Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, was married to Todd Palin for more than three decades before their divorce was finalized in March 2020. The former couple share five children and built much of their family life in Alaska. Following their separation, Sarah began a relationship with former NHL player Ron Duguay, who passed away on October 22, 2026, at age 69 after battling cancer. Palin confirmed his passing in an emotional public tribute.
The 62-year-old former politician has experienced considerable changes in her personal life since leaving the Alaska governor’s office. Her marriage, children, and relationship with Duguay have remained subjects of public interest alongside her political career.
Who Was Sarah Palin’s Husband Todd Palin?
Sarah Palin’s former husband, Todd Mitchell Palin, is an American businessman and former oil-field production operator.
Born on September 6, 1964, in Dillingham, Alaska, Todd grew up with strong connections to the state’s outdoor traditions.
He worked in Alaska’s oil industry and participated in commercial fishing. He also became known for competing in the Iron Dog snowmobile race, one of the world’s longest snowmobile competitions.
Todd received considerable public attention during Sarah’s political career, particularly when she became governor of Alaska in 2006.
He was often described as Alaska’s First Gentleman during her time in office.
When Did Sarah Palin and Todd Palin Get Married?
Sarah and Todd Palin were high school sweethearts who developed their relationship while growing up in Alaska.
They married in August 1988, years before Sarah became a nationally recognized political figure.
The couple established their family in Wasilla, where Sarah began her political career by serving on the city council.
Todd continued working in commercial fishing and the oil industry while Sarah moved into increasingly prominent public positions.
Their marriage became nationally visible in 2008 when Republican presidential nominee John McCain selected Sarah as his running mate.
Todd frequently accompanied her during campaign appearances, while their children also attracted media attention.
Why Did Sarah Palin and Todd Palin Divorce?
Todd Palin filed for divorce in September 2019 after approximately 31 years of marriage.
Court documents cited incompatibility between the couple as the reason for their separation.
Sarah later revealed that she had learned about Todd’s intention to seek a divorce through communication from his attorney.
She described the experience as emotionally difficult and initially expressed hope that their marriage might be repaired.
However, the couple’s divorce was finalized on March 25, 2020, following an uncontested court hearing.
Neither Sarah nor Todd has publicly provided a complete account of the private circumstances that led to their separation.
How Many Children Do Sarah Palin and Todd Palin Have?
Sarah Palin and Todd Palin have five children together: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig.
Their eldest son, Track Palin, was born in 1989 and served in the United States Army.
Their daughter Bristol Palin, born in 1990, became a television personality and appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
Willow Palin was born in 1994, followed by Piper in 2001.
Their youngest son, Trig, was born in April 2008 and has Down syndrome.
Sarah has frequently discussed motherhood and family responsibilities throughout her political career.
The former couple also have several grandchildren.
Sarah Palin’s Relationship With Ron Duguay
After her divorce, Sarah Palin began dating former professional hockey player Ron Duguay.
Their relationship became public in 2022, when they were seen together during Palin’s legal proceedings in New York.
Duguay, a former New York Rangers player, had previously been married to model Kim Alexis.
The couple maintained a relationship while living in different states, with Palin based in Alaska and Duguay spending considerable time in Florida.
In 2026, Duguay’s family publicly discussed his battle with advanced colon cancer.
Palin remained supportive during his treatment and shared messages asking followers to pray for him.
On October 22, 2026, she confirmed that Duguay had passed away at age 69.
Palin’s relationship with Duguay became an important chapter in her life following her divorce from Todd, and she publicly expressed her grief after losing her longtime partner.
Is Sarah Palin Currently Married?
As of October 2026, Sarah Palin has not publicly confirmed another marriage since her divorce from Todd Palin.
Her relationship with Ron Duguay lasted approximately four years, but the couple were not publicly known to have married.
Palin has continued participating in political discussions and public appearances while maintaining connections to her family in Alaska.
Her personal life has attracted renewed attention following Duguay’s passing, although she has not announced any new relationship.
Sarah Palin’s marriage to Todd Palin remains an important part of her family history. Their five children and decades together shaped much of her life before and during her rise to national political prominence.