Legendary Rush Limbaugh Dead From Lung Cancer at Age 70

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh

Sad to report that legendary Premiere Networks syndicated talk host Rush Limbaugh has died of stage four lung cancer. He was 70. Limbaugh's death was confirmed by his wife, Kathryn, at the beginning of Wednesday's radio show, from which he's been absent for nearly two weeks. "As so many of you know, losing a loved one is terribly difficult, even more so when that loved one is larger than life," she said. "Rush will forever be the greatest of all time."

Limbaugh announced his diagnosis in February, 2020. He continued to host his show while undergoing treatment, and he told listeners that he remained hopeful he would defeat the disease.

Limbaugh was considered a pioneer of AM talk radio, and hosted "The Rush Limbaugh Show," for 32 years. According to CNN, his show helped "popularize the political talk radio format, while advancing conservative ideas, though he often waded into conspiratorial waters and generated controversy for hateful commentary on gender and race. During the course of his career, Limbaugh started a number of fires with his commentary."

Rush Hudson Limbaugh III was born in Cape Girardeau, MO, and from a young age, Limbaugh he was interested in a career in radio. When he was 16, Limbaugh enrolled in a summer course on radio engineering and earned a FCC license. He soon landed a job in local radio. After attending Southeast Missouri State University for a year, Limbaugh worked at various stations, including time as top 40 air talent.

However, following a move to Sacramento, CA to work at KFBK-AM in 1984, Limbaugh developed "The Rush Limbaugh Show." He became a ratings success, earning the attention of former ABC Radio head Ed McLaughlin. In 1988, when Limbaugh's show became syndicated, he moved to WABC/New York and quickly became the king of talk radio. He had a brief stint on television, hosting a talk show from 1992 to 1996 produced by the late Roger Ailes.

The day after announcing his cancer diagnosis in February, 2020 President Trump awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a President can bestow on a civilian.

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smithsaid in a statement, "Rush Limbaugh was a trailblazer on broadcast radio who brought a vast listenership to radio in general and to the AM band in particular. NAB extends condolences to his family, friends and the millions of listeners who will miss his unique presence on radio."

Following his death, Benztown released an audio tribute to radio legend. The tribute was written and voiced by Bill Royal and produced by Tom Baker.