Sean Hannity: Limbaugh's Cancer Hit Me 'Like A Mack Truck'

Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity

Fox News' Sean Hannity reacted Monday to talk radio pioneer Rush Limbaugh's announcement that he has been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer.

"It just hit me like a dime, like a ton of bricks, like a Mack truck -- whatever cliche you want to use, that's it," he said.

Hannity, whose syndicated radio show follows Limbaugh's over many stations, told his listeners he had an entirely different rundown planned until he heard the 69-year-old broadcaster's announcement on his eponymous radio program moments earlier. Hannity said he has known Limbaugh and his family for decades and that they are all "incredibly brave" people.

"[Rush was] so incredibly stoic and courageous [in his announcement], because like everything else he's ever done in his career, he's inspiring," he added.

Limbaugh began the final segment of Monday's program by telling listeners that he had news he had to share with them, though that he struggled with whether to announce it publicly.



"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. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer."

“I told the staff today that I have a deeply personal relationship with God that I do not proselytize about, but I do, and I have been working that relationship tremendously,” the Missouri native continued. "I am, at the moment, experiencing zero symptoms."

On his own radio show, Hannity credited Limbaugh with paving the way for him to have his own career in talk radio, which began in the early 1990s before the inception of Fox News Channel.

He said that one of his biggest breaks came when Limbaugh asked him to substitute host the "Rush Limbaugh Show" and remarked that the host took it well when Hannity dropped the famous Golden EIB Microphone.

Many people do not know what a great guy & fantastic political talent the great Rush Limbaugh is. There is nobody like him. Looking for a speedy recovery for our friend! https://t.co/GRTt56BjEu

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020

Mark Steyn

Author and columnist Mark Steyn reacted Monday to Rush Limbaugh's announcement that he has advanced-stage lung cancer and will be off his syndicated radio show until at least Thursday to visit with his physicians.

Fox News reports Steyn, who frequently guest-hosts the "Rush Limbaugh Show," said on "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that he owes a debt of gratitude to the 69-year-old radio legend.

"Unlike many people at the top of this business, Tucker, he has no insecurities, no petty jealousies," said Steyn, who will be filling in for Limbaugh most of this week. "He is secure and kind and generous. Everyone who has had anything to do with 'The Rush Limbaugh Show' will be rooting for him.

"He is the kindest. I owe him everything. In America, I owe Rush everything."

Kitty O'Neal

Limbaugh’s rise to stardom started in Sacramento at radio station KFBK 03.1 FM / 1530 AM. CBS13 spoke with some of his former co-workers as they reacted to the news.

Callers also shared their thoughts and prayers with KFBK’s Kitty O’Neal after hearing about Limbaugh’s diagnosis.

O’Neal was Limbaugh’s producer when he worked there in the 80s.

“He changed things here at KFBK and he changed things for talk radio,” O’Neal said.

She admired the political commentator’s cutting-edge style.

“He was unlike anyone I had ever worked with before, he flew without a net and he had all this schtick and wouldn’t take calls,” O’Neal said.