The American Conservative Union, enshrined Rush into its Conservative Hall of Fame at CPAC’s Ronald Reagan Dinner. Kathryn accepted the honor on Rush’s behalf.

MATT SCHLAPP: It’s our great honor to bring somebody out who honors us with her presence. Kathryn Limbaugh. Kathryn, will you come out?

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

KATHRYN: I’ll show you this. (Holding up The Limbaugh Letter) This is the Limbaugh Letter and it says “God is with me.” And Rush is on the cover. (Applause) Thank you very much for this recognition in honor of our wonderful Rush. And thank you for all the prayers we’ve received throughout this year. Rush’s passing is not only a loss for me and our family. It is a significant loss for our nation. (Applause)

Rush will forever be the Greatest of All Time. He was extraordinary in every way. Rush was brilliant, kind, courageous, extremely generous, incredibly hardworking, a gentleman. He broke down the most complex issues of the day in a very easy-to-understand, humorous way, while making three flawless hours on the radio look easy. It most certainly was anything but easy. Rush truly loved our country beyond measure. He wanted the younger generations and all Americans to know how miraculous the United States of America is and why our country should be cherished. He loved our Constitution, our military, our flag. I often said Rush was a modern-day Founding Father and America’s Winston Churchill.

Rush was routinely mischaracterized and demeaned and made out to be someone he wasn’t — shocking, I know — mainly because of how effective he was. Yet Rush never wavered. He proudly fought for and defended conservative values. He wanted every single American to have hope that they could succeed no matter where they started, or what they looked like, or what obstacle stood in front of them, just as he had. Rush was a pioneer who paved the way for many others in broadcasting and talk radio. What made Rush so unique and admired by millions is he encouraged so many of us to think for ourselves, to learn, and to lead. He encouraged us, despite the difficult times in our lives, to carry on and continue to work hard, to achieve our dreams, and believe in American exceptionalism.

Rush was a gentle giant. He never, ever became too big or too well known to forget the little guy who helped him to reach the pinnacle of success or his loyal audience who supported him in good times and bad. He was a true friend to so many, when perhaps it wasn’t always popular to be. In Rush’s honor, may we all continue his mission to protect and defend our wonderful country. (Applause) If Rush were standing here right now, I know he would say to all of you, “It is not time to panic. Just the opposite. America is still the shining city on a hill, and our best days are ahead.” (Cheers and Applause) Rush, Heaven’s Anchorman, will forever inspire and encourage us eternally.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply sorry for your loss and our loss. God bless you all. God bless Rush. Thank you. (Applause)