Rush Limbaugh, conservative talk show host and author, died on February 17, 2021, at the age of 70 after a year-long battle with lung cancer. At the time of his death, Limbaugh’s net worth was $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. With an annual salary of $85 million at the time of his death, Rush Limbaugh reached number 11 on Forbes’ list of celebrity earnings in 2020, and was also ranked among the highest-paid radio hosts, according to Forbes. Celebrity Net Worth says Limbaugh was the second highest-paid radio host in 2019, after Howard Stern.
Limbaugh Radio Earnings
Rush Limbaugh made a name for himself as one of radio’s most loved and hated celebrity, hosting the widely circulated Rush Limbaugh Show on AM and FM radio stations from 1988 until his death. His earnings peaked at $85 million a year between salary, bonuses, revenue sharing and personal appearance fees, says Celebrity Net Worth.
His salary on the show has gradually grown since his debut on WABC-AM in New York in 1988.
In 2001 he signed a contract worth $285 million, which is $31.25 million annually for eight years, Celebrity Net Worth reports. ClearChannel Radio Network extended the contract in 2008, for $400 million over the next eight years, or $50 million annually. His earnings rose to $85 million annually with a four-year contract extension in 2016.
Limbaugh Real Estate Holding
Limbaugh owns a portion of his fortune in real estate, owning a $26 million home in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The site says he previously owned a penthouse in New York City.
Limbaugh’s Charitable Contributions
Despite his stylized personality, which offended many people, Forbes ranked Limbaugh 4th in their list of Most Honored Celebrities in 2008. Limbaugh’s contributions that year included $4.2 million to the Marine Corps Enforcement Foundation. Forbes reported that the donation represented 13% of his earnings that year.
In addition, the annual broadcast of Cure-A-Thon from Limbaugh has raised more than $47 million over the years in support of the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, according to FoundationGuide.org.