Richie Sambora Wife: Inside His Marriage to Heather Locklear and Life After Their Split

Richie Sambora is best known as the former lead guitarist of Bon Jovi, one of the biggest rock bands of all time. With decades of fame, hit records, and world tours, it’s no surprise that fans have long been curious about his personal life—especially about Richie Sambora’s wife, actress Heather Locklear. Their marriage was one of the most talked-about celebrity unions of the 1990s, blending Hollywood glamor with rock-and-roll edge. Though the marriage ended years ago, it remains a major part of Sambora’s public story, influencing his personal life, his role as a father, and his romantic relationships in the years since.

Who Is Richie Sambora? A Quick Background

Born on July 11, 1959, in New Jersey, Richie Sambora rose to global fame as the soulful, technically brilliant guitarist of Bon Jovi. He joined the band in the early 1980s and quickly helped shape its signature sound—anthemic riffs, emotional ballads, and stadium-filling energy. Sambora co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” His guitar work and harmonies became a defining part of Bon Jovi’s success.

Sambora remained with the band for 30 years before leaving in 2013 to focus on personal life, including family responsibilities and his own health. Since then, he has collaborated with various artists, released solo music, and remained a respected figure in rock history. Given his fame and longevity in the music industry, fans have always been fascinated not just by his career, but by the romantic relationships that shaped his personal world—starting with his high-profile marriage to Heather Locklear.

Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear — A Celebrity Love Story

Before marrying Sambora, Heather Locklear was already a household name. She rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to hit shows like Dynasty, T.J. Hooker, and Melrose Place, becoming one of television’s most recognizable stars. Locklear had previously been married to rock musician Tommy Lee, and when that relationship ended, her pairing with Richie Sambora instantly captured the public’s attention.

Sambora and Locklear began dating in the mid-1990s, and their relationship quickly became a staple of celebrity media. Their chemistry, combined with their shared connection to the entertainment industry, made them one of Hollywood’s hottest couples. Despite both leading intensely demanding professional lives, they seemed to find a rhythm that worked—at least initially. Their bond felt genuine, affectionate, and mutually supportive, and fans expressed enormous excitement when they announced their engagement.

Their 1994 Wedding and Early Married Life

Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear were married on December 17, 1994, in a lavish ceremony in Paris. The wedding was covered extensively by entertainment media, reflecting the star power the couple commanded at the time. Their honeymoon and early married life played out during some of the biggest years of Sambora’s career with Bon Jovi, and Locklear’s continued television success added even more spotlight to their union.

Throughout the mid-1990s and early 2000s, Sambora and Locklear appeared regularly at red-carpet events, music award shows, television premieres, and charity gatherings. They became known for looking glamorous yet grounded—a couple who balanced Hollywood with their own personal values. Their public appearances often showcased a warm, affectionate dynamic, reinforcing the idea that their marriage was solid.

The Birth of Their Daughter, Ava Sambora

One of the brightest points in their relationship came with the birth of their daughter, Ava Elizabeth Sambora, on October 4, 1997. Becoming parents added a new dimension to their marriage. For Sambora, fatherhood became a defining part of his identity. Ava quickly became the center of their world, and the couple frequently spoke about their devotion to raising her in a healthy, loving environment.

Ava grew up in a mix of Hollywood and rock-and-roll culture, but her parents worked hard to give her a grounded upbringing. As she grew older, Ava began modeling and acting, following in her mother’s footsteps. Sambora and Locklear have always expressed immense pride in her accomplishments, and even after their divorce, they remained united in co-parenting.

The Decline of the Marriage and Their 2006 Divorce

Despite years of seemingly stable married life, Sambora and Locklear announced their separation in 2006. Their divorce was finalized in 2007. The breakup made headlines, as did the rumors and speculation surrounding it. Around this time, both Sambora and Locklear were already dealing with personal struggles, career pressures, and emotional challenges, which created additional strain on their relationship.

Media coverage often exaggerated or speculated about the reasons behind their split. However, what remains clear is that their marriage simply reached a breaking point under the weight of personal and professional pressures. Despite the public scrutiny, Sambora and Locklear worked hard to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their daughter. Both have since expressed appreciation for their time together and their shared dedication to Ava’s well-being.

Life After Heather Locklear — Did Richie Sambora Remarry?

Following his divorce, Sambora did not remarry. Over the years, he has been linked to several women, the most notable being actress Denise Richards, a close friend of Heather Locklear. Their relationship drew significant attention at the time, in part because of the complicated interpersonal dynamics. The two eventually parted ways, but their brief romance kept Sambora in the spotlight.

Since then, Sambora has kept his romantic life relatively private. Although he has dated, no relationship has led to marriage. Instead, he has spent much of the last decade focusing on fatherhood, his sobriety, and creative projects. He has spoken openly about prioritizing his daughter, describing Ava as his top priority and greatest motivation.

Richie Sambora’s Relationship With His Daughter

Ava remains one of the most important people in Sambora’s life. Their father-daughter bond is evident through interviews, social media posts, and public appearances. After leaving Bon Jovi in 2013, Sambora emphasized that he wanted to be present for Ava during her teenage years, valuing family time over the demanding schedule of global touring.

Today, Ava and Richie maintain a close and supportive relationship. She often praises him publicly, acknowledging his influence as a parent and a role model. Their connection shows how Sambora’s private life has evolved since his marriage—less about fame, more about family.