From the outside, their marriage looked rock-solid. But in 2019, just after their 31st anniversary, Palin got a shock: Todd filed for divorce via attorney email. She described it as feeling like being “shot.” Todd cited incompatibility, while Palin wanted counseling and to preserve the marriage she valued. The divorce finalized on March 23, 2020, leaving emotional scars still raw today. Contact is minimal now, mostly coordinating care for their youngest, Trig. Todd has moved on, based in the Lower 48, while Palin found comfort in a longtime friend, former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay. A casual favor—showing her around New York—evolved into a relationship she calls “safe and comfortable.” Duguay has also supported her politically as she returned to public life, running for Alaska’s at-large congressional seat.
Rebuilding after a public marriage split—especially with five kids and seven grandchildren watching—is never easy. But Palin has done what she’s always done: keep moving forward. From a teenage elopement witnessed by two strangers to a national campaign spotlight, and now back to the snowy winters of Wasilla with a new partner, she’s lived boldly, stumbled publicly, and kept fighting—her voice still strong and unmistakable.
What do you think drives people like Palin to keep moving forward after public heartbreak? Share your thoughts in the comments!