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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' 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.