Rush Limbaugh, the late American conservative radio host, was influential in media and politics. Limbaugh had a huge following and left a lasting mark on conservative talk radio with his outspoken and often controversial views.
His career spanned several decades, during which he built a substantial net worth. His financial success proved his popularity but also sparked disputes about the media’s influence on public opinion.
In this article, Hookeaudio delves into Rush Limbaugh net worth, exploring the sources of his wealth and the legacy he left behind.
Contents
What is Rush Limbaugh’s Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
| Information | Details |
| Full Name | Rush Hudson Limbaugh III |
| Popular Name | Rush Limbaugh |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | January 12, 1951 |
| Age | 70 (at the time of death) |
| Siblings | David Limbaugh |
| Birth Place | Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German, English, and Scottish |
| Education | Missouri Central High School |
| Marital Status | Married (Kathryn Adams Limbaugh) |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse | Kathryn Adams Limbaugh |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | $600 million |
| Source of Wealth | Radio |
| Height | 1.8 m (5′ 11″) |
| Weight | 101 kg (220 lbs) |
As of 2023, Rush Limbaugh’s net worth is estimated at $600 million. He was an:
- American conservative radio host
- Political commentator
- Author
- Media personality
Rush is best known for hosting The Rush Limbaugh Show from 1988 until his death in 2021.
At his career peak, Limbaugh’s salary, incentives, profit participation, and personal appearance fees were $85 million per year. In 2008, he signed a contract worth $400 million through 2016, and in January 2020, he renewed his contract again.
Rush Limbaugh’s Overview: Why is Rush Limbaugh Famous?
Early Life
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on January 12, 1951. His parents, Rush Hudson Limbaugh II and Mildred Carolyn (née Armstrong) Limbaugh were his grandparents. Growing up in a prominent political family, Limbaugh developed an early interest in radio.
At 16, he began working at the local radio station KGMO before and after school, using the airname Rusty Sharpe.
Limbaugh graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1969, where he played football and was a Boys State delegate. He briefly went to Southeast Missouri State University but dropped out after two semesters to follow his passion for radio.
Early Radio Career
In February 1971, 20-year-old Limbaugh got a DJ position at McKeesport, Pennsylvania’s WIXZ Top 40 station. He used the radio name Bachelor Jeff Christie and used to work in the afternoons before moving to morning driving.
In 1973, after eighteen months at WIXZ, Limbaugh was fired due to a personality conflict with the program director. He then took a nighttime position at KQV in Pittsburgh, succeeding Jim Quinn.
However, in late 1974, Limbaugh was dismissed after new management pressured the program director to fire him.
In 1975, Limbaugh started doing an afternoon show on the Top 40 station KUDL in Kansas City, Missouri. On the weekends, he also held a talk show about public issues on the same station. This allowed him to develop his style and present more controversial ideas.
In 1977, he was let go from KUDL but remained in Kansas City to start an evening show at KFIX, which ended shortly due to disagreements with management. By 1979, Limbaugh had become disillusioned with radio and felt pressure to pursue a different career.
However, in November 1983, he returned to radio at KMBZ (AM) in Kansas City for a year, dropping his on-air moniker and broadcasting under his real name.
He was fired from the station but soon hired at KFBK in Sacramento, California, to replace Morton Downey Jr.
When the show started on October 14, 1984, Limbaugh talked about politics for the first time. This was the beginning of his success as a conservative talk radio host.
The Rush Limbaugh Show
The Rush Limbaugh Show was a highly influential American conservative talk radio show.
Since its nationally syndicated premiere in 1988, the show gained immense popularity. It became the highest-rated talk radio show in the United States, airing on over 650 radio stations nationwide at its peak.
The show shaped conservative political discourse and revived AM radio with its outspoken and aggressive manner. After Limbaugh’s death, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton took over the show’s timeslot in June 2021.
The Rush Limbaugh Show won many awards during its run, including five Marconi Radio Awards for Syndicated Radio Personality of the Year. Its host was also admitted into both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Personal Life And Health
He was married four times and divorced three times but never had any children. His first marriage occurred at 26 to Roxy Maxine McNeely, a sales secretary at a Kansas City, Missouri, radio station.
After shortness of breath, Limbaugh, a longtime smoker and cigar lover, was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer on January 20, 2020. His diagnosis and therapy were futile despite his past denial of the smoking-cancer link.
Death
Rush Limbaugh passed away on February 17, 2021, at 70. His death was attributed to stage four lung cancer complications, which he had announced to his listeners the previous year. His wife, Kathryn, confirmed Limbaugh’s passing at the start of his radio program.
In his final broadcast of the year 2020, Limbaugh expressed gratitude for living longer than anticipated. A long and contentious career that entertained millions and influenced Republican lawmakers ended with his death.
FAQs about Rush Limbaugh
How much was Rush Limbaugh’s Palm Beach estate sold for?
Rush Limbaugh’s Palm Beach estate was sold to billionaire William Lauder for a record $155 million.
Was Rush Limbaugh involved in any charitable work?
Limbaugh donated millions to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and hosted an annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society telethon.
Who inherited Rush Limbaugh’s estate?
Rush Limbaugh’s latest wife, Kathryn Limbaugh, inherited his entire estate.
Who was the highest-paid radio host ever?
Howard Stern is the highest-paid radio host in the world.
Read full our post: What is Howard Stern net worth in 2023?
Conclusion
Limbaugh’s property mirrored his career as a radio broadcaster and his influence on American politics and media. Limbaugh built a strong conservative talk radio following over his career. His controversial style and unapologetic commentary garnered both admiration and criticism. Rush Limbaugh’s net worth reminds us of how important he was to American society and how long-lasting his effects were.
