Iconic radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who actively participated in the US political domain while backing the Republican side, died on Wednesday at the age of 70 after an intense battle with cancer, reported AFP. The announcement was made on-air by Limbaugh’s wife to honour his life’s work. 

She said, “As most of you would know, losing a loved one is terribly difficult, even more so when the loved one is larger than life. Rush will forever be the greatest of all time”, reported CNN. 

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Former US President Donald Trump, who was supported by Limbaugh through his Presidential campaign, gave his tribute to the late talk show host on a phone call to Fox News. He said, “He was a conversationalist, a brilliant guy. Totally brilliant. He was unique…. he was a great man.”

In February last year Limbaugh announced that an advanced stage of lung cancer was diagnosed and continued with the treatment while simultaneously managing his talk show, reported CNN. 

He hosted “The Rush Limbaugh Show” which gained immense popularity among the conservative side of American politics securing a huge following of people with similar ideas. 

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The talk show host often got into controversial situations through his statements made on the public platform, including classifying the COVID-19 infection as a “common cold” and demonstrating support for a few aspects of the violent riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. 

Limbaugh was often blamed for unconditionally supporting the Republican party through the 32 years he spent as the host of his talk show.