Former NHL player and longtime partner of Sarah Palin, Ronald Duguay, had died after a battle with cancer.
“Ron Duguay passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026 after a hard fought battle with cancer,” his family shared via social media on Thursday, October 22. “A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.”
Palin, who began dating the former athlete in 2022, added, “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
Ron Duguay’s Cancer Battle
The former New York Rangers star was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in December 2024. However, he and his family chose to keep his battle private until February 2026.
“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help,” Duguay’s son Thomas wrote in a GoFundMe. “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. 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.”
The family added, “Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would, yet he continues to fight with everything he has. 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…and thankfully, it has helped him so far.”
Duguay told Page Six “sucks the life out of you,” and is “so freaking costly.”
The GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $170,000.
Remembering Ron Duguay
The New York Rangers shared a touching tribute to the late star, who played in the league from 1977 to 1989.
“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,” the team shared after news of Duguay’s death. “We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Sarah Palin’s Longtime Partner Dead at 69: ‘Love Never Ends’