Somewhat retired hard rock legends KISS have been announced as one of this year’s Kennedy Center honorees. That award honors Americans who have made significant cultural impact and contributions to American culture through performing arts. U.S. President Donald J. Trump currently serves as the chairman of the Kennedy Center.
Earlier this year, Trump fired a handful of the previous members of the board of trustees for that organization, instating in their place several Trump-aligned individuals, including Second Lady Usha Vance and two other members of his administration. With the new trustees in place, the center’s longtime president Deborah Rutter was subsequently ousted this past February.
Joining KISS in being honored this year are actor Sylvester Stallone, country musician George Strait, disco artist Gloria Gaynor, and more. President Trump personally oversaw the approval of each nominee, stating, “I turned down plenty. I had a couple of wokesters.” Speaking further on this year’s honorees directly, he offered
“The 48th Kennedy Center honorees are outstanding people, an outstanding group — incredible. We can’t wait to celebrate the Kennedy Center Honors.”
Trump will also be hosting this year’s ceremony, with the televised gala expected to take place and air in December. As for KISS, it certainly seemed as though the band would finally hang it up following the conclusion of their latest farewell tour at the end of 2023. With much fanfare, they announced they would live on as digital avatars. Several months later, the group sold their brand, royalties, masters and more in a $300 million deal.
However, by March of this year the band confirmed they would be returning to the stage this November as part of a 50th anniversary event for their KISS Army fan club.
Update: August 13th, 2025 02:29pm:
KISS have since responded to being chosen to receive the honor. Speaking with TMZ, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons stated, “KISS” is the embodiment of the American Dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.” Vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley offered:
“From our earliest days, KISS has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off. The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of KISS and all of the band members who helped create our iconic band.”
Former drummer Peter Criss, added, “I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career.”
