THE ALASKA STORY
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced Thursday that her longtime boyfriend, former NHL star Ron Duguay, has died following a battle with colon cancer. He was 69.
“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 on social media.
Duguay had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, which then spread to his liver. In recent days, his daughter, Shay Thomas, had asked for prayers as his condition worsened. Palin also shared a photograph from his hospital bedside and requested prayers.
Palin, Alaska’s governor from 2006 to 2009 and the Republican vice presidential nominee in 2008, began dating Duguay in 2022. Their relationship became public during her defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, when Duguay accompanied her in New York.
Duguay played 12 NHL seasons, becoming a fan favorite with the New York Rangers. He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. He helped the Rangers reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and finished his NHL career with 274 goals and 346 assists.
The Rangers paid tribute Thursday to his skating, charisma and enduring connection with fans.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said.
