The music world is mourning the loss of Ace Frehley, the iconic “Spaceman” and founding guitarist of KISS, who passed away at the age of 74. Known for his explosive solos, cosmic persona, and turbulent lifestyle, Frehley left a mark on rock history that few can match. But behind the fame and firepower of KISS was a complex personal life—anchored in part by his longtime partner, Jeannette Trerotola, and their daughter, Monique Frehley.
Here’s a closer look at the two women who stood quietly behind the man with the lightning bolt guitar.
Jeannette Trerotola
Back in the late ‘70s, as KISS was ascending to global stardom, Ace Frehley tied the knot with Jeannette Trerotola on May 1, 1976. She was a rising Italian-American actress at the time, though she later stepped out of the limelight entirely. The two got married during the peak of KISS’s fame—a whirlwind era filled with world tours, chart-topping hits, and screaming fans. It wasn’t exactly the most stable environment for a young marriage.
While the couple’s early years were mostly private, fans later learned that their relationship struggled under the weight of Ace’s chaotic rockstar lifestyle. According to Space Ace Online, long absences, grueling tour schedules, and Ace’s battles with substance abuse put immense pressure on the marriage.
Despite those hurdles, Jeannette remained a steady presence, especially when it came to parenting their only child, Monique. Some close to the family said Jeannette was the grounding force that kept things from completely unraveling during Ace’s most turbulent years.
Over the years, the couple reportedly went their separate ways, but there’s never been full clarity on whether they formally divorced. Some sources suggest they may have remained legally married, citing financial or personal health reasons—particularly Jeannette’s health, which was reportedly fragile in later years.
Ace Frehley’s Romantic History After Jeannette
While Jeannette faded into the background, Ace’s love life stayed in the headlines.
After the couple’s separation, Ace was linked to several women, including:
- Audrey Hamilton, a well-known groupie, from 1979 to 1981
- Wendy Moore, in the late 1990s, who later wrote a book detailing her life with him
- Rachael Gordon, a singer and actress whom Ace was briefly engaged to in 2010
- Lara Cove, a school teacher he dated from 2018 until mid-2024
None of these relationships led to marriage, but all drew media attention, especially given Ace’s ongoing battles with addiction and recovery, which often cast a long shadow over his personal life.
Who Is Monique Frehley?
Monique Frehley, born July 6, 1980, is Ace and Jeannette’s only child. Though she has largely stayed out of the spotlight, Monique has occasionally appeared with her father at public events and on his official Facebook page.
In recent years, their bond grew even more visible. In 2023, Ace and Monique got matching “Ace” tattoos, signaling the closeness of their father-daughter relationship.
Monique has also followed a creative path of her own. While not as high-profile as her father, she’s been involved in music and frequently supported Ace during his solo career. Those close to the Frehley family say Monique inherited her dad’s love of performance—but not the chaos that sometimes came with it.
Even amid Ace’s romantic instability, Monique was a constant—and by all accounts, one of his greatest sources of joy and stability in his later years.
Was Ace Frehley Still Married?
This remains a bit of a mystery.
Although Ace and Jeannette were clearly estranged, some outlets and fans have speculated that they never finalized a legal divorce. That theory gained traction due to speculation about shared finances and Jeannette’s health challenges, which may have kept the legal paperwork from ever being filed.
Regardless of the legal status, what’s clear is that their emotional separation happened long ago, even though Jeannette never publicly spoke out. She remained out of the media spotlight for decades, allowing Ace’s public persona and later relationships to take center stage.
A Complicated Legacy and a Family in Grief
News of Ace Frehley’s death, following earlier conflicting reports about his health, sent shockwaves through the music world. TMZ had reported he was on life support due to a brain bleed, and while fans held onto hope, the family eventually released a statement confirming his passing.
His death at 74 leaves behind not just a rock legacy, but a grieving daughter and a former wife who, despite their rocky past, remained central parts of his personal journey.
Whatever the ups and downs, one thing is clear: Ace Frehley’s family stood by him, in one way or another, through the wild ride of fame, fallout, and final farewell.
We extend our deepest condolences to Monique Frehley, Jeannette Trerotola, and all those who loved the man behind the Spaceman mask.
