Sarah Palin is finally talking about the “earth shattering” end of her decades-long marriage and the surprising new relationship that grew out of one of the most stressful legal battles of her life. In a candid conversation she described how she first learned Todd Palin wanted a divorce through an email from his attorney in 2019, after more than 30 years and five children together. While she says the 2020 split still feels bizarre, Todd has since moved on with a longtime girlfriend, and Sarah has slowly built a different kind of companionship with retired New York Rangers player Ron Duguay, a 64 year old former hockey star who was previously married to supermodel Kim Alexis. Their connection deepened when Palin reached out to Duguay, an old friend, for advice during her defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, a case that was ultimately dismissed when a federal judge ruled she had not proven actual malice.

As the trial played out, Duguay became her guide to New York, walking her around the city on off days and pointing out places tied to his Rangers years. Palin described their relationship as safe and comfortable, saying he is the first person she has really talked to about many personal issues and praising his common sense and ability to talk about life beyond politics, while also calling him really handsome. Duguay has supported her newest political chapter as well: Palin is once again on the campaign trail, running in a special election for Alaska’s lone U.S. House seat long held by the late Rep. Don Young, with an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump. As she prepares for a June primary and an August general election, Duguay even flew to Alaska to help get her yard and property ready, a steady presence as she balances public ambition with private rebuilding.