Media

Limbaugh to return to radio program

by Joe Concha 02/07/20 10:58 AM ET

Conservative host Rush Limbaugh will return on Friday to his nationally syndicated radio program, a show staffer confirmed to The Hill on Friday morning.

The 69-year-old host — considered the most influential in radio among conservatives — announced Monday at the end of his program that he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

Limbaugh was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Trump at the State of the Union speech on Tuesday. He has reportedly undergone treatment this week. Earlier in this week, he said he was experiencing shortness of breath before seeing doctors who discovered the issue.

“So, I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn’t have to tell you. It’s a struggle for me, because I had to inform my staff earlier today,” he said. “I can’t help but feel that I’m letting everybody down. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.”

“This day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory for me, because I’ve known this moment was coming. I’m sure that you all know by now that I really don’t like talking about myself and I don’t like making things about me,” Limbaugh said at the end of his broadcast.

The host went on to praise the relationship that he has developed with his listeners.

“One thing that I know, that has happened over the 31-plus years of this program is that there has been an incredible bond that had developed between all of you and me,” he continued.

Limbaugh also added that his hosting job had given him “greatness satisfaction and happiness.”

“Every day I’m not here, I’ll be missing you and thinking about you,” Limbaugh said as he signed off.

Limbaugh recently signed a long-term contract. The deal was first announced, unofficially, by Trump at a rally in Miami last month.

“We have great people. Rush just signed another four-year contract,” Trump said. “He just wants four more years, OK?”

Limbaugh began his nationally syndicated show 31 years ago.