"Well, thank you very much" — Keith Richards thanks Connecticut after receiving Governor’s Award of Excellence

On March 5, 2025, Keith Richards, the guitarist of The Rolling Stones, was awarded the Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence. The event was held at the Westport Library in Westport. This award is reportedly given to those who uphold the state’s ideals of generosity, passion, and creativity.

The excellence award was presented to Richards by Governor Ned Lamont but mainly by his wife, Ann. According to WFSB 3, this was the first award for the state and the guitarist. The award was reportedly in the works for many years. Upon accepting the award, Keith Richards said:

“Well, thank you very much and thank you Connecticut. You know, you kind of get lost for words with something like this around your neck and all I gotta say is that you know, I have been here for like yeah, about 40 years and it’s been a great place for me, brought the kids up here.”

He continued:

“I was interested when the kids were young. I said I have to get the kids out of New York City, before, you know, they don’t get any fresh air at all. And so, we moved up here and ever since then we have had but we have had a great life.”

Keith Richards expressed his happiness about the award, saying he doesn’t receive such an honor every day. He thanked Governor Ned Lamont and expressed his gratitude to everyone involved and to the state of Connecticut. Richards praised the library as an impressive institution with more to offer than he had initially realized.

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Keith Richards emphasized the importance of books in his acceptance speech

He emphasized the importance of books, noting that they provide knowledge and meaning in a way that differs from movies or visual storytelling. Unlike films that present ready-made images, books allow readers to create their own mental pictures.

He stressed the need to preserve books and ensure they are never lost or destroyed. While speaking about the importance of the award, Ned Lamont said:

“Let me tell you about this award of cultural and civic excellence. It was created, customised for Keith Richards just so I can get to introduce Keith Richards.”

Ned Lamont shared that people often tell him he’s not doing enough and needs to do more. In response, he asked Keith Richards for advice on what to say to them.

The venue was full of local leaders and community members. As seen in media reports, fans also lined up outside the venue to catch a glimpse of Richards. The guitarist has been living in Connecticut since 1985. According to FOX 61, he has supported organizations like Sphere and Prospector, which work with people with disabilities.

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During an interview with broadcaster Howard Stern in 2023, Richards was asked how he felt about aging as Stern said he didn’t do “well with it.” The guitarist reflected on aging, saying that no one handles it perfectly.

He joked that rather than growing up, people seem to grow down, adding humorously that he’s just waiting for the diapers. When it came to quitting smoking, he found it surprisingly easy, explaining that an internal realization told him it was time to stop, and he simply followed that instinct.

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