never publicly established an official label for their relationship.
Earlier this year, Thomas described them as very close, while explaining why they had spent less time together.
Duguay’s treatments and Palin’s responsibilities caring for her son, Trig, had limited their opportunities to be together.
Alongside those personal relationships, Duguay leaves a legacy built over 12 seasons in the National Hockey League.
The New York Rangers selected him 13th overall in the 1977 draft, beginning a career that reached four NHL organizations.
He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
Duguay finished with 216 goals and 320 assists, totaling 536 points across more than 860 games.
His finest scoring season came in 1981-82, when he recorded a career-high 40 goals.
His flowing hair, speed and distinctive presence made him memorable to Rangers supporters.
After his playing career, Duguay remained connected to New York hockey through his work as a broadcaster.
He spent 12 years as a Rangers studio analyst for MSG Network before departing in 2018.
The Rangers issued a tribute mourning one of the franchise’s most popular players and recognizing his lasting connection with fans, Fox News reported.
The organization remembered his skating style, skill, tenacity and charisma, while extending condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
