The roar of the crowd, the smoking Les Paul, and the iconic “Spaceman” makeup are all integral parts of the legend that is Ace Frehley. As the original lead guitarist for KISS, Ace provided the sonic fireworks that helped define a generation of rock and roll. But beyond the platform boots and stage theatrics was a personal life filled with its own unique story, marked by marriage, fatherhood, and lasting bonds. His journey offstage reveals a man who cherished his role as a dad and navigated the complexities of relationships in the spotlight.
While his career took him around the world, his family provided a grounding force, especially his daughter, who remained a constant source of joy and pride throughout his life. Let’s pull back the curtain and take a closer look at the people who shared life with the man behind the makeup.
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Marriage and Relationships
Ace Frehley’s most significant legal union was with his wife, Jeanette Trerotola, an Italian-American actress. The couple tied the knot on May 1, 1976, right in the middle of KISS’s meteoric rise to global fame. Jeanette was often described as a steadying presence during the chaotic rock star lifestyle of the 1970s. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Monique Frehley, on July 6, 1980. Despite the joy of starting a family, the pressures of Ace’s career and his well-documented personal struggles eventually took their toll. The couple divorced in the mid-1980s, a period that also coincided with Ace’s initial departure from KISS.
Although he never remarried, Ace had several other long-term, public relationships. For over a decade, from approximately 2008 to 2019, he was with Rachael Gordon. Rachael was more than a partner; she was a creative collaborator who actively supported his solo projects and frequently accompanied him on tours. Following his split from Rachael, Ace began a relationship with Lara Cove in 2018. The couple was together for nearly six years before announcing an amicable split in 2024.
A Father’s Pride and a Musical Household
At the heart of Ace Frehley’s family was his daughter, Monique Frehley. Born in 1980, Monique has largely stayed out of the intense public spotlight but shares a close bond with her father. She is a musician in her own right, and their connection was evident in their public appearances together. In a touching display of their relationship, Ace and Monique got matching “Ace” tattoos in 2023, symbolizing their deep and enduring connection. Ace often spoke with great fondness about his daughter, describing her as one of the greatest joys in his life and highlighting the importance of his role as a father.
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The roots of Ace’s musical talent run deep, as he grew up in a household filled with music. His father, Carl, was a church organist, and his mother, Esther, played piano. He also had an older brother, Charles, who is a classical guitarist, and a sister, Nancy, who also played music. Ace himself never had a formal guitar lesson, crediting his natural ability to this deeply musical environment, stating that because everyone in his family played an instrument, “guitar didn’t come hard to me at all”. This foundation not only launched his legendary career but is a legacy he has passed on to his own daughter.
