Sarah Palin got visibly emotional during a tribute to her late boyfriend, Ron Duguay, during a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden on Monday, October 26.
Palin, 62, appeared alongside members of Duguay’s family — including his daughters, Shay and Amber, and his son, Noah — while the crowd gave a thunderous ovation in memory of the hockey star. The former Alaska governor covered her mouth as fans roared when Duguay’s image was displayed on the Jumbotron.
Duguay died last week after a battle with colon cancer. He was 69.
He played 12 seasons in the NHL, eight of which he spent with the Rangers. The team also held a moment of silence for Duguay before the start of the game.
“The Rangers family mourns the passing of one of the most beloved players in franchise history, Ron Duguay,” public address announcer Joe Tolleson said. “During his eight seasons with the Blueshirts, Ron captivated the Garden faithful with his electrifying skating style, signature flowing hair and larger-than-life personality.”
Tolleson continued, “A 40-goal scorer who helped lead the Rangers to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, Ron became more than a fav favorite — he was a New York icon whose impact extended far beyond the ice. Through his generosity, charitable efforts and passion for helping others, Ron touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy within the Rangers community.”
Rangers bring out Ron Duguay’s family during tonight’s game. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/TjgSLGkxoI
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) October 27, 2026
Palin announced Duguay’s death on Thursday, October 22, with an emotional social media post.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
Shay Thomas, one of Duguay’s daughters, reflected on the Rangers’ tribute to her late father.
“Dad, we love you more than words could ever express,” she shared via Instagram on Monday. “We know you’re watching over us, and we hope you know just how incredibly proud we are of you. You fought so hard, and you left behind a legacy that will live on forever. We wish more than anything you were here with us, but we know you’re smiling down. You will always be our hero, our fighter, and our dad. We love you forever and always. ❤️💔 thank you for tonight 🥰.”
Duguay and Palin started dating in 2022. In an exclusive interview with Us earlier this year, Thomas explained how Palin stepped up to the plate after Duguay’s stage IV cancer diagnosis in December 2024.
“She’s been involved and incredibly supportive in my dad’s entire journey,” Thomas told Us in February. “Their relationship can obviously be challenging because they live long-distance. She’s in Alaska, he’s in Florida. But they have always remained close.”
She added, “If we ever need her for something, she would take a red-eye flight on short notice. If we have stuff with our kids and couldn’t make it — for example, my dad had a surgery where they went into his colon and liver — and she stayed with him in the hospital for five days. She’s been a huge source of support. Not only for my dad, but for our entire family.”
