Estefans to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

MIAMI – The first family of the South Florida entertainment universe will be honored by the President of the United States.

The White House announced Monday that President Obama will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

The honor, which will be given in a ceremony on Nov. 24 in Washington, D.C., is presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

In its statement, the White House says the Estefans are deserving of the honor as Hispanic artists who crossed over between English and Spanish, paving the way for other Latin artists.

Gloria Estefan has won seven Grammy Awards, and along with husband Emilio was previously a recipient of the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Estefans have been busy as of late, producing "On Your Feet" on Broadway, a musical based on their lives that opened earlier this month.

Along with the Estefans, 15 others will be given the Medal of Freedom, including Barbara Streisand, James Taylor, Steven Spielberg and Yogi Berra.

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