After Rush Limbaugh announced on his talk radio show Monday that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, prayers and well-wishes poured in for the legendary conservative talk show host.
“I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn’t have to tell you,” Mr. Limbaugh told his viewers on Monday, closing out his show. “I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Diagnosis confirmed by two medical institutions back on January 20th.”
“Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is,” President Donald Trump posted Monday. “There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend!”
Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is. There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend! https://t.co/GRTt56BjEu
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence, on the evening of the announcement, promised prayers to Limbaugh, whom he called a “National Treasure.”
“Rush Limbaugh is a National Treasure who has made a difference on the airwaves of America for 30 years. Rush, Karen and I will be joining millions across this Country in praying for your swift recovery. God Bless You!” the VP posted via Twitter.
Rush Limbaugh is a National Treasure who has made a difference on the airwaves of America for 30 years. Rush, Karen and I will be joining millions across this Country in praying for your swift recovery. God Bless You!
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) February 3, 2020
David Limbaugh, conservative columnist and brother to Rush Limbaugh, gratefully responded: “I love you, Mr. Vice President Mike Pence!!!!”
I love you, Mr. Vice President Mike Pence!!!! https://t.co/kCJp1LKEw9
— David Limbaugh (@DavidLimbaugh) February 3, 2020
Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief Ben Shapiro called the announcement “terrible news” and underscored Limbaugh’s influence on our nation.
“Pray for Rush and his family. Rush’s impact on the conservative movement can’t be overstated — nearly every conservative of my generation grew up listening to him — and that impact will be felt for decades to come,” Shapiro wrote.
Pray for Rush and his family. Rush's impact on the conservative movement can't be overstated — nearly every conservative of my generation grew up listening to him — and that impact will be felt for decades to come.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) February 3, 2020
“Just heard the news about Rush Limbaugh, a man who loves this country and his listeners dearly, and is a tireless warrior for things he holds dear,” former Fox News host Megyn Kelly said. “Wishing him strength and tenacity as he takes on this new battle w/advanced lung cancer.”
“Do what you do so well, Rush – FIGHT,” she added.
Just heard the news about Rush Limbaugh, a man who loves this country and his listeners dearly, and is a tireless warrior for things he holds dear. Wishing him strength and tenacity as he takes on this new battle w/advanced lung cancer. Do what you do so well, Rush – FIGHT.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 3, 2020
“Rush Limbaugh is a giant. America would be a different and worse place without him,” wrote American Greatness’ Chris Buskirk. “Let’s pray for his health but let’s also offer prayer of thanksgiving for his life.”
Rush Limbaugh is a giant. America would be a different and worse place without him.
Let’s pray for his health but let’s also offer prayer of thanksgiving for his life. https://t.co/4CHIr3tXaq
— Chris Buskirk (@thechrisbuskirk) February 3, 2020
Presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat, joined the chorus of conservatives praying for Limbaugh.
“To Rush Limbaugh: I and my family send our love and best wishes to you and your loved ones at this difficult moment in your life. May your hearts and minds be filled with and strengthened by God’s love,” she posted.
To Rush Limbaugh: I and my family send our love and best wishes to you and your loved ones at this difficult moment in your life. May your hearts and minds be filled with and strengthened by God's love.
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) February 4, 2020
“The news that Rush Limbaugh has lung cancer is horrible, but he’s got millions of people behind him. He’s a legend and a fighter. If you are the praying kind, do it,” said Town Hall columnist Kurt Schlichter.
The news that Rush Limbaugh has lung cancer is horrible, but he's got millions of people behind him. He's a legend and a fighter. If you are the praying kind, do it.
— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) February 3, 2020
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise posted, “Rush Limbaugh is a fighter. Praying for him and his family as he battles advanced lung cancer. God bless you, Rush. You’re an American icon and your listeners are behind you!”
Rush Limbaugh is a fighter. Praying for him and his family as he battles advanced lung cancer. God bless you, Rush. You’re an American icon and your listeners are behind you!
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 3, 2020
Bo Snerdley, Limbaugh’s right-hand man during his three-hour long program, asked listeners to pray, adding “Love you so much Rush.”
“Those of you who are listening to the Rush Limbaugh show now. Pray with us. Thank you. God Bless you Rush Limbaugh. Love you so much Rush,” Snerdley tweeted.
Those of you who are listening to the Rush Limbaugh show now. Pray with us. Thank you. God Bless you Rush Limbaugh. Love you so much Rush.
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) February 3, 2020
Limbaugh reassured his listeners on Monday that he has a close relationship with God, a relationship he has been “working.”
“I told the staff today that I have a deeply personal relationship with God that I do not proselytize about, but I do,” he said. “And I have been working that relationship tremendously. I am, at the moment, experiencing zero symptoms.”
LISTEN:
Here's the audio of Rush Limbaugh announcing on his show that he has lung cancer. pic.twitter.com/V60pAOpf68
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) February 3, 2020