Longtime influential conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh announced Monday during his show that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.
Limbaugh, 69, said he would likely miss some shows in order to undergo treatment.
"This day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory, for me, because I’ve known this moment was coming," Limbaugh said on his show Monday. "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… 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."
Limbaugh told his audience that his job as a conservative commentator has provided him with some of the "greatest satisfaction and happiness" in his life.
"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 with. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer."
Rich Bressler, President, COO and CFO of iHeartMedia issued a statement on Rush's announcement:
"Rush Limbaugh shared with us the news that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Over his last 31 years on-air he has developed a deeply personal relationship with his listeners and he intends to remain on the air, being there with his audience. I know millions of people nationwide join me and all of iHeart in wishing him a full recovery.
"Rush is both a colleague and a dear friend, and I know he will handle the situation with courage and grace. Our thoughts are with him and his family and we are supporting them in every way," Bressler said.
This is a breaking news story. More details will be added as they become available
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