Rock Icon Keith Richards Receives CT Governor's Award Of Excellence

WESTPORT, CT — Keith Richards, the Rock n' Rock legend who has called Weston home for decades, was presented with the first Connecticut Governor's Award of Excellence on Wednesday, during a ceremony at The Westport Library.

He was presented with the award by Gov. Ned Lamont, who said Richards "has been an amazing member" of the Connecticut community while living in the state.

"I've been inspired by the Rolling Stones for 50 years, I hope you have as well," Lamont said. "Keith Richards is an amazing member of our community. We're so proud that he's here, and I'm so proud to have the opportunity to give him this Award of Excellence."

Richards, who has lived with his family in Weston since 1985, is being honored "for his deep commitment to supporting the local community.

"Through his generosity and dedication to organizations like SPHERE, which enhances the lives of adults with disabilities, and The Prospector Theater, which provides meaningful employment through the magic of film, Richards has used his influence to uplift and empower others.

"Richards has also been an advocate for arts, education, and accessibility initiatives throughout the state, further exemplifying his dedication to making a lasting impact."

Bill Harmer, executive director of The Westport Library, said Richards is a fitting recipient of the inaugural award.

"The Connecticut Governor's Award of Excellence is a new and prestigious award that celebrates Connecticut residents who embody the state's core values of creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamicism and generosity," Harmer said, who also presented Richards, a fan of libraries, with a Westport Library card. "So, it's only fitting, isn't it, that Keith Richards is the first recipient of this award."

Richards thanked the governor and the residents of Connecticut.

"I've been here for 40 years, and it's been a great place for me," Richards said. "Brought the kids up here. We thought we have to get the kids out of New York City before they don't get any fresh air at all, so we moved up here. Ever since then, we've had a great life here, the family. We're incredibly happy about everything, especially about things like this, because you don't get them every day."