When Ned Lamont was a young boy, he learned about rock music by listening to the Rolling Stones. Today, more than 50 years later, Lamont is governor of Connecticut, and he decided that legendary Stones guitarist Keith Richards should be the first recipient of a new honor known as the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

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

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.

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

Richards, a longtime Connecticut resident, on Wednesday received the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence. He was recognized for his support of local arts organizations. Richards, who lives in Weston, accepted the award at the Westport Library from Gov. Ned Lamont and his wife, Annie.

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.