Ace Frehley is the ultimate rock and roll enigma. You know the laugh, you know the smoking guitar, and you definitely know the "Spaceman" makeup that defined a generation of KISS fans. But when it comes to his personal life, things get a lot more grounded and, frankly, a bit confusing. People have been asking was Ace Frehley married for decades, mostly because the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no" followed by a divorce date.
Actually, it’s a story about a guy who stayed legally bound to one woman for nearly fifty years while living a completely different life on the road.
The One and Only: Jeanette Trerotola
Ace only walked down the aisle once. On May 1, 1976, at the absolute peak of KISS-mania, Ace married Jeanette Trerotola. This wasn't some quiet courthouse affair. It was a massive event in New York City where the other members of KISS—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—actually performed "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Shout It Out Loud" at the reception.
The kicker? They did it without their makeup. At the time, their faces were the best-kept secret in music, so seeing them unmasked at a wedding was legendary.
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The couple had a daughter, Monique Frehley, in 1980. If you follow Ace on social media, you’ve probably seen Monique; she’s been a constant in his life, and they even have matching "Ace" tattoos. But while the father-daughter bond stayed strong, the marriage hit the skids pretty fast. By the mid-80s, Ace and Jeanette were legally separated.
Why They Never Divorced
Here is where it gets weird. They lived apart for about 40 years, but they never officially signed the divorce papers. Fans have speculated for years about why. Some say it was because Jeanette’s family had "connections" that made Ace nervous. Others, more realistically, point to the fact that they remained friends and it was simply easier for insurance and financial reasons.
Ace himself used to say in interviews that he stayed legally married because Jeanette’s health wasn't great and he wanted to make sure she was taken care of. It’s a surprisingly sweet sentiment for a guy known for "Shock Me." When Ace tragically passed away in October 2025 at the age of 74, Jeanette was still technically his wife.
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The Fiancées and the "Almost" Marriages
Even though he was legally off the market, Ace didn't live like a monk. He had several high-profile relationships that felt like marriages to the outside world.
- Audrey Hamilton: Back in the late 70s and early 80s, Ace was with Audrey Hamilton. This relationship is famous among KISS fans because it resulted in a second daughter, Lindsey Hamilton. For a long time, this was kept quiet, but DNA tests eventually confirmed the lineage.
- Wendy Moore: In the late 90s, Ace lived with Wendy Moore. She later wrote a book about their time together, which... let’s just say it wasn't exactly a glowing review of the rockstar lifestyle.
- Rachael Gordon: This was a big one. Ace and Rachael were together for over a decade and got engaged around 2010. He often called her his "fiancée," but they ended things in 2019 in a very public, very messy legal battle involving restraining orders.
- Lara Cove: Most recently, Ace was with Lara Cove, a teacher. They met at a KISS convention in 2018 and lived together in New Jersey. Fans really liked Lara; she seemed to keep him steady. However, Ace announced on stage in June 2024 that they had split up.
What Really Happened at the End?
When the news broke in late 2025 that Ace Frehley had passed away following a fall and a subsequent brain bleed, the official family statements came from Jeanette and Monique. It felt like the story came full circle. Despite the decades of "fiancées" and rumors, Jeanette was the one there at the finish line.
Rock and roll isn't exactly known for stable domesticity. Ace struggled with substance abuse for years, which he was very open about in his autobiography, No Regrets. Those struggles often made a "normal" marriage impossible. But the fact that he and Jeanette maintained a legal and somewhat supportive bond for nearly half a century is one of the most unique stories in rock history.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're digging into the history of the Spaceman, keep these points in mind to separate fact from forum rumors:
- Check the legal status: Always remember that "fiancée" in Ace-speak did not mean he was divorced from Jeanette.
- Look for the 2026 book: A new oral history titled Aceland: Artifacts and Memories of a Rock 'n' Roll Life is slated for release in 2026. It promises to go deep into his personal archives.
- Verify daughter details: Ace has two daughters, Monique and Lindsey, though he was significantly closer to Monique throughout his public life.
- Respect the family's privacy: Since his passing in 2025, the family has asked for peace. Stick to official statements from his estate for the most accurate information regarding his final arrangements.
Ace Frehley lived life at 100 miles per hour, but his marital status remained one of the few constants—even if it was only on paper.