Emilio & Gloria Estefan To Get Presidential Medal

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Husband and wife celebrity duo Emilio and Gloria Estefan are getting a presidential honor.

They are getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom - considered the nation's highest civilian honor. It's presented to those who have made major contributions to U.S. security and national interests.

Singer Gloria Estefan has been credited with introducing Latin music to a global audience. This Cuban-American singer has had major hits like "Conga," "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," and "Anything for You."

Aside from a slew of other titles like actress, songwriter and entrepreneur, she is also a seven-time Grammy Award winner. She is also one of the first mainstream Hispanic artists to crossover between English and Spanish language music, paving the way for other Latin artists for years to come.

Her husband and famed music producer, Emilio Estefan, has won 19 Grammy Awards. He is credited with influencing a generation of artists and helping popularize Latin music around the world.

President Barack Obama will present the couple along with 15 others the award on November 23rd.

"I look forward to presenting these 17 distinguished Americans with our nation's highest civilian honor. From public servants who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to artists who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more perfect to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans," said President Obama.

Other recipients include Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, the late Yogi Berra and Stephen Sondheim.