Sarah Palin divorce: New partner, children and husband

Sarah Palin was a household name during John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, as she was chosen from relative obscurity to be his running mate. Though the McCain-Palin ticket lost to Barack Obama, Palin remained a notable figure in Republican politics, often described as a “force of nature.”

Even though Palin, now 58, continues to be active in Republican circles, recent headlines have focused more on her personal life. In 2020, after 30 years of marriage, Palin announced her divorce from her husband, Todd. The details were surprising, and Palin has since provided more insight into their high-profile split.

Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1964, Sarah Palin moved to Alaska as an infant and grew up in Wasilla, a small town north of Anchorage. A natural leader, Palin was a basketball star in high school and met her future husband, Todd, at a game. They eloped in August 1988, marrying at the local courthouse with the help of two witnesses they found nearby.

The couple has five children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig, who has Down syndrome. Palin’s passion for sports is reflected in her children’s names, such as Willow, named after sports journalist Willow Bay, and Bristol, after the town where ESPN is headquartered.

Palin, a registered Republican since 1982, worked as a journalist and helped with Todd’s family’s fishing business before entering politics in 1992. She became the first female and youngest governor of Alaska in 2006. Throughout her political career, Todd was supportive, though he preferred a low profile, calling himself the “First Dude.”

Todd Palin, who has a diverse background in oil production and snowmobile racing, supported Sarah during her political rise. The Palin family lived in a two-story house in Wasilla, where their marriage appeared strong. However, challenges arose, including when their daughter Bristol’s pregnancy became public during the 2008 campaign.

In 2019, just days after their 31st anniversary, Sarah received an email from Todd’s attorney announcing the divorce. The news left her feeling devastated and heartbroken. Todd cited “incompatibility of temperament” in the divorce papers, filed in September 2019, but Sarah wasn’t ready to give up on their marriage, seeking counseling to repair it.

The divorce, finalized in March 2020, was difficult for Sarah, who had always valued her marriage highly. Her children supported her during this tough time, aligning with the family’s strong traditional values.

Since the divorce, Sarah Palin has kept a low profile, but in April 2022, she opened up about her new relationship and the lingering pain from her split. She described the divorce as “earth-shattering” and revealed that she and Todd only communicate when necessary for their youngest son, Trig. Todd has a new partner living in New York City.

Sarah has also moved on, dating former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay. They were first seen together in January 2022, and Palin later confirmed their relationship. She described her bond with Duguay as “safe and comfortable,” appreciating his support and understanding.

Currently, Sarah Palin is running for Alaska’s at-large congressional seat, with Duguay actively supporting her campaign efforts.