Ron Duguay, popular Rangers forward and Sarah Palin's partner, dies at 69 after cancer battle

Ron Duguay, the long-haired New York Rangers forward who became one of the most recognizable faces in hockey in the late 1970s, has died. He was 69. A Rangers spokesperson said Thursday, Oct. 22, that Duguay’s family had informed the team of his death, according to The Associated Press.

Duguay had been battling cancer. He told the New York Post that the Stage 4 cancer originated in the colon, NHL.com reported, and he had fought the disease for more than a year. The Post reported he was diagnosed in 2024.

What did Sarah Palin say in her message?

Late in life, Duguay was known away from hockey for his relationship with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee. The Post reported the two had been together since 2022.

On Thursday, Palin posted on social media:

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

Days earlier, HuffPost reported, Palin had shared a post from his bedside telling followers that prayers for him were “appreciated.” The AP noted that his family had started a GoFundMe earlier this year to help cover the costs of travel and treatment.

His family’s tribute

Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, had shared updates on her father’s illness and recently asked followers for “all the prayers we can get,” according to the Post. After his death, she wrote on Instagram: “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad.” In a separate story, she added: “I love you so much, Dad. My heart is broken, but I know Jesus has you now.”

Who was Ron Duguay?

A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Duguay starred for his hometown Sudbury Wolves in junior hockey before the Rangers chose him with the 13th pick of the 1977 NHL Draft. He went straight from juniors to Broadway.

According to NHL.com:

• He played 12 NHL seasons, eight of them with the Rangers (1977-83 and 1986-88), plus stints with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
• He finished with 620 points (274 goals, 346 assists) in 860 regular-season games, and 53 points in 89 playoff games.
• He was part of the 1978-79 Rangers team that reached the Stanley Cup Final, where New York lost to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
• He later spent 12 years as a Rangers analyst on MSG Network.

The AP noted he was an All-Star in 1981-82, when he produced a point a game, and that after his NHL career he played in Germany and the minor leagues.

The hair, the helmet-free skating and the jeans ad

Duguay’s fame went beyond the box score. He became known for the long, curly hair that flowed as he skated without a helmet, and he appeared with teammates Phil Esposito, Dave Maloney and Anders Hedberg in a 1979 Sasson jeans TV commercial remembered for its “Oo La La! Sasson” jingle, NHL.com recalled.

“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 Rangers said in a statement, calling him “one of the most popular players in franchise history.”

The NHL said it mourned “a charismatic figure who made a lasting impression on the game.” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, who played with Duguay in the International Hockey League in 1990-91, called him “a great man and a terrific hockey player.”

Fans and New Yorkers who grew up with those teams shared memories online. Actor Michael Rapaport wrote that Duguay was “a real piece of my childhood as a New York sports fan,” according to the Post.

FAQ

How did Ron Duguay die? He died of cancer; he had said it was Stage 4 cancer that began in the colon.

How old was Ron Duguay? He was 69.

Was Ron Duguay Sarah Palin’s boyfriend? Yes. The two had been in a relationship since 2022, according to the New York Post.