Sarah Palin’s boyfriend, former NHL star Ron Duguay, died at age 69 following a battle with cancer, and his daughter, Shay Thomas, has shared an emotional tribute to her father.
Thomas posted a photo on Instagram showing herself holding Duguay’s hand as he lay in a hospital bed.
“I love you so much, Dad. My heart is broken, but I know Jesus has you now. Until I see you again 💔💔💔,” she wrote.
The tribute came after Palin, 62, and Duguay’s children confirmed his passing on Thursday, October 22.
The family announced the news in a social media post that read, “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad.”
Palin also shared a message about her longtime boyfriend.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” she wrote.
Shay Thomas Previously Shared Updates About Ron Duguay’s Cancer Battle
Duguay had been battling stage 4 colon cancer for more than a year. According to the New York Post, the disease had spread to his liver.
Thomas regularly shared updates about her father’s health on social media as he underwent treatment.
In February, she and her sister, Amber, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the financial costs associated with his illness.
“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help,” Thomas wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “Especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he’s going through.”
She explained why the family decided to seek assistance.
“But after many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser for him because we’ve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”
In August, Thomas posted a hospital video showing her father’s determination to remain positive despite his health challenges.
“Even with everything his body is being put through physically and mentally, my dad continues to smile…even with missing teeth 😂 he crack his jokes, laughs, and stays strong, and somehow keeps a positive mindset through even the hardest days,” she wrote.
On October 11, Thomas asked her followers to support the family through prayer.
She said she believed “in the power of prayer” and that her family needed “all the prayers we can get.”
Friends Offer Support Following Shay Thomas’ Emotional Tribute
Following Thomas’ announcement, friends and loved ones shared messages of support.
One friend recalled how much Duguay enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
“Shay, no words I’m so terribly sorry for your loss of your dad and the children’s grandpa, a thing that brought him the most joy in his life,” the friend wrote.
The message continued, “He will never be forgotten for he touched so many of our lives just being together around the garden and in the club.”
Thomas’ tribute also included a personal photograph from her father’s hospital room, showing the two holding hands during his final days.
New York Rangers Honor Ron Duguay Following His Passing
Duguay began his NHL career with the New York Rangers after the team selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 1977 NHL Draft.
The Sudbury, Ontario, native spent his first six seasons with the Rangers and earned an All-Star selection during the 1981-82 season.
He later played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings before returning to New York for another stint.
Duguay finished his NHL career with 673 combined regular-season and playoff points. He also continued playing professionally in Germany and the minor leagues.
Following the news, the Rangers released a statement honoring the former player.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said.
“Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated the (Madison Square) Garden faithful, and his skill, tenacity and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers.”
The organization concluded, “We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Sarah Palin’s Boyfriend Ron Duguay’s Daughter Shares Heartbreaking Message After His Death