- The Washington Times - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Rush Limbaugh, spokesman for the masses, voice of the millions, has died at the age of 70, following a sad and lengthy battle with lung cancer.

And now his void will never be filled.

There will be many who try; there have been many who’ve already tried. But fact is, Limbaugh was a pioneer. And pioneers, by definition, are one-of-a-kind.

Not only did Limbaugh influence much in Republican politics, most of conservative talk, hosting his widely listened to “The Rush Limbaugh Show” since 1988. Not only did Limbaugh spread his somewhat polarizing, always thought-provoking views on more than 600 stations around the United States for decades. Not only did Limbaugh ultimately see his career capped with receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Donald Trump’s 2020 State of the Union — a highly esteemed award that was actually pinned on his chest by First Lady Melanie Trump. But also, he inspired with his spiritual fight for life.

“I wasn’t expected to be alive today,” he said, during his final official radio broadcast to thank listeners and fans and supporters. “I wasn’t expected to make it to October, and then to November, and then to December. And yet, here I am, and today, got some problems, but I’m feeling pretty good today.”

He lost his battle with Stage IV lung cancer.

His wife, Kathryn, made the announcement of his death in a very befitting manner — on his radio show.

“Losing a loved one is terribly difficult, even more so when that loved one is larger than life,” she said. “Rush will forever be the greatest of all time.”

Yes. A true G.O.A.T. And the nation joins in the family with mourning.

Conservatives, especially, mourn.

There’s just no replacement for Limbaugh. But Limbaugh, out of love for America, out of passion for patriotism, would no doubt want us to try.

• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley. Listen to her podcast “Bold and Blunt” by clicking HERE. And never miss her column; subscribe to her newsletter by clicking HERE. Her latest book, “Socialists Don’t Sleep: Christians Must Rise Or America Will Fall,” is available by clicking HERE.

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