This morning, a year after he announced on his radio program that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal lung cancer, talk radio pioneer and titan Rush Limbaugh passed away, at age 70.
His death was announced on his program by his wife, Kathryn.
With remarkable composure, she said sadly:
“I know that I am most certainly not the Limbaugh that you tuned in to listen to today. I, like you, very much wish Rush was behind this golden microphone right now, welcoming you to another exceptional three hours of broadcasting. For over 32 years, Rush has cherished you, loyal audience, and always looked forward to every single show. It is with profound sadness I must share with you directly that our beloved Rush, my wonderful husband, passed away this morning due to complications from lung cancer.”
In the year since his diagnosis, Rush received some experimental treatment every other week. After he recuperated from the treatment, he would return to his golden EIB microphone the next week.
Rush had been absent from his radio show for more than two weeks, and I knew what his absence meant. Though Kathryn’s announcement was not surprising, I am absolutely devastated.
I began listening to Rush almost since the beginning, when his show broke out from Sacramento, CA, to syndication. Like his millions of listeners, I found him to be articulate, intelligent, funny, informative, with a remarkable ability to communicate complex ideas to the everyman. In the last few years, Rush no longer did jokes, but his political insights and judgment remained penetrating, unparalleled among all conservative radio talkers. He also became more explicit about his Christian faith.
Rush was a great patriot who loved America and Americans, and his love was returned fully by his tens of millions of listeners.
Rush was not just the voice of American conservatism, he was the heart.
Today, the light of America is dimmed.
My only consolation is that I know he will continue to fight for us and for the good, having joined the army of the Church Triumphant in Heaven.
~E
A sad day. Will miss him greatly 🙁
RIP El Rushbo.
Thank you Dr. E for this most memorable post. I so enjoyed listening to him, for his great wit and terrific sarcasm that always had a point. Yes, Dr. E, I also think that he will help us in the Church Triumphant, along with St. Thomas More, St. Thomas Beckett, St. Robert Belarmine and St. Joan of Arc. He loved our country so much, just like each one of these saints.
Earlier today, I viewed the website “Quora” and was greatly disheartened by at least half a dozen nasty, remarks regarding “Rush meeting St Peter at the Pearly Gates or Not.” There are many who need to look to “their own Eternal prospects” rather than tearing down a man who by all accounts was generous to all around him. Thank you DrE for the sweet words you have written about Rush, they are as soothing as balm to my heart.
I thought my heart was broken when my best-boy Milo ‘assumed room temperature’….but my ‘friend’ since before Desert Storm, Rush, has me going through the anguish all over again….RIP my buddies.
Many people will miss Rush. Even those that criticize him and anyone that is remotely conservative. I haven’t listened to him much except for his first few minutes for years. He could be very dry, my kind of humor….. There is no replacement for him.
I began listening to Rush because EVERY time I went to my Parents’ house,it seemed like he was on the radio there. Before long,his show was on all my car and truck radios,on the radio in every room of my house-his program became Tradition in our family,and that of all my friends. I noticed that if someone didn’t like Rush,they just weren’t good enough to be friends of mine. I’ll profoundly miss him,but in the past year,I’ve heard several Guest Hosts fill in for him who were also very good. Of those there have been two men who I believe are suitable anchors to keep his show running,they “got him” and saw much of America the same way Rush did.-Mark Steyn and Todd Herman. In the loss of Rush from the airwaves,I believe either,or both,of them would do a fine job of-if not actually filling his shoes-at least carrying them into the future in their loving and competent hands. THAT is what I HOPE happens. Rush’s passing leaves a void in America that NOBODY can fill,but he did bring a couple of Guest Hosts on board who would do well to carry his spirit on in good fashion.
Rest In Peace,Rush
Started listening in 1990.
Spent more time with him than my “biological father”.
His term,not mine.
Damn I miss you already.
See you sooner rather then later my friend.
I am fully confident that Rush is in a better place, and that he is in a better position to help us more in the struggle we are in.
God Rest his soul.