Sarah Palin Reflects on Divorce, New Relationship, and Political Comeback

Sarah Palin has opened up about the painful end of her marriage to Todd Palin, her relationship with former hockey player Ron Duguay, and her return to politics.

Palin and Todd were married for more than 30 years and raised five children together. Their divorce was finalized in 2020, but Palin said the emotional impact continued long afterward.

She described the separation as “earth-shattering” and revealed that she learned Todd wanted a divorce through an email from his attorney in 2019. After decades of marriage, the sudden change deeply affected her family and personal life.

Both eventually moved forward separately. Todd entered another relationship, while Palin became close to Ron Duguay, a retired New York Rangers player.

Palin contacted Duguay while pursuing a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. Although the case was dismissed, Duguay supported her throughout the proceedings and helped her feel more comfortable in New York.

Their friendship gradually developed into companionship. Palin described him as someone she could trust with personal conversations about divorce, family changes, politics, and life.

Duguay later traveled to Alaska to support Palin when she launched a campaign for the state’s U.S. House seat. He helped with responsibilities around her property while she focused on campaigning.

The race marked Palin’s first attempt to return to elected office since leaving the Alaska governor’s position in 2009. Her campaign attracted national attention because of her previous role as governor and vice presidential candidate, along with an endorsement from Donald Trump.

For Palin, the campaign represented both a political comeback and a new chapter in her personal life.