Rush Limbaugh dead at 70 – Conservative radio host hailed as ‘greatest of all time’ after losing lung cancer battle
CONSERVATIVE radio personality Rush Limbaugh has died at the age of 70 after nearly one year of battling advanced lung cancer.
Rush Limbaugh’s wife, Kathryn, confirmed the devastating news at the beginning of his Wednesday morning show.
“Rush will forever be the greatest of all time. Rush was an extraordinary man. A gentle giant. Brilliant, quick-witted, genuinely kind,” she said.
“Extremely generous. Passionate. Courageous. And the hardest working person I know.”
“From today on, there will be a tremendous void in our lives, and on the radio.”
Kathryn continued: “Rush encouraged so many of us to think for ourselves. To learn and to lead. He often said it did not matter where you started or what you look like, as Americans we all have endless opportunities like nowhere else in the world.”
She also thanked “each and every one of you who prayed” for Rush while he was battling cancer on behalf of their family.
“In Rush’s honor, may we all continue Rush’s mission in our individual lives and communities. I know all of you listening are terribly sad. We all are. I’m terrible sorry to have to deliver this news to you. God bless you Rush. And God bless our country.”
The show then played Ray Charles’ version of America The Beautiful, as opposed to Limbaugh’s traditional theme.
Following the tragic news, several Limbaugh supporters rushed to share their condolences, including Donald Trump conducting his first interview since he left the White House.
He also released a statement saying Limbaugh “has passed away to a better place, free from physical pain and hostility.”
“His honor, courage, strength, and loyalty will never be replaced. Rush was a patriot, a defender of Liberty, and someone who believed in all of the greatness our Country stands for,” Trump said.
“Rush was a friend to myself and millions of Americans – guiding light with the ability to see the truth and paint vivid pictures over the airwaves.
“Melania and I express our deepest condolences to his wonderful wife, Kathryn, his family, and all of his dedicated fans. He will be missed greatly.”
Melania also tweeted: “Rush was a fearless American patriot. He made countless contributions to society & leaves behind an unforgettable legacy. Praying for Kathryn & the entire Limbaugh family.”
Trump told Fox News on Wednesday that the radio host was “very brave, he in theory could’ve been gone four months ago, he was fighting until the very end.”
“Whether they loved him or not, they respected him,” the former president said.
QAnon Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote: “RIP Rush, you will be missed. Thank you for your legendary impact on so many Americans!”
Former President Trump’s son, Donald Jr, wrote: “R.I.P Rush. A true American legend.”
Fellow conservative, Candace Owens, wrote: “Heartbroken about #RushLimbaugh. He is an American icon that can never be replaced. Let the life he led serve as a reminder to us all to fight nonstop for truth.
“We face dark times in this country, but we can all be a light if we have the courage to speak up, unapologetically.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said that Limbaugh “revolutionized American radio” saying that “his voice guided the conservative movement for millions every day.”
Fellow conservative media personality Glenn Beck wrote: “No words … I just got news the Rush Limbaugh has passed away.
“Thanks Rush for all you taught, gave and were. A hero to many. An icon. A patriot.
“A revolutionary that saved radio. Heavens gain, our loss.”
In December, Limbaugh gave a heartfelt Christmas message to his fans and family, thanking them for listening in 2020 as he battled cancer.
Limbaugh announced his cancer diagnosis in February of last year.
He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump shortly after disclosing his terminal illness.
As he revealed the heartbreaking news, he told listeners: “From the moment you get the diagnosis, there’s a part of you every day, OK, that’s it, life’s over, you just don’t know when.
“So, during the period of time after the diagnosis, you do what you can to prolong life, do what you can to prolong a happy life.”
The radio legend continued: “It’s tough to realize that the days where I do not think I’m under a death sentence are over.
Conservative talk show pioneer Rush Limbaugh’s history of smoking
“Now, we all are, is the point. We all know that we’re going to die at some point, but when you have a terminal disease diagnosis that has a time frame to it, then that puts a different psychological and even physical awareness to it.”
Limbaugh is a five-time winner of the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award for “Excellence in Syndicated and Network Broadcasting.”
He is also a member of the Radio Hall of Fame and National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Source:the-sun.com
