Who Is Deserving Of The Special Title Of ‘Honorary Montanan’?

Recently we posed questions about how long you have to be in Montana to be considered a “local”. The overwhelming majority of the responses we received was that you have to be born here to be considered a “local”. This, of course, started an argument and discussion about people who have earned the right to call themselves, “Montanans”. Our office can get really riled up when they have an opinion. The list of famous people born in Montana is extensive; Jeff Ament, Dana Carvey, David Lynch, Phil Jackson, and more. We put together a list of people who we think should be allowed to carry the title of “Honorary Montanans”.  This list is no particular order. 

Oscar Winner J.K. Simmons

J.K. attended the University of Montana has been a big cheerleader for the Griz as well as Montana.

The Dude

Jeff Bridges should be considered local. He not only spends lots of time in Montana, he met his wife while filming "Rancho Deluxe", which was filmed in Montana in 1975. Bonus he is "The Dude".

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton has a home in Montana. Yes, "Batman" spends time here.

Huey Lewis

Mr. Lewis has had a home in the Bitterroot Valley for decades.

David Letterman

David Letterman has had a home in Montana for a long time, before he retired from late night TV.

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Geoff Tate

Geoff Tate the former lead singer of the rock band Queensryche spends a lot of time in Montana. His in-laws live in the Bitterroot Valley and he occasionally will put on concerts to support local charities. I have had the opportunity to interview him a few times over the years. He has also offered concert ticket packages for fans that include trips to Montana.

Hank Williams Jr.

Another legendary musician has a Montana home in the Bitterroot Valley. He is also a member of the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

Maury Povich and Connie Chung

They are a power couple who both spend time in Montana. Maury Povich started the Flathead Beacon in 2007

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Honorable Mentions

There are a lot more famous people that have homes or spend time in Montana, but aren't quite "local" enough yet.

• John Mayer- Musician
• Justin Timberlake - Musician
• Jack Hannah - Wildlife Expert
• Howie Long - NFL Broadcaster and former NFL player
• Dutton Family From Yellowstone

Feel free to let us know who is missing from our list and let the argument continue as to who should be allowed to be an "Honorary Montanan".