Ron Duguay, former NHL star and Sarah Palin's partner, dies aged 69
Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has died aged 69 after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer, announced by his partner Sarah Palin and confirmed by his daughter Shay Thomas.
Former NHL star Ron Duguay has died aged 69, his partner Sarah Palin announced on Thursday.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin, 62, wrote on her Instagram Story, adding: “He fought so hard… Love never ends.” (https://ew.com/sarah-palin-boyfriend-ron-duguay-dead-age-69-12188313)
Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, confirmed the news, writing: “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad.” Her tribute read: “Ron Duguay passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026 after a hard fought battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.”
Duguay had announced in February that he was battling stage 4 colon cancer, which later spread to his appendix and gallbladder, according to PEOPLE. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/former-nhl-player-ron-duguay-dies-after-bout-with-cancer—flm-2026-10-22/)
The New York Rangers selected Duguay with the No. 13 overall pick in the 1977 NHL Draft. He spent parts of eight of his 12 NHL seasons with the Rangers, scoring a career-high 40 goals in 1981-82, earning his only All-Star selection, totalling 620 points in 864 games across the Rangers, Penguins, Red Wings and Kings from 1977 to 1989.
The Rangers said in a statement: “Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated The Garden Faithful.” He later spent 2007 to 2018 as an MSG Networks broadcaster.
Palin and Duguay had dated since 2022, after her divorce from Todd Palin in 2020. He is survived by daughters Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, son Noah Duguay, and five grandchildren, per the New York Post.
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