Rush Limbaugh began trending on Twitter across the United States on Monday afternoon after the conservative talk radio host announced that he was recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.
Limbaugh, 69, closed his nationally syndicated show today by revealing to his listeners that he had been diagnosed with advanced cancer earlier this month.
"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 with. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer."
He explained that he had experienced shortness in breath on his birthday weekend, January 12, and was later confirmed to have cancer by two medical institutions on January 20.
"I wish I didn't have to tell you this, and I thought about not telling anybody," Limbaugh continued. "I thought about trying to do this without anybody knowing because I don't like making things about me, but there are going to be days that I'm not going to be able to be here, because I'm undergoing treatment or I'm reacting to treatment, and I know that would inspire all sorts of curiosity with people wondering what's going on."
The host asserted that while the diagnosis may impede his talk show, he still intends to continue the program as he undergoes treatment. "This has happened, and my intention is to come here every day I can, and to do this program as normally and as competently and as expertly as I do each and every day," he said, "because that is the source of my greatest satisfaction professionally, personally."
Tens of thousands of fans and critics of Limbaugh immediately took to Twitter after his announcement broke, with many offering their condolences to the controversial conservative. As of Monday afternoon, 'Rush Limbaugh' rose to the top most-trending topic on the social media platform in America. At the time of publication, his name had garnered more than 75,000 tweets.
"As a liberal Democrat, I oppose Rush Limbaugh with every fiber of my being. But as a physician, I don't wish advanced lung cancer on anybody. We must have compassion and empathy for suffering human beings—even for our political enemies. I wish him the most time with his family," surgeon Eugene Gu tweeted.
As a liberal Democrat, I oppose Rush Limbaugh with every fiber of my being. But as a physician, I don’t wish advanced lung cancer on anybody. We must have compassion and empathy for suffering human beings—even for our political enemies. I wish him the most time with his family.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) February 3, 2020
"I could say a lot about Rush Limbaugh being diagnosed with lung cancer. But what I'll choose to say is, I'm glad that a man with an extremely painful disease can afford top-notch care—and I'll vote for politicians who will ensure EVERY American has access to that treatment," Raw Story reporter Matthew Chapman tweeted.
I could say a lot about Rush Limbaugh being diagnosed with lung cancer.
— Matthew Chapman (@fawfulfan) February 3, 2020
But what I'll choose to say is, I'm glad that a man with an extremely painful disease can afford top-notch care — and I'll vote for politicians who will ensure EVERY American has access to that treatment.
"Like so many who believe in the conservative cause, wishing #RushLimbaugh all the best in his fight against cancer. #BeatCancer #PrayersForRush," Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina wrote.
Like so many who believe in the conservative cause, wishing #RushLimbaugh all the best in his fight against cancer. #BeatCancer #PrayersForRush
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) February 3, 2020
"Thank you for everything you've done on behalf of conservatism, Rush Limbaugh. Please know that millions of Americans stand with you. Sending you prayers for strength & a speedy recovery," conservative activist Scott Presler tweeted.
Thank you for everything you’ve done on behalf of conservatism, Rush Limbaugh.
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) February 3, 2020
Please know that millions of Americans stand with you.
Sending you prayers for strength & a speedy recovery.
"No one has done more to advance the cause of freedom than my friend, Rush Limbaugh," Jeff Sessions tweeted. "His brilliant analysis day after day, year after year represents a monumental contribution to conservative principles & a strong America. Our prayers are with him & his family for hope & healing."
No one has done more to advance the cause of freedom than my friend, Rush Limbaugh. His brilliant analysis day after day, year after year represents a monumental contribution to conservative principles & a strong America. Our prayers are with him & his family for hope & healing.
— Jeff Sessions (@jeffsessions) February 3, 2020
"It brings me great sadness to hear that Rush Limbaugh has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. He is a great conservative voice and a true fighter. He will fight and beat this. Prayers to Rush and his family," Twitter user @real_defender wrote.
It brings me great sadness to hear that Rush Limbaugh has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
— RD (@real_defender) February 3, 2020
He is a great conservative voice and a true fighter. He will fight and beat this.
Prayers to Rush and his family.
"I am very sad to have just heard that Rush Limbaugh has cancer. Rush - who is a BIG reader - has been incredibly kind to me throughout my career," author Brad Thor tweeted. "I wish him a full and speedy recovery and I wish all of his loved ones peace, strength, and positivity as they face this journey."
I am very sad to have just heard that Rush Limbaugh has cancer. Rush - who is a BIG reader - has been incredibly kind to me throughout my career. I wish him a full and speedy recovery and I wish all of his loved ones peace, strength, and positivity as they face this journey.
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) February 3, 2020
