Todd Palin: The Man Behind The Headlines

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Todd Palin News - Us Weekly

Todd Palin: The Man Behind The Headlines

Todd Palin News - Us Weekly

Todd Palin might not be a household name for everyone, but his life story has drawn attention far beyond the borders of Alaska. Known mostly as the ex-husband of former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Todd has lived a life full of adventure, hard work, and unexpected turns. From snowmachine racing to oil field operations, and from reality TV to a very public divorce, Todd’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Todd Palin really is, what he’s been up to, and why people still search for him today.

He’s not just a former First Dude of Alaska, though that title alone is enough to pique curiosity. Todd’s story includes everything from high-stakes political life to the quiet routines of a commercial fisherman. He’s had brushes with fame through his appearances on shows like Sarah Palin’s Alaska and Stars Earn Stripes, yet he’s always managed to stay out of the spotlight more than his ex-wife.

Whether you’re interested in the man behind the headlines or just curious about his current life after the divorce, there’s a lot to unpack. So, if you’ve ever wondered what Todd Palin is up to these days, or how his life unfolded alongside one of the most recognizable names in American politics, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the story of Todd Palin — a man who’s lived many lives, all under one name.

Table of Contents

Biography

Todd Palin was born on September 6, 1964, in Dillingham, Alaska. Known as the “First Dude” during his wife Sarah Palin’s tenure as Alaska’s governor from 2006 to 2009, Todd lived a life that mixed rugged outdoor work with the occasional brush with the public eye. He’s worked as an oil field production operator, commercial fisherman, and champion snowmachine racer — a nod to his deep Alaskan roots. Though not a politician himself, his life became intertwined with politics after Sarah’s rise to fame as the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential nominee.

Despite being married to one of the most talked-about political figures in recent U.S. history, Todd has largely kept a low profile, choosing to focus on his own passions and family life. His public appearances were mostly tied to Sarah’s political career, though he did make appearances on reality TV shows like Sarah Palin’s Alaska and Stars Earn Stripes.

Quick Bio Facts

Full NameTodd Mitchell Palin
Date of BirthSeptember 6, 1964
Place of BirthDillingham, Alaska, USA
OccupationOil Field Production Operator, Commercial Fisherman, Snowmachine Racer
SpouseSarah Palin (married 1988–2020)
ChildrenTrig, Bristol, Willow, Piper, and Track (deceased)
Known ForFormer “First Dude” of Alaska, Reality TV Appearances, Public Divorce

Early Life and Career

Todd grew up in rural Alaska, where he developed a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for hard work. He started racing snowmachines as a young man, and over the years, he became a respected figure in the sport. His racing career was serious, not just a hobby, and he even survived a near-fatal crash in 2016 that left many wondering how he made it out alive.

Outside of racing, Todd worked in the oil fields and spent time commercial fishing — jobs that kept him grounded and connected to Alaska’s rough, natural landscape. These weren’t just side gigs; they were full-time, demanding careers that shaped his identity. He wasn’t just the husband of a politician; he was a working man with calloused hands and a love for the Alaskan wilderness.

Despite his low-key lifestyle, Todd did step into the spotlight when Sarah was running for Vice President in 2008. He wasn’t a major player in the campaign, but his presence was a reminder of Sarah’s down-to-earth background. He wasn’t flashy, and he didn’t seek the limelight — that much was clear from the start.

Marriage to Sarah Palin

Todd and Sarah Palin tied the knot in 1988, and for over 30 years, they were a power couple in Alaska politics and culture. Their marriage was a fixture in the public eye, especially once Sarah became governor and later a national political figure.

Though Todd wasn’t in politics himself, he supported Sarah’s career from the sidelines. Their family life was often part of the story, especially with their five kids — including Trig, who has Down syndrome — adding another layer of public interest. The Palins were often portrayed as a traditional, values-driven family, and Todd’s rugged, outdoorsy image helped reinforce that narrative.

Together, they weathered the ups and downs of political life, media scrutiny, and the unique pressures of being a public figure’s spouse. But even as Sarah’s career took off, Todd remained pretty grounded, sticking to his jobs and hobbies away from the cameras.

Divorce from Sarah Palin

In 2019, Todd filed for divorce from Sarah after 31 years of marriage, citing “incompatibility of temperament.” The split was finalized in March 2020, and while the couple kept most of the details quiet, rumors swirled about possible reasons, including infidelity and drug use. Sarah later shared that she felt “like she got shot” when she found out Todd had filed for divorce just a week after their 31st anniversary celebration.

Though the divorce was kept mostly private, it made headlines, especially given their long-standing public presence as a couple. The split was a major shift for both of them, and it marked the end of an era for the Palins. Despite the pain, they’ve managed to co-parent and even set aside their differences for family events, like the birth of their granddaughter — Willow’s twin girls.

Financially, Todd and his new wife, Riki Davidson, paid $11.7 million in cash for a mansion in North Scottsdale, Arizona, showing that he’s doing well post-divorce. But beyond the money and property, the emotional impact of the split is something that continues to shape his life today.

Todd Palin’s Current Life

Today, Todd lives a quieter life away from the political spotlight. He’s remarried to Riki Davidson and seems to be enjoying a more private chapter. He’s still involved in the oil industry and continues to be passionate about outdoor activities, especially snowmachine racing, which he’s returned to after his 2016 crash.

Though he’s not as visible as he once was during Sarah’s political peak, Todd occasionally makes appearances or is mentioned in the media, often in the context of his family life or past racing career. He and Sarah have managed to keep things civil for the sake of their children and grandchildren, and there’s been no major drama since their split.

It’s clear that Todd values his privacy now more than ever. He’s not chasing fame or trying to stay relevant — he’s focused on living his life on his own terms. Whether that’s riding snowmachines, working, or just spending time with family, he seems to be doing his own thing, far from the noise of politics and media.

Todd Palin in the Media

Over the years, Todd has made a few notable appearances on TV, though he’s never been one for the spotlight. He was featured in the TLC show Sarah Palin’s Alaska, which gave viewers a rare glimpse into the family’s life in the Last Frontier. The show aired for one season in 2010 and offered a mix of travel, politics, and personal moments.

In 2012, he joined Sarah on the reality competition Stars Earn Stripes, which paired celebrities with military veterans in a series of physical and tactical challenges. Though the show was short-lived, it did give Todd a chance to show off his rugged, physical side — something his fans already knew about, but the broader public got to see for the first time.

He’s also appeared in the film Detour (2016), though it wasn’t a major blockbuster. His acting career, like his political one, has been minimal — more of a side note than a full-on pursuit. Still, these appearances gave fans a chance to see a different side of Todd, one that’s a bit more relaxed and humorous than his serious, outdoorsman persona.

FAQ Section

Why did Todd and Sarah Palin divorce?

Todd filed for divorce in 2019, citing “incompatibility of temperament.” The couple finalized their split in March 2020 after 31 years of marriage. While the exact reasons remain private, rumors have circulated about infidelity and lifestyle differences. Sarah has said she was shocked by the filing, especially since it came just a week after their 31st wedding anniversary.

Does Todd Palin have a new wife?

Yes, Todd remarried in 2021 to Riki Davidson. The couple purchased a $11.7 million mansion in the upscale Silverleaf community in North Scottsdale, Arizona. Riki has kept a low profile, and details about her background are limited, but the two seem to be enjoying a quieter life together away from the spotlight.

What is Todd Palin doing now?

Todd currently lives in Arizona with his wife Riki. He continues to work in the oil industry and remains involved with snowmachine racing. He’s also focused on family life, occasionally making appearances at family events and staying connected with his children and grandchildren.

Learn more about Todd Palin on our site.

Todd Palin News - Us Weekly
Todd Palin News - Us Weekly

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Todd Palin
Todd Palin

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Todd Palin News - Us Weekly
Todd Palin News - Us Weekly

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