The legendary founding members of Kiss — Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss — have expressed their heartfelt reactions regarding their selection to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. This recognition celebrates their remarkable contributions to music and culture.

Expressing his gratitude, Simmons shared with TMZ, “Kiss is the embodiment of the American dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.” His words reflect not only their success as a band but also the impact they have had on fans and the music industry.

Stanley articulated his thoughts with greater depth, stating, “From our earliest days, Kiss has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off.” He further emphasized the significance of the Kennedy Center Honors, saying, “The prestige cannot be overstated, and I accept this honor on behalf of the long legacy of Kiss and all the band members who helped create our iconic band.” His acknowledgment highlights the collective effort behind their success.

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Frehley expressed his excitement, calling the Kennedy Center Honors “a dream come true that I never thought would materialize.” His sentiment captures the essence of achieving long-held aspirations and the joy that comes with such recognition.

Criss kept his remarks succinct but impactful: “I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career.” His words resonate with the gratitude and significance of this moment in their storied career.

When Will Kiss Be Celebrated with the Kennedy Center Honors?

The highly anticipated ceremony will take place on December 7, where President Donald Trump will present the face-painted rock icons with their award. This special event will be broadcast on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+ at a later date. During the same ceremony, Trump will honor other illustrious figures, including George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, and Gloria Gaynor.

Trump announced the honorees on a Wednesday, referring to Kiss as an “incredible” and hardworking group of musicians, emphasizing their remarkable journey in the music industry.

READ MORE: Kiss Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide

“Kiss became a global phenomenon, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and produced 30 gold albums along with numerous other successful projects,” Trump stated. His acknowledgment highlights the band’s immense commercial success and cultural influence.

The president also hinted at a “something special” from the rockers, noting that all four members are expected to attend the ceremony but will not perform, according to a reliable source from radio host Eddie Trunk.

READ MORE: How Peter Criss’ Onstage Sabotage Ended Kiss’ Original Lineup

“They’re going to do something very special,” he mentioned. “Kiss is gonna be here a little bit before the show, I think, and they’re going to do something special; we’re going to have a great time.” This promise of a memorable moment adds excitement to the upcoming celebration.

How Involved Was Trump in the Kennedy Center Honors Selection Process?

Trump revealed that he was “very involved” in the selection process for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, marking a departure from the usual method of selection. Typically, a bipartisan group of Kennedy Center board members, along with input from former honorees and public feedback, would engage in a months-long deliberation to determine new honorees. However, Trump stated he had already made his selections on Tuesday, coinciding with the resignation announcement of longtime Kennedy Center Honors executive producer Matthew Winer.

While Trump claimed that personal politics did not influence his choices for this year’s honorees, he did mention having dismissed “a couple of wokesters” that the board had suggested, indicating his intention to steer the selection process in a new direction.