A conservative icon. The man who saved AM radio. And yet divorced 3 times. And an OxyContin addict. But yet shortly before he died, even he found Jesus! Join us for a OCH Short on Rush Limbaugh!
Transcript:
Welcome to Historic St. Louis. We’re here at Bellefontaine Cemetery, one of the city’s most historic resting places. I’m Randy Melchert, and today we’re at the gravesite of a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rush Limbaugh was a highly controversial figure who many credit with saving AM radio. His nationally syndicated radio show ran from 1988 until his death in 2021. He was called everything from a trailblazer to a provocateur, drawing callers from across the country and shaping conservative discourse for decades.
As a private individual, Rush faced significant personal struggles: multiple divorces, battles with addiction (including painkiller dependency), and other challenges. Yet, toward the end of his life—after his 2020 diagnosis of advanced lung cancer—he spoke openly about finding profound peace and strength through faith.
One of his longtime friends and occasional radio guests, author Joel Rosenberg (who once worked for Rush early in his career), shared that Rush had made a deep, personal commitment to Jesus Christ as his Savior in 2019, just a couple of years before his passing. This wasn’t merely a passing moment; it transformed his final days. Rush publicly referenced his faith on air while facing stage 4 lung cancer, emphasizing how it gave him hope, confidence, and acceptance of God’s sovereignty.
In one poignant broadcast segment, he reflected: “It’s tough to realize that the days where I do not think I’m under a death sentence are over now. We all are, is the point. We all know that we’re going to die at some point, but when you have a terminal disease diagnosis that has a time frame to it, then that puts a different psychological and even physical awareness to it.
The only thing that any of us are certain of is right now today. That’s why I thank God every morning when I wake up. I thank God that I did. I try to make it the best day I can no matter what. Don’t look too far ahead. I certainly don’t look too far back.
I try to remain as committed to the idea that what’s supposed to happen will happen when it’s meant to. I mentioned at the outset of this—and the first day I told you—that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That is of immense value, strength, confidence. And that’s why I’m able to remain fully committed to the idea that what is supposed to happen will happen when it’s meant to.”
President Donald Trump surprised many by awarding Rush the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the nation’s highest civilian honor—during the 2020 State of the Union address, with First Lady Melania Trump placing the medal around his neck.
For a man who influenced millions worldwide through his voice and opinions, Rush came to realize in his final chapter that the one thing that truly mattered was where he would spend eternity.