Sarah Palin has announced the death of retired NHL star Ron Duguay, sharing an emotional farewell just days after asking supporters to pray for him during his cancer battle.
Duguay, 69, had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in December 2024. The disease later spread to his liver, according to the Daily Mail.
The former Alaska governor announced the news on social media on Thursday, October 22.
“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.
Her announcement followed photographs showing her holding Duguay’s hand at his hospital bedside, where she had remained a source of support throughout his illness.
Palin’s farewell follows an appeal for prayers
On October 18, Palin shared a hospital photograph alongside a brief request: “Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated.”
In another post, she accompanied a black-and-white bedside photograph with a message about maintaining faith through uncertainty.
Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, had also recently asked supporters to keep her father in their prayers. She shared a photograph of herself kneeling beside his hospital bed, resting a hand on his lap.
“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.
Palin and Duguay had been romantically linked since 2022. Although the Daily Mail reported that they had not formally confirmed their relationship status publicly, his family had spoken openly about their close bond.
Thomas previously described Palin as an important source of support for both her father and the wider family. She recalled Palin staying at the hospital for five days while Duguay underwent surgery involving his colon and liver.
His family supported him through extensive treatment
Duguay’s family publicly announced his diagnosis in February and established a GoFundMe campaign to help support his treatment.
Thomas explained that his illness had limited his ability to work. She also said the family brought him to Orange County, California, where she and her sister live, so he could receive care nearby.
His treatment included surgery, chemotherapy and a hepatic pump.
In July, Duguay was hospitalized after losing consciousness and falling at home, sustaining facial and dental injuries.
According to the latest Daily Mail report, subsequent testing identified complications including internal bleeding, an ulcer and conditions associated with increased pressure affecting his digestive system.
Throughout those setbacks, his daughters continued sharing updates and seeking support as he underwent care.
Rangers remember a charismatic fan favorite
Duguay played 12 NHL seasons between 1977 and 1989, representing the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
Selected 13th overall by the Rangers in 1977, he became a popular figure in New York. He recorded 216 goals and 320 assists for 536 career points, including a career-high 40 goals during the 1981–82 season.
After his playing career, he spent 12 years as an in-studio analyst for MSG Network’s Rangers coverage before leaving in 2018.
The Rangers paid tribute to his contribution both on and off the ice.
“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,” the organization said.
The team offered condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, joining Palin and his daughters in mourning a man remembered for his hockey career and the relationships he built beyond it.
