Quick Answer: Todd Palin, the former “First Gentleman of Alaska” and ex-husband of Sarah Palin, is currently living a private life in Alaska. After his divorce was finalized in 2020, Todd has stayed largely out of the public spotlight, focusing on his personal interests including snowmobile racing, commercial fishing, and spending time with his family. He maintains a low profile and rarely makes public appearances or media statements.
Introduction: Where Has Todd Palin Been?
Todd Palin became a household name in 2008 when his then-wife, Sarah Palin, was selected as John McCain’s running mate in the presidential election. Before that moment, Todd was known in Alaska as a championship snowmobile racer, oil field worker, and commercial fisherman. But after the political whirlwind of the late 2000s, many people wonder: what is Todd Palin doing now?
The answer might surprise you. Unlike his ex-wife, who has remained in the media spotlight through various political commentary roles and reality TV appearances, Todd has chosen a dramatically different path. He’s returned to his Alaskan roots, living quietly and deliberately staying away from cameras and controversies.
This comprehensive article explores Todd Palin’s current life, his journey since the divorce, his career moves, and what the future might hold for the man who once stood beside one of America’s most recognizable political figures.
Who is Todd Palin? A Brief Background
Before diving into where Todd Palin is today, it’s essential to understand who he is and how he became famous.
Early Life and Alaska Roots
Todd Mitchell Palin was born on September 6, 1964, in Dillingham, Alaska. He’s part Yup’ik Eskimo, with deep roots in Alaska’s indigenous community. Growing up in the rugged Alaskan wilderness shaped his character, work ethic, and lifestyle preferences.
Todd attended Wasilla High School, where he met Sarah Heath (later Sarah Palin) in 1982. The couple married in 1988 and went on to have five children: Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig.
Career Before Fame
Todd’s professional life before political fame was quintessentially Alaskan:
- Oil Field Worker: He worked for BP (British Petroleum) on Alaska’s North Slope for nearly two decades, operating production facilities in the Prudhoe Bay oil fields.
- Commercial Fisherman: Todd owned and operated a commercial fishing business in Bristol Bay, one of Alaska’s most productive salmon fishing regions.
- Snowmobile Champion: He was a four-time winner of the Tesoro Iron Dog, the world’s longest snowmobile race covering over 2,000 miles across Alaska.
These pursuits defined Todd as a hardworking, outdoorsy Alaskan who valued self-reliance and traditional values.
The Political Spotlight: 2008 and Beyond
First Gentleman of Alaska
When Sarah Palin became Alaska’s governor in 2006, Todd took on the unofficial role of “First Gentleman.” He continued working his oil field job initially but eventually took a leave of absence to support his wife’s political career.
The 2008 Presidential Campaign
Everything changed in August 2008 when Senator John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential running mate. Overnight, the Palin family became national figures, and Todd was thrust into an uncomfortable spotlight.
During the campaign, Todd was portrayed as the supportive husband, the “average Joe” who represented working-class Americans. However, he clearly preferred staying behind the scenes, rarely giving interviews or making speeches.
Life After the Campaign
After McCain and Palin lost to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, the family returned to Alaska. Sarah completed her term as governor but resigned in 2009, citing media pressure and legal costs from ethics complaints.
The family then pursued various ventures, including Sarah’s media career, reality TV shows, and speaking engagements. Todd occasionally appeared alongside Sarah but maintained his preference for privacy.
The Divorce: What Happened Between Todd and Sarah Palin?
The Shocking Announcement
In August 2019, Todd Palin filed for divorce from Sarah after 31 years of marriage. The news shocked many who viewed the Palins as a strong, united front during their years in the spotlight.
The divorce filing cited “incompatibility of temperament” as the reason for the split. Court documents revealed that Todd believed their marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
Privacy During Proceedings
Both Todd and Sarah kept remarkably quiet during the divorce proceedings. Unlike many high-profile separations, there were no messy public battles, tell-all interviews, or social media wars.
The divorce was finalized in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning. Terms of the settlement remain confidential, though the couple reportedly divided their assets and properties.
Speculations About the Cause
While neither party has publicly discussed the reasons for their divorce in detail, various factors have been speculated:
- The intense pressure and scrutiny from Sarah’s political career
- Different lifestyle preferences (Sarah’s media career vs. Todd’s desire for privacy)
- Years of living partly separate lives due to career demands
- Natural growing apart after three decades of marriage
What is Todd Palin Doing Now? Current Life and Activities
Living Quietly in Alaska
Where is Todd Palin today? Todd continues to live in Alaska, primarily in the Wasilla area where he and Sarah raised their children. He maintains a low profile, rarely appearing at public events or in the media.
Those who know him describe Todd as enjoying the peaceful, private life he always preferred, even during his years in the spotlight.
Todd Palin’s Current Job
What does Todd Palin do for a living now? While specific details about Todd Palin’s current job are not widely publicized, he appears to be semi-retired, engaging in activities he’s passionate about:
- Commercial Fishing: Todd still participates in commercial fishing during Alaska’s salmon season, a livelihood he’s maintained for decades.
- Outdoor Activities: He continues snowmobiling, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits that have always been central to his lifestyle.
- Private Business Ventures: Todd may be involved in small-scale business activities related to Alaska’s outdoor industry, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.
Unlike Sarah, who maintains a media presence, Todd has no social media accounts and doesn’t seek publicity or income from his former political connections.
Relationship with His Children
Todd remains close to his five children and is involved in his grandchildren’s lives. His children include:
- Track Palin (born 1989): Has faced legal troubles in recent years but maintains a relationship with his father
- Bristol Palin (born 1990): A media personality and mother of three
- Willow Palin (born 1994): A hairstylist living in Alaska
- Piper Palin (born 2001): The most private of the Palin children
- Trig Palin (born 2008): Lives with Sarah and receives care for Down syndrome
Family sources suggest Todd is a devoted father and grandfather who prioritizes family time over public appearances.
Health and Well-being
In 2016, Todd was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident, suffering broken ribs, a collapsed lung, broken shoulder blade, and leg injuries. He recovered after extensive medical treatment.
Since the accident and divorce, Todd appears focused on maintaining his health and enjoying outdoor activities at a more measured pace.
Todd Palin’s Life After Divorce: A New Chapter
Embracing Privacy
The most notable aspect of Todd Palin’s life after divorce is his commitment to privacy. While Sarah has remained in politics and media, appearing on Fox News and maintaining an active public profile, Todd has done the opposite.
He doesn’t give interviews, doesn’t attend political events, and has successfully returned to the anonymous life he lived before 2008.
No Public Dating or Relationships
Unlike many divorced public figures, there have been no reports or rumors of Todd dating anyone new. He appears content focusing on himself, his hobbies, and his family.
Financial Independence
Todd’s work in the oil fields, commercial fishing, and other ventures over the decades likely provided him with financial stability. The divorce settlement would have also ensured he received a fair share of assets accumulated during the marriage, including potential proceeds from Sarah’s various media and book deals.
Staying Out of Politics
While Sarah has remained politically active, endorsing candidates and commenting on political issues, Todd has completely withdrawn from the political arena. He’s made no endorsements, given no political statements, and appears to have no interest in that world.
Timeline: Major Events in Todd Palin’s Life
- 1964: Born in Dillingham, Alaska
- 1982: Meets Sarah Heath at Wasilla High School
- 1988: Marries Sarah Heath
- 1989-2008: Children Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Trig are born
- 1995-2000: Wins four Iron Dog snowmobile championships
- 2006: Becomes Alaska’s “First Gentleman” when Sarah is elected governor
- 2008: Thrust into national spotlight during presidential campaign
- 2009: Sarah resigns as Alaska governor
- 2010-2019: Family pursues various media and business ventures
- 2016: Seriously injured in snowmobile accident
- August 2019: Files for divorce from Sarah
- March 2020: Divorce finalized
- 2020-Present: Lives privately in Alaska, focusing on personal interests
Comparing Todd’s Life to Sarah’s Current Activities
The contrast between Todd and Sarah Palin’s post-divorce lives is striking:
Sarah Palin Today
- Remains politically active
- Ran for U.S. Congress in Alaska (lost in 2022)
- Makes media appearances and political commentary
- Maintains social media presence
- Attends political rallies and events
- Recently rumored to be dating former NHL player Ron Duguay
Todd Palin Today
- Lives privately away from cameras
- No political involvement
- No social media accounts
- No public relationships
- Focuses on traditional Alaskan lifestyle
- Rarely photographed or mentioned in media
This divergence suggests that their different approaches to public life may have contributed to their divorce.
Why Todd Palin Chose Privacy Over Fame
The Burden of Unwanted Attention
During the 2008 campaign and subsequent years, Todd experienced intense media scrutiny. His emails were hacked, his past was investigated, and his every move was analyzed. For someone who valued privacy and a quiet life, this was clearly burdensome.
Returning to Authentic Life
By choosing privacy, Todd has returned to the authentic Alaskan lifestyle he always preferred—fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time in nature. This suggests he values genuine experiences over fame or influence.
Protecting Family Relationships
Staying out of the spotlight may also help Todd maintain healthier relationships with his children and grandchildren, allowing them to interact without media interference.
Public Perception and Legacy
Respected in Alaska
In Alaska, Todd Palin is generally respected as a hardworking individual who happened to marry someone who became famous. Many Alaskans appreciate his decision to stay grounded and continue living the traditional Alaskan lifestyle.
Symbol of the Reluctant Public Figure
Nationally, Todd represents the reluctant public figure—someone thrust into fame who never sought it and happily returned to obscurity when possible. This resonates with many people who value privacy and authenticity.
The “First Gentleman” Who Preferred Not To Be
Todd’s legacy may ultimately be as someone who showed that you can step back from fame, that you don’t have to capitalize on every opportunity for publicity, and that there’s dignity in choosing a quiet life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Todd Palin
1. Is Todd Palin remarried?
No, there is no public information suggesting Todd Palin has remarried or is in a serious relationship since his divorce from Sarah Palin was finalized in 2020. He appears to be single and focused on his personal life in Alaska.
2. What is Todd Palin’s net worth?
Todd Palin’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, his decades working in Alaska’s oil fields, commercial fishing income, divorce settlement, and potential earnings from the family’s media ventures likely provide him with comfortable financial security. Estimates vary, but he’s believed to have a net worth in the range of several hundred thousand to low millions.
3. Does Todd Palin still compete in the Iron Dog race?
No, Todd Palin is no longer actively competing in the Iron Dog snowmobile race. His last competition was several years ago, and his serious accident in 2016 likely influenced his decision to step back from competitive racing. However, he still enjoys recreational snowmobiling.
4. Where exactly does Todd Palin live now?
While Todd Palin’s exact address is private, he is known to live in the Wasilla area of Alaska, where he and Sarah raised their family. He maintains a low profile and values his privacy, so specific details about his residence are not publicly available.
5. Does Todd Palin have a relationship with Sarah Palin post-divorce?
The exact nature of Todd and Sarah’s current relationship is not publicly known. They appear to maintain a civil relationship for the sake of their children and grandchildren, but they don’t make public appearances together and seem to lead completely separate lives.
6. What happened to Todd Palin’s fishing business?
Todd continues to engage in commercial fishing during Alaska’s salmon season, though whether this is through a formally organized business or more casual participation isn’t publicly detailed. Fishing remains one of his passions and sources of income.
7. Has Todd Palin written a book or done any media interviews?
No, Todd Palin has never written a memoir or book, nor has he given significant media interviews since his divorce. Unlike Sarah, who has written books and maintains a media presence, Todd has consistently avoided the spotlight and shows no interest in sharing his story publicly.
Conclusion: Todd Palin’s Quiet Life Today
So, what is Todd Palin doing now? The answer is refreshingly simple: he’s living the life he always wanted, away from cameras and political drama, in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness he calls home.
After three decades of marriage, years in the political spotlight, and the challenges that come with being married to one of America’s most polarizing figures, Todd Palin has chosen peace, privacy, and authenticity. He’s fishing, snowmobiling, spending time with family, and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that defined him long before the world knew his name.
In an era where everyone seems desperate for attention and social media followers, Todd Palin’s choice to disappear from public view is almost radical. He reminds us that there’s another path—one where success isn’t measured in fame or influence but in personal contentment and staying true to yourself.
Todd Palin now represents something many people aspire to: the courage to walk away from fame, the wisdom to know what truly matters, and the peace that comes from living life on your own terms. Whether he’s on a fishing boat in Bristol Bay or snowmobiling through Alaska’s wilderness, Todd Palin appears to have found what he was looking for all along—a simple, private life in the place he’s always loved.