Sarah Palin makes heartbreaking plea for prayers as longtime partner Ron Duguay battles Stage 4 cancer

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin shared an Instagram photograph holding Ron Duguay’s hand during his hospitalization. “Prayers for Ron Duguay so appreciated,” she wrote, according to Us Weekly. The retired hockey player, 69, has Stage 4 colon cancer. His family announced the diagnosis in February and launched a GoFundMe campaign. His daughter, Shay Thomas, also posted from his bedside, explaining that the family needed all the prayers supporters could offer.

Duguay’s illness has brought other setbacks, including a July collapse attributed to dehydration that damaged his teeth. Throughout treatment, Thomas has described Palin as a dependable presence for the entire family. She recalled Palin staying at the hospital for five days while Duguay underwent surgery involving his colon and liver. Although distance and caregiving responsibilities complicate visits, Thomas said Palin would take a red-eye flight on short notice whenever needed—a practical expression of support during an uncertain time.