JUST IN: Sarah Palin Makes Heartbreaking Announcement

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is mourning the devastating loss of her longtime companion, NHL legend Ron Duguay, who died at 69 after a grueling battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.

Palin, 62, confirmed the heartbreaking news Thursday in an emotional social media post, revealing that Duguay had lost his fight against the aggressive disease after months of serious medical complications and repeated hospitalizations.

The former Republican vice presidential nominee turned to her Christian faith while sharing the painful announcement.

‘It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends.’

Duguay, a former New York Rangers star and one of the franchise’s most recognizable players, was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in December 2024.

The disease eventually spread to his liver, triggering a series of dangerous complications that left the former hockey standout fighting for his life.

Just four days before confirming his death, Palin had made a desperate public appeal for prayers, sharing a photograph of herself holding Duguay’s hand as he lay in a hospital bed.

‘Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,’ she wrote Oct. 18.

The photograph offered a heartbreaking glimpse into the final days of Duguay’s battle, as Palin remained by his side while his health continued to deteriorate.

Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, had also turned to the public earlier this month, pleading with hockey fans and supporters to pray for her father as his medical condition grew increasingly serious.

‘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. And I know so many love him so much. Please keep our dad in your prayers. @noah_duguay @amberstavros’ she wrote.

The emotional appeals came after months of frightening medical setbacks that repeatedly threatened Duguay’s life.

In July, the former NHL star was rushed to a hospital after fainting at home and suffering severe facial injuries in a fall.

Doctors subsequently discovered serious complications associated with his cancer treatment and liver disease, including internal bleeding, an ulcer and dangerously increased pressure in the blood vessels supplying his liver.

His extensive treatment included chemotherapy, surgery and a hepatic pump designed to deliver medication directly to the liver.

Duguay also underwent procedures involving the removal of his gallbladder and appendix as doctors worked to manage the disease and its complications.

The mounting medical crisis eventually placed a substantial financial burden on the family, prompting his daughters to establish a GoFundMe campaign to help cover treatment expenses.

‘Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,’ Shay explained.

She also revealed that earlier medical care had nearly cost her father his life, forcing the family to relocate him to California for additional treatment.

‘Earlier in his treatment journey, the care he received in Florida nearly cost him his life. That led us to bring him to Orange County, where my sister and I live, so he could receive treatment here.’

Throughout the ordeal, Palin remained a devoted presence in Duguay’s life.

The two had been romantically linked since 2022, although neither publicly placed an official label on their relationship.

Earlier this year, Shay described Palin and her father as ‘very close,’ explaining that his medical treatments and Palin’s responsibilities caring for her son, Trig, had limited the amount of time they could spend together.

Despite those challenges, Palin continued supporting Duguay throughout his illness, frequently appearing at his bedside and publicly requesting prayers as his condition worsened.

Beyond his relationship with Palin, Duguay leaves behind a remarkable legacy in professional hockey.

The New York Rangers selected him 13th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft, beginning a 12-season career that also included stints with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.

Known for his trademark flowing hair, exceptional speed and unmistakable presence on the ice, Duguay quickly became one of the Rangers’ most popular players.

He finished his NHL career with 216 goals, 320 assists and 536 points across more than 860 games.

His most productive season came in 1981-82, when he scored a career-high 40 goals and cemented his reputation as one of New York’s most exciting offensive players.

Following his retirement, Duguay remained a familiar face to Rangers fans, spending 12 years as a studio analyst for MSG Network before departing in 2018.

The Rangers paid tribute to their former star following news of his death, remembering both his contributions to the franchise and the larger-than-life personality that made him a fan favorite.

‘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.’

For Palin, the loss brings a painful end to a deeply personal struggle she had shared publicly through photographs, prayer requests and messages of hope.

For Rangers fans, it marks the passing of a beloved figure whose distinctive style and memorable career made him one of the franchise’s enduring personalities.

And for Duguay’s family, it follows months of exhausting treatments, medical emergencies and determined efforts to keep him alive.

After a relentless fight against advanced cancer, Ron Duguay’s battle has come to an end, leaving behind a grieving family, a heartbroken Sarah Palin and generations of hockey fans who remember the man who once electrified Madison Square Garden.

He was 69.