Rush Hudson Limbaugh Iii

One of the most influential media personalities in history, Rush Limbaugh, has died at the age of 70 following his year-long battle with Stage IV lung cancer.

Limbaugh's wife, Kathryn, broke the news to his radio show audience Wednesday.

Limbaugh began his iconic, nationally syndicated radio show 33 years ago, at a time when most in media regarded AM radio a dead industry. His program, full of serious political analysis, irreverent humor, and a willingness to speak to conservative ideas that were absent in most other realms of media, grew from 56 stations to more than 600.

Limbaugh commanded an audience of over 27 million people, easily the most listened-to radio show in the United States.

A titan of broadcasting history, who left an indelible mark on media and entertainment, Limbaugh was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Donald Trump during his 2020 State of the Union Address, just days after Limbaugh had announced his diagnosis.

Following the announcement by his family, Limbaugh's long-time radio producer, whom Rush affectionately referred to as "Bo Snerdley," expressed his grief on Twitter: "Rush Limbaugh dies; America loses greatest Conservative voice as golden microphone goes silent."

Limbaugh had no children of his own and is survived by his wife, Kathryn.