Popular and controversial Conservative talk radio personality Rush Limbaugh is dead at age 70. Doctors diagnosed him with advanced lung cancer last January and the radio personality frequently discussed the realities of his condition with his daily audience that numbered in the tens of millions.
Broadcast historians considered him one of the pioneers of the resurgence of talk radio. Limbaugh hosted his daily radio show “The Rush Limbaugh Show,” for 32 years. The program was daily required listening for both his fans and those who hated him. His topics of conversation often set the talking points on hot-button issues.
Limbaugh’s fourth wife, Kathyn, announced his death during Wednesday’s radio broadcast. “We, the Limbaugh family, are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Rush has died. Rush Hudson Limbaugh III will forever be the greatest of all time, a courageous, brilliant gentle giant and radio pioneer. Our entire family is so thankful to everyone who prayed and cared for Rush, especially the audience he adored. Rush’s love for our country, and for all of you, will live on eternally.” She shared an image of Limgaugh receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on social media.
Sadder Place Without Him
Throughout his time on the air, the host shared personal struggles such as a dependence on prescription medication and profound hearing loss with his devoted audience.
Limbaugh was the author of 7 books, including:
- The Way Things Ought to Be
- See, I Told You So
- Children’s book Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel with Exceptional Americans
- Rush Revere and the First Patriots: Time-Travel with Exceptional Americans.
- Rush Revere and the American Revolution. ]
Fellow Conservative broadcaster Bill O’ Rilley said, “The legacy of Rush Limbaugh is clear: the most successful radio broadcaster in history. Mr. Limbaugh provided a conservative balance against the dangerous left-wing corporate media machine.”
Former President George W. Bush said, “Laura and I are sorry to learn that Rush Limbaugh has passed away.” Donald Trump, who considered Limbaugh a close friend called into Fox News to praise Limbaugh as a “True American legend.” Commentator Steven Crowder said, “No conservative would have a voice on ANY platform today if not for Rush Limbaugh. The world is a sadder place with him not in it.”