American Icon 2017

They have won 26 GRAMMY Awards, sold hundreds of millions of records, and paved the way for some of the most successful Latin musical artists of all time.

The Estefans were recognized by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation at a recent fundraiser attended by nearly 1,000 people. The award is given annually to those representing the values for which Joe DiMaggio stood and contributions that have influenced American society.

Previous winners include former U.S. President Bill Clinton and basketball legends Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Pat Riley, president of the Miami HEAT. 

“Emilio and Gloria are global treasures. Their body of work, in and out of the music business, and philanthropic endeavors have positively impacted thousands of people in this community, nationally and internationally,” said Aurelio M. Fernandez, III, FACHE, president & CEO of the Memorial Healthcare System. “We wanted to honor them with the Joe DiMaggio Icon Award because they personify and represent all the qualities and values deserving of this award.”

The American Icon Award event, held at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, raised more than $750,000 for programs, services, and facilities for kids and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

The Estefans, also the first couple ever honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, first rose to international superstardom in the mid-1980s with the Miami Sound Machine. 

With Emilio managing his wife’s career, chart-topping success as both an English and Spanish-language recording artist followed for Gloria, making her the most successful crossover performer in Latin music history. 

The duo also influenced a generation of Hispanic superstars that followed, including Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Secada, Marc Anthony, and Ricky Martin.  

Married since 1978, the Estefans have two children, Nayib and Emily, and have also enjoyed great success as entrepreneurs and philanthropists.