Sarah Palin pleads for prayers for cancer-stricken former NHL star boyfriend Ron Duguay as she shares photos of him in hospital bed

Published: 20:29 BST, 21 October 2026 | Updated: 22:54 BST, 21 October 2026

Former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin has asked for prayers for her retired NHL star partner as he battles stage four cancer. 

Palin, 62, took to Instagram and wrote 'prayers for Ron Duguay are so appreciated,' accompanied by a photo of Ron Duguay's hand holding hers from his hospital bed. 

In a separate post, Palin posted a black and white photo of herself looking at Duguay in his hospital bed with an inspirational quote superimposed over it in white letters. 

'I know God can, I'm asking him to. And even if the answer looks different, I know by now to still hold onto Him,' the quote read. Palin signed her post off with a handwritten letter 'S.' 

Duguay was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer over a year ago, with the cancer since spreading to his liver. 

Palin and Duguay were first rumored to be dating back in 2022. Since then, Palin has frequently been seen at his bedside throughout his health battle, and has been commended for her support by the former NHL star's family members on social media. 

The pair have not officially confirmed their relationship status to the public. Palin's Instagram bio reads 'Sovereign Single Mama,' in reference to her two sons Trig and Track Palin. 

'They haven't been able to see each other as much lately because of what my dad is going through, and Sarah also has obligations caring for her son, Trig, who requires additional care,' Duguay's daughter Shay Thomas told the Daily Mail earlier this year.

Sarah Palin took to Instagram earlier this week to ask for prayers for Ron Duguay who has been battling cancer for over a year

'Prayers for Ron Duguay are so appreciated,' Palin shared on her Instagram earlier this week

Palin and Duguay were linked together back in 2022, but never officially confirmed their relationship status

'She’s been a huge source of support. Not only for my dad, but for our entire family,' Shay Thomas said of Palin

In a recent interview with Us Magazine, Thomas spoke positively of Palin and her support towards Duguay.

'If we ever need her for something, she would take a red-eye flight on short notice,' he said.

'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,' Thomas added.

Palin still lives in Alaska, while Duguay has been receiving treatment at City of Hope in Southern California, according to his daughter's Instagram.