Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones, is celebrating his 80th birthday with a life marked by immense success, wealth and personal happiness. With an estimated net worth of $500 million, Richards attributes his fulfilling and prosperous retirement to two key decisions: marrying Patti Hansen and joining The Rolling Stones.

Richards’ journey to fame began in the early 1960s when he co-founded The Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger. The band’s bluesy rock sound, combined with Richards’ signature guitar riffs, propelled them to international stardom. Over the decades, The Rolling Stones released numerous albums, toured the world, and became one of the most iconic bands in rock history. Richards’ contributions as a songwriter and musician have been instrumental in the band’s enduring success.

In addition to his musical achievements, Richards’ personal life was equally significant. In 1983, he married Patti Hansen, a successful model and actress. Their strong marriage was a source of stability and joy for Richards, who often spoke fondly of Hansen’s positive influence on his life. “The best decision I ever made in my life was marrying Patti Hansen and joining The Rolling Stones,” Richards has said, noting the profound impact these choices had on his happiness and well-being.