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Who was Rush Limbaugh and how did he die?
Israel Salas-Rodriguez
12:28 ET, Feb 17 2021
THE voice of conservative America Rush Limbaugh has died at the age of 70 after a battle with lung cancer.
The radio personality was the host The Rush Limbaugh Show, which has been in national syndication on AM and FM radio stations since 1988.
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh died on Wednesday, February 17Credit: Reuters
Born January 12, 1951, Limbaugh, 70, was a radio personality, conservative political commentator, author and former television show host.
In December 2019, Talkers Magazine estimated that Limbaugh's radio show attracted a weekly audience of 15.5million listeners, becoming the most-listened-to radio show in the US.
The 70-year-old radio host was one of the premiere voices of the conservative movement in the US since the 1990s.
He dominated the airwaves with his attacks on liberals, Democrats, feminists, environmentalists and others.
Rush Limbaugh was the host The Rush Limbaugh Show since 1988Credit: Getty Images - Getty
He's a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcaster Hall of Fame.
In 2020, Limbaugh received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Donald Trump, after announcing he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Speaking on his show, Limbaugh said: "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.
Limbaugh received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump in 2020Credit: Reuters
"You measure a happy life against whatever medication it takes."
His wife Kathryn confirmed the radio host's death at the beginning of his February 17 morning show, after battling lung cancer for over a year.
What did his wife Kathryn say about his death?
"Rush will forever be the greatest of all time. Rush was an extraordinary man. A gentle giant. Brilliant, quick-witted, genuinely kind," Kathryn said on his show Wednesday morning.
"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.
"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 said.
Rush Limbaugh and his wife KathrynCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Kathryn 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.
What did Limbaugh say in his final radio broadcast of 2020?
In his final radio broadcast of 2020, Limbaugh thanked his listeners and supporters, revealing at the time that he had outlived his prognosis.
"I wasn't expected to be alive today," he said.
In February 2020, Limbaugh announced that he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancerCredit: AFP - Getty
"I wasn't expected to make it to October, and then to November, and then to December. And yet, here I am, and today, got some problems, but I'm feeling pretty good today."
What have his supporters said about his death?
Following the tragic news, several of Limbaugh supporters rushed to share their condolences.
Former President Trump paid tribute to the radio icon in his first interview since leaving the White House.
Limbaugh's supporters quickly rushed to social media to share their condolencesCredit: Twitter
Trump told Fox News that the radio host was "very brave, he in theory could've been gone four months ago, he was fighting until the very end."
QAnon Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote: "RIP Rush, you will be missed. Thank you for your legendary impact on so many Americans!"
Donald Jr, wrote: "R.I.P Rush. A true American legend."
Pro-Trump Senator Rand Paul allied Limbarugh "a patriot".
He added: "Not many people can say they revolutionized and stayed at the top of an industry the way he did. My condolences to his family."
Ben Shapiro hailed Limbarugh as "the creator of talk radio".
Former President Donald Trump said Limbaugh was 'very brave,' in his first interview since leaving the White HouseCredit: AFP - Getty
He tweeted: "RIP Rush Limbaugh, the creator of talk radio and by extension the alternative media, an indispensable and iconic conservative voice."
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 Limbaugh "revolutionized American radio," adding that "his voice guided the conservative movement for millions every day."
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