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.

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.

Legendary rock guitarist Keith Richards is the first person to be honored with the Governor’s Award of Excellence in Connecticut. The honor celebrates Connecticut residents who epitomize creativity, passion and generosity.