Kennedy Center Honors 2019: 'Sesame Street' honored for inspiring and educating generations, fans left emotional

Hosted by LL Cool J, 'Sesame Street' was celebrated for its continuous revolutionary teachings to children about the adult world.
'Sesame Street' characters (L-R) Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster attend the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)
'Sesame Street' characters (L-R) Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster attend the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

'Sesame Street' is the first TV show to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and fans cannot control their emotions as it brought them to tears. 

The 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors aired on Sunday night and a slew of artists were honored for the indefinite and unforgettable stamp they have left through their artistry. Hosted by LL Cool J, 'Sesame Street' was celebrated for its continuous revolutionary teachings to children about the adult world.

Celebrating their honor, Joseph Gordon Lewitt shared, "When I was little, @sesamestreet made me laugh so much, and it taught me so many things. And now I'm a dad, and my two boys love it as much as I used to. What could be better than that?"

Adding to that actor, Cedric the Entertainer shared that, "Through an innovative blend of humor, lovable characters, and thousands of original songs, @sesamestreet has made learning fun for generations of pre-schoolers."

Creators Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooner developed 'Sesame Street' as a mission to give underserved preschoolers the academic education they need through television. They also addressed cultural references through humor, short films, and songs. And just seeing the characters on stage celebrating their honor brought out the emotional side of fans who were watching the special at home. 

Taking to Twitter, a fan wrote, "In an absolute puddle after watching 'Sesame Street' on the Kennedy Center Honors." Adding to that another shared, "It is very good. Crying nostalgia/happy tears during 'Sesame Street' segment."

"I got choked up during the "Sesame Street" portion of the #KCHonors. So glad they honored this amazing show that has been such a big part of the lives of so many Americans," wrote a fan. While another shared, "Watching the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to 'Sesame Street' crying my eyes out  ....but a little disappointed that they focused more on the celebrity guests and didn’t feature the original cast who I loved so…" 

"Just saw Sesamie Street honored at the Kennedy Center. My eyes were not left dry. Thank you @sesamestreet #singasong #SesameStreet," a fan shared.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Charlie Hunnam reveals the 'Sons of Anarchy' universe is set to return with a new story that brings familiar faces together in an unexpected way.
2 hours ago
Discover where 'Crew Girl's Eagle’s Cove and Easton Prep were brought to life, including some real-life and some fictional sets.
8 hours ago
With an exciting storyline, a messy situation involving Teagan, Cam, and Josh unfolds in the latest Netflix series.
8 hours ago
The upcoming 2026 Emmy Awards will be held at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles
12 hours ago
‘Ransom Canyon’ follows the lives of childhood friends Staten Kirkland and Quinn O’Grady
17 hours ago
After four years away, The Pynk is reopening, but for one last time
18 hours ago
Joanne and Noah prepare to live together as Sasha and Morgan face a connection neither has acknowledged.
1 day ago
A New Year’s Eve celebration brings old friends together before the night takes an unexpected turn.
1 day ago
‘The Shards’, starring Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere, aired its season finale on September 9
1 day ago
‘The Rainmaker’ follows underdog lawyer Rudy Baylor, played by Milo Callaghan, who takes on powerful opponents in court
1 day ago