Rush Limbaugh, Conservative Radio Host, Dies

Rush Limbaugh, Conservative Radio Host, Dies

By Movieguide® Staff

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh has died of lung cancer, according to his wife, Kathryn.

“We, the Limbaugh family, are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Rush has died,” according to Limbaugh’s official Facebook page.

Posted by Rush Limbaugh on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

“Rush Hudson Limbaugh III will forever be the greatest of all time, a courageous, brilliant gentle giant and radio pioneer,” the statement continued. “Our entire family is so thankful to everyone who prayed and cored for Rush, especially the audience he adored. Rush’s love for our country, and for all of you, will live on eternally.”

According to Deadline:

The Rush Limbaugh Show launched in radio syndication in August 1988 on 56 stations, and Limbaugh eventually became one of the most influential conservative voices in the media landscape. As of last year, his show — long the top-rated in the nation — airs on more than 600 stations on syndicator Premiere Networks and reaches 27 million people weekly.

He also hosted an eponymous TV show produced by future Fox News maven Roger Ailes during the mid-’90s, voiced a few episodes of Family Guy, appeared on the short-lived 1/2 Hour News Hour in the late 2000s and had a brief stint as an NFL commentator for ESPN in 2003.

His unapologetic conservative takes inspired a rabid fan base and often shook GOP politics. During the final weeks of the 2020 election, Limbaugh hosted a two-hour program during which Trump answered his questions and those from listeners.

Born on January 12, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, MO, Limbaugh began his radio career as a DJ in 1971 and continued to work in the medium throughout that decade before joining Major League Baseball’s Kansas City in 1979. What began as a part-time gig became a full-time job as director of group sales and special events.

He would return to radio in 1983, ditching his “Bachelor Jeff” Christie handle and using his real name. In October 1984, he replaced Morton Downey Jr. on KFBK-AM Sacramento, which led to his syndicated program.

Limbaugh was also a vocal Christian and spoke openly about his faith on air.

“I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” Limbaugh said of how he was dealing with his initial cancer diagnosis. “It is of immense value, strength, and confidence. That’s why I’m able to remain fully committed to the idea that what is supposed to happen will happen when it’s meant to.”

He continued, “I feel more and more blessed hearing from you and knowing you’re out there praying and everything else you’re doing, that is a blessing. It’s just a series of blessings. I am grateful to be able to come here to the studio, tell you about it, and really maintain as much normalcy as I can.”

The radio host also admitted to having some fear about the future after his diagnosis.

“It’s tough to realize that the days where I do not think I’m under a death sentence are over,” Limbaugh said. “We all know we’re going to die at some point. 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.”

However, his faith sustained him.

“I’ve had so much support from family and friends during this that it’s just been tremendous. I told the staff today that I have a deeply personal relationship with God that I do not proselytize about,” the radio host said. “But I do, and I have been working that relationship tremendously, which I do regularly anyway, but I’ve been focused on it intensely for the past couple of weeks.”

Several people shared their condolences with the Limbaugh family via social media.

Rush Limbaugh was an icon, patriot, and American hero.

No one fought harder for freedom and liberty.

The greatest radio host of all-time will be missed by millions. God bless his family.

— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh changed the hearts and minds of so many Americans with his commentary and insight.

His great voice will be so deeply missed, but his impact will live on forever.

I’m so glad President Trump was able to honor him with the Medal of Freedom while he was still here!

— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh captivated audiences for decades. He was a fearless commentator, a conservative firebrand, and a patriot. A radio trailblazer, Rush gave a voice to those who lacked a voice in the national mainstream media. My thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones.

— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh was one of the most influential conservative voices America has ever known. His legacy and the movement he created will live on for years to come. Rest in Peace, Rush. https://t.co/BkWAUMwZ8q

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 17, 2021

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What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.