Rush Limbaugh dead: Conservative talk radio icon dies at 70

Former president Donald Trump has hailed broadcaster Rush Limbaugh as a “legend” following the talk radio icon’s death at 70.

Radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Picture: Mario Tama/Getty Images/AFP

American radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh has died at 70 after a battle with lung cancer.

Mr Limbaugh’s wife Kathryn announced his death on his show today.

“Hello everyone. I know that I’m most certainly not the Limbaugh that you tuned in to listen to today,” she said.

“I, like you, very much wish Rush were behind this golden microphone.

“For over 32 years, Rush has cherished you, his 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.

“As so many of you know, losing a loved one is terribly difficult. Even more so when that loved one is larger than life. Rush will forever be the greatest of all time.

“Rush was an extraordinary man, a gentle giant, brilliant, quick-witted, genuinely kind, extremely generous, passionate, courageous, and the hardest working person I know.

“Despite being one of the most recognised, powerful people in the world, Rush never let his success change his core or beliefs. He was polite and respectful to everyone he met.

“Even most recently, when he was not feeling well in the hospital, he was so appreciative to every single doctor and nurse and custodian.”

BREAKING: Rush Limbaugh's wife Kathryn announces on his radio show that he passed away this morning due to complications from lung cancer

"Rush will forever be the greatest of all time." pic.twitter.com/FSJTfmX8ZO

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 17, 2021

Mr Limbaugh was a pioneer of talk radio in the United States, and for decades one of the most influential voices in conservative politics.

He kept hosting his long-running show after revealing he had been diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer in February of last year.

The day after that revelation, Donald Trump awarded Mr Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his State of the Union address.

“Here tonight is a special man, someone beloved by millions of Americans who just received a stage 4 advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet,” the then-president said.

“I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country’s highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

Mr Limbaugh was in the audience alongside first lady Melania Trump, who proceeded to bestow him with the medal.

Rush Limbaugh had over 20 C-SPAN appearances, including when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the 2020 State of the Union Address. https://t.co/3jvuqdkg3s RIP. pic.twitter.com/JFtgK1cwMz

— CSPAN (@cspan) February 17, 2021

Mr Trump called into Fox News today after the news of Mr Limbaugh’s death to pay tribute, hailing him as “brave” and “a fighter”.

“Whether people loved him or not, they respected him,” the former president said.

“There aren’t too many legends around, but he is a legend.”