Sarah Palin became a household name during John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. As the former Governor of Alaska and McCain’s running mate, she was described as a “force of nature” in Republican politics. But in recent years, the headlines have focused more on her private life.

After three decades of marriage, Palin announced her divorce from husband Todd in 2020. The details of their breakup were shocking, but Palin has since shed more light on their high-profile split.

Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1964, Sarah Palin moved to Alaska with her family at a young age. Growing up in the small town of Wasilla, she made a name for herself as a basketball star at Wasilla High School. The experience taught her valuable lessons about setting goals, discipline, teamwork, and success. It was also where she met her future husband, Todd Palin, at a basketball game. The young couple eloped in 1988, exchanging their vows at the local courthouse with the help of two witnesses from the pioneers’ home across the street.

According to Sarah, they eloped because they were both poor at the time and didn’t want their parents to foot the bill for a wedding. Together, Sarah and Todd have five children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig. Sarah’s love for sports is reflected in their names, with Willow named after a legendary female sports journalist and Bristol named after the town where ESPN is based.

Palin, a registered Republican since 1982, worked as a journalist and helped run Todd’s family’s commercial fishing business before entering politics in 1992. Her folksy personality and strong leadership skills earned her the title of the first woman and youngest governor of Alaska in 2006. Throughout her political career, Todd was a supportive spouse, often referring to himself as the “First Dude.” He may have initially been shy about the attention, but his dedication to Sarah and her administration never wavered.

Todd, who is part Yup’ik Eskimo, has always led a busy life. He worked in oil production and even won the world’s longest snowmobile race, known as the “Iron Dog,” four times. The couple lived in a beautiful home near Lake Lucille in Wasilla, and their marriage was often seen as a model of strength and love. However, their lives took a turn when their daughter Bristol became pregnant at the age of 17, just days into the Republican presidential campaign in 2008. The news shook their Christian household but ultimately brought the family closer together.

Despite facing numerous rumors and scandals over the years, Sarah and Todd managed to weather the storm. However, in 2019, just a few days after celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary, Sarah received a divorce notice from Todd via email. The news devastated her, as she considered her marriage one of the most important things in her life. She felt like she had been shot and compared the pain to losing a child.

Despite the divorce filing, Sarah was not ready to give up on her marriage. She attempted to repair their relationship through counseling, but their differences proved insurmountable. Their divorce was finalized in March 2020, bringing an end to their three-decade-long marriage.

After the divorce, Sarah kept a low profile until April 2022, when she opened up about her new love and the pain of her divorce. She revealed that she is currently dating former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay. The couple’s relationship blossomed when Sarah asked Ron to show her around New York City. Sarah describes their relationship as “safe and comfortable” and appreciates having someone to talk to about both politics and life.

Going through a highly publicized divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. But with the support of her children and her new partner, Sarah is finding the strength to move forward. Today, she is running for Alaska’s at-large congressional seat and has strong support from Ron, who has been actively involved in her campaign.

Sarah Palin’s journey from politics to divorce and new love demonstrates her resilience and determination. Despite the challenges and heartbreak, she remains a strong, independent woman who is ready to embrace the next chapter of her life.