Longtime conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh died Wednesday after a battle with lung cancer.
Limbaugh's wife Kathryn broke the news to the audience at the beginning of Wednesday's broadcast.
According to a published report from Fox News, Limbaugh learned he had Stage IV lung cancer in January 2020. He spent the last year in treatment for the illness, often turning the program over to guests hosts, but returning to the microphone whenever he could.
Limbaugh began his radio career in 1957 at the age of 16. He launched "The Rush Limbaugh Show" in 1988; Gainesville's WDUN became an affiliate in 1993.
Limbaugh is considered one of the most influential media figures in American history and has played a consequential role in conservative politics since the launch of his syndicated program, Fox News said. The show airs on more than 600 stations in the United States with an audience of 27 million listeners tuning in each week.
For now, the broadcast will feature "best of" segments from Limbaugh's decades of archived programs.
"The Rush Limbaugh Show" airs from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on AM 550 WDUN.
This story will be updated.
