How do i tear off the sides of my fireplace made of stone?

I want to leave the center fireplace there but remove the 6 ft. stone walls on both sides. This wall is in the center of my house and divides the living room from the kitchen. If i remove these two sides it will open up the area to have more of a great room affect. I dont know if it matters, but there is a fire place on the kitchen side as well but not a see through one. The stone does go from top to bottom and there is no seam on the livingroom side to cut away streight from the hearth.