Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones was presented the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence during a ceremony at the Westport Library on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Richards, 81, who is British, has kept a home in Connecticut since 1985. He became the first recipient of the Connecticut Governor's Award of Excellence, receiving a custom-designed medallion and hearty applause from dozens attending the ceremony at the Westport Library.

Keith Richards thanked both Gov. Ned Lamont and the state of Connecticut for bestowing him with the first-ever Governor’s Award of Excellence.

Gov. Ned Lamont plans to honor rock legend Keith Richards with the first-ever Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence. Richards, a founding member of the world-renowned Rolling Stones, is a longtime Connecticut resident.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced today, March 3, that Rolling Stones guitarist and longtime state resident Keith Richards will be the first recipient of the Connecticut Governor’s

Keith has lived in Connecticut for 40 years and was recognized with the very first Governor’s Award of Excellence established this year. It was given to Keith during a small ceremony in another very quaint Connecticut town just minutes from Weston, in Westport, at the local library.

Legendary rock guitarist Keith Richards is the first person to be honored with the Governor's Award of Excellence in Connecticut.

Keith Richards will be honored at the Westport Library with the inaugural award, which will given out by Gov. Ned Lamont.