U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) Wednesday, issued the following statement on the passing of the pioneering conservative radio talk show host, New York Times best-selling author, and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, Rush Limbaugh:
“Today, Americans’ hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to Rush Limbaugh. Rush was a patriot and a lion-hearted defender of freedom. He was a conservative leader and media icon who forged a path in radio that had not been tread before, giving a voice to millions of conservatives who listened to his show every day for three decades. Ronald Reagan once called Rush the ‘Number One voice for conservatism in our country,’ and Rush truly was.
“Rush not only created one of the biggest outlets for freedom and conservatism that existed in the 20th century, his distinctive style, voice, and sayings have had a lasting impact on American culture in the last 30 years – including the coining of the phrase ‘Dittohead’ to describe his listeners. There is no doubt that Rush will continue to live on as one of the most iconic figures in the conservative movement for years to come.
“A little over a decade ago, Rush gave a famous speech at CPAC where he articulated so beautifully what conservatives believe about America:
‘We want every American to be the best he or she chooses to be. We recognize that we are all individuals. We love and revere our founding documents, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. We believe that the preamble to the Constitution contains an inarguable truth that we are all endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, among them life, liberty, Freedom and the pursuit of happiness.’
“Ditto, Rush.
“Not only will Rush be remembered as a good and faithful servant to his country, he will be remembered as a good and faithful servant to God. When diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last year, Rush told his staff that he had a ‘deeply personal relationship with God’ and that he had been ‘working that relationship tremendously.’ Today, Rush rests with the Lord, having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Heidi and I were crushed to learn that Rush’s courageous fight with lung cancer has ended, and we send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Rush’s wife Kathryn and all of his loved ones as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.
“Rush, thank you for standing for freedom, for America, and for conservative principles. You will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace, my friend.”