Limbaugh Battling Advanced Lung Cancer
• UPDATED: Longtime conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh shocked his audience at the close of Monday’s show when he announced he had been diagnosed with “advanced lung cancer.” The Premiere-syndicated host added he will miss some shows to undergo treatment.
“This day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory, for me, because I’ve known this moment was coming,” Limbaugh said. “I’m sure that you all know by now I really don’t like talking about myself and I don’t like making things about me…” Limbaugh then told his audience that his job has provided him with the “greatness satisfaction and happiness” of his life. “So, I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn’t have to tell you. And it’s a struggle for me, because I had to inform my staff earlier today… I can’t help but feel that I’m letting everybody down with. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer… Diagnosis confirmed by two medical institutions back on Jan. 20.”
Limbaugh said he first realized something was wrong on his birthday weekend, Jan. 12. “I thought about not telling anybody,” he said. “I thought about trying to do this without anybody knowing, because I don’t like making things about me.” He continued, “There are going to l be days that I’m not going to be able to be here, because I’m undergoing treatment, or I’m reacting to treatment.” In closing, a clearly emotional Limbaugh said he hopes to be back on the air Thursday. “If not, it’ll be as soon as I can,” he said. And know that every day I’m not here I’ll be thinking about you and missing you.”
Bob Pittman, Chairman & CEO of iHeartMedia and Rich Bressler, President, COO & CFO of iHeartMedia issued a joint statement that read, “Rush Limbaugh shared with us the news that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Over his last 31 years on-air he has developed a deeply personal relationship with his listeners and he intends to remain on the air, being there with his audience. I know millions of people nationwide join me and all of iHeart in wishing him a full recovery.” Bressler added, “Rush is both a colleague and a dear friend, and I know he will handle the situation with courage and grace. Our thoughts are with him and his family and we are supporting them in every way.” Video of Rush’s announcement is posted on his website.
