News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

‘Thank you governor and thank you CT,’ Keith Richards receives Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence

Gov. Ned Lamont awarded legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards with the first-ever Governor’s Award of Excellence.

Angelica Toruno

Mar 5, 2025, 9:59 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

It’s not every day a governor gets to honor a rock legend.

Gov. Ned Lamont awarded legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards with the first-ever Governor’s Award of Excellence.

"I'm incredibly happy about everything, especially things like this because we don't get 'em every day. Apart from that I'd like to thank everybody,” said Richards.

The Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence is a prestigious new honor celebrating residents who epitomize the state’s core values: creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism and generosity.

In a packed Westport Library, Gov. Lamont credited the four-time Grammy winner for his achievements within the arts, "I've been inspired by the Rolling Stones for 50 years I hope you have as well.”

Richards, a Weston resident, rolled into Connecticut in 1985 and has called it home since. In those 40 years, he has rocked the state as a community philanthropist.

"Support people in organizations like SPHERE and The Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, which provides competitive and inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” said The Westport Library’s Executive Director, William Harmer.

Additionally, Richards received a governor’s proclamation offering the “Key to the State,” and his very own Westport Library card.


More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices