Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has posthumously awarded five Floridians, including singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, with the Governor’s Medal of Freedom. (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Buffett, who died in 2023 at the age of 76, was a legendary music icon who rose to fame in the 1970s and was best known for hits like "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise."
On top of his musical pursuits, Buffett was involved in business as well, launching restaurants, resorts and merchandise under the "Margaritaville" brand, including opening his first Margaritaville store in Key West in 1985 and opening a Margaritaville Café nearby just two years later.
"His legacy continues to influence music and culture in Florida’s coastal communities," a release from the governor's office said.
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John Thrasher served as Florida House Speaker and as Florida State University's president. (Getty Images)
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MacKay, who was the state's last Democratic governor, died last year at the age of 91. His public service also included serving in both chambers of the state legislature and the U.S. House, as well as being the Sunshine State's lieutenant governor and later the U.S. Special Envoy for the Americas under the Clinton administration.
Thrasher died earlier this year at the age of 81 after serving as Florida State University's president, chair of the Republican Party of Florida and in both chambers of the state legislature. He also served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Fox News Digital reached out to the governor's office for additional comment.
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