Former President Donald Trump released a statement mourning the death of radio show host Rush Limbaugh.
“The great Rush Limbaugh has passed away to a better place, free from physical pain and hostility. His honor, courage, strength, and loyalty will never be replaced,” Trump said in a statement released on Wednesday.
The former president said Limbaugh was “a patriot, a defender of Liberty, and someone who believed in all of the greatness our Country stands for.”
Limbaugh’s wife, Kathryn, announced his death at the beginning of his radio show Wednesday morning. Limbaugh told his listeners last year that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and had been receiving treatment while continuing to host his broadcast.
“Rush was a friend to myself and millions of Americans — a guiding light with the ability to see the truth and paint vivid pictures over the airwaves,” Trump continued. “Melania and I express our deepest condolences to his wonderful wife, Kathryn, his family, and all of his dedicated fans. He will be missed greatly.”
Trump, who awarded Limbaugh with the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year, also called into Fox News after Limbaugh’s death was announced.
“It was a great honor to do so when we gave the Medal of Freedom. It was something special. It was an incredible night. We gave it during the State of the Union address, and it was especially — half the room, half the room went crazy, and the other half the room, they knew he should get it, but it was special, and he was special,” Trump said.
“He was a unique guy, and he became a friend of mine. You know, I didn’t know Rush at all. I had essentially never met Rush, and then, when we came down the escalator, he liked my rather controversial speech. I made that speech that was a little bit on the controversial side, and he loved it. And he was, without ever having met him or talked to him or had lunch with him or asked him, he was with me right from the beginning,” Trump added. “And he liked what I said, and he agreed with what I said. And he was just a great gentleman — great man.”
Limbaugh leaves behind a legacy that includes having the first nationally syndicated and highest-rated radio show.
