John Thrasher, former FSU president and Florida House speaker, dies at 81

John Thrasher, the former president of Florida State University and a longtime state lawmaker, died Friday morning, his family said in a statement. He was 81.

Thrasher had been battling cancer before his death.

“The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits, and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, and Cornerstone Hospice‚” Sarah Bascom, a spokesperson for Thrasher’s family, said in a statement.

Thrasher will be buried in a private ceremony in Orange Park, Florida, and there will be a public celebration at Florida State University’s Ruby Diamond Hall on Aug. 19, according to the statement.

Thrasher, a longtime Republican, led Florida State University as president for about six years before retiring in 2021.

In Tallahassee, Thrasher served in the Florida House from 1992 to 2000, the last two years as House speaker. He also previously spent five years in the Florida Senate.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said on social media that he was sad to learn of Thrasher’s death, saying he “served the state well.”

“John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,“ DeSantis said.

Tributes to Thrasher poured in from Florida politicians and members of the Florida State University community.

Richard McCullough, the current FSU president, said in a statement that Thrasher’s “legacy will live on in the spirit of Florida State and in the lives of all those he touched.”

Sen. Don Gaetz, the former Senate president while Thrasher was in office, said in a statement that Thrasher was a “giant.”

“Because he is gone there is a lonely place against the Florida sky,” Gaetz said in a statement. “John Thrasher was my friend. I loved him.”

This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 10:04 AM.