Rush Limbaugh says he has advanced lung cancer

Rush Limbaugh on Monday announced during his nationally syndicated radio show that he had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

The 69-year-old radio host — considered the most influential in radio among conservatives — added that he will be out for the next several days as he undergoes treatment.

Limbaugh said he was experiencing shortness of breath before seeing doctors who discovered the issue.

“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.”

The host said he hopes to be back on the air Thursday.

“This day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory, for me, because I’ve known this moment was coming. 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,” Limbaugh said at the end of his broadcast.

“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,” he continued.

Limbaugh also added that his hosting job had given him “greatness satisfaction and happiness.”

“Every day I’m not here, I’ll be missing you and thinking about you,” Limbaugh said as he signed off.

Limbaugh recently signed a long-term contract. The deal was first announced, unofficially, by President Trump at a rally in Miami last month.

“We have great people. Rush just signed another four-year contract,” Trump said. “He just wants four more years, OK?”

Limbaugh began his nationally syndicated show 31 years ago.

His longtime producer shared the news as well in an emotional tweet.

Those of you who are listening to the Rush Limbaugh show now. Pray with us. Thank you. God Bless you Rush Limbaugh. Love you so much Rush.

— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) February 3, 2020

Updated at 3:25 p.m.