Sarah Palin Tears Up as Rangers Honor Boyfriend Ron Duguay After His Death at 69

It was an emotional night at Madison Square Garden.

The New York Rangers honored its former franchise star Ron Duguay following his death at 69 with a touching tribute on Monday, Oct. 26, as his family — including longtime girlfriend Sarah Palin — emotionally looked on.

Before the puck dropped in the game against the Los Angeles Kings, The Garden’s public address announcer Joe Tolleson shared a few words in memory of the late Duguay, who died on Oct. 22 after facing stage 4 cancer, which originated in his colon and later spread to his appendix and gallbladder.

“The Rangers family mourns the passing of one of the most beloved players in franchise history, Ron Duguay,” Tolleson told the crowd in the arena. “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.”

“A 40-goal scorer who helped lead the Rangers to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, Ron became more than a fan favorite — he was a New York icon whose impact extended far beyond the ice,” he continued. “Through his generosity, charitable efforts and passion for helping others, Ron touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy within the Rangers community.”

A moment of silence in honor of one of the most beloved players in Rangers history 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/CSccKevXMQ

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 26, 2026

Following a moment of silence for Duguay, the crowd let out a heartfelt cheer for the former center.

The team brought out Duguay’s family later in the game, including his daughters Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, son Noah Duguay, his grandchildren and Palin, 62, who was visibly moved to tears as fans cheered for the late hockey star during a second tribute video.

The Rangers went on to fall 6-3 against the Kings.

On Oct. 22, the former NHL star’s family confirmed that he had died. His daughter Shay shared the news on Instagram, writing that her dad had died on Thursday “after a hard fought battle with cancer.” She wrote, “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad.”

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Palin also shared Thomas’ post on her Instagram Stories, adding, “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends.”

Palin and Duguay were first linked in 2022. Palin, who was previously married to ex-husband Todd Palin, finalized her divorce in early 2020 after three decades of marriage. She and Todd share five children.

The ice hockey star was previously married to Robin Bobo, with whom he had two children, and was later married to supermodel Kim Alexis before the couple divorced in 2016.

Palin and Duguay first brushed off dating rumors, with a source telling PEOPLE in 2022 that the pair were “just friends” who “met through hockey,” but she confirmed their romance later that year in an interview with the New York Post.

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