Sarah Palin burst onto the national stage in 2008 when John McCain chose the little-known Alaska governor as his running mate. With her folksy confidence and outsider appeal, she became impossible to ignore—then gradually stepped back into a life shaped more by personal upheaval than politics.

Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, and raised in Wasilla, Alaska, Palin was a standout athlete in high school, especially in basketball. She met her future husband, Todd, at a game, and in 1988 the young couple eloped at a courthouse, recruiting witnesses from a nearby retirement home because they couldn’t afford a wedding.

They built a large family—five children—and a life deeply rooted in Alaska. Palin worked in journalism, helped with the family fishing business, and entered politics, becoming Alaska’s youngest and first female governor in 2006.

Todd Palin, often called the “First Dude,” stayed largely out of the spotlight. A competitive snowmobile racer and oil-field worker, he took on more parenting duties as Palin’s political career and public scrutiny intensified during the 2008 campaign.

Though their marriage appeared strong publicly, it unraveled privately. In 2019, after more than three decades together, Todd filed for divorce. Palin later said she learned of it through an attorney’s email and was deeply shocked by the decision.

The divorce was finalized in March 2020. Since then, Palin has said contact with Todd is limited, mainly focused on co-parenting their youngest child. Todd has since moved on with a new partner.

Palin later reconnected with longtime friend Ron Duguay, a former professional hockey player. Their relationship grew gradually, and he has supported her during her return to political campaigning.

Despite public heartbreak and setbacks, Palin continues to press forward.