Conservative talk radio icon Rush Hudson Limbaugh III has passed away at the age of 70, after a 12 month battle with lung cancer. The Rush Limbaugh Show started 33 years ago becoming the most listened-to radio show in the United States, broadcasting on over 600 stations. Over 27 million people, he affectionately referred to as “Dittoheads,” tuned in on a weekly basis to hear Limbaugh’s insightful commentary and compelling humor. They would regularly say “mega dittos” to indicate their agreement with the legendary talk personality.
In January 2020, Limbaugh was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. Upon the announcement, President Donald J. Trump immediately reached out to the radio legend, requesting his attendance at the 2020 State of the Union to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. During President Trump’s speech, First lady Melania Trump latched the medal around Limbaugh’s neck, bestowing America’s highest civilian honor.
Rush Limbaugh was known for his golden EIB Microphone, sitting in the Attila the Hun chair, talking to his audience on the Excellence In Broadcasting Network.
In 2001, Limbaugh was diagnosed with an autoimmune inner-ear disease that caused significant hearing loss. He was forced to get Cochlear implants to improve his hearing. This displayed his ability to preserve, despite becoming placed in difficult positions. As a radio host, being reliant on auditory presentations, he was able to serve as the most successful radio host in talk radio history despite his hearing impairments.
“You can demand to be respected, recognized, and listened to all day long, but understand that no one has any obligation to listen to you,” Limbaugh told Policy Mic in 2013. “You are going to have to make them want to … by virtue of your achievements. By demonstrating potential. By being interesting. Yes, even by being provocative. Fearless. Everyone has the right to speak, but we do not have a right to be listened to. No one has a constitutional right to be heard. In other words, don’t sit around and wait and hope or demand that somebody listen to you. Take action. Be heard, but above all, make something happen.”
Rush Limbaugh leaves us with a legacy of defending conservative ideals and fighting for the preservation of American exceptionalism. Today, his “talent on loan from God,” has now returned to the Creator who bestowed it.
