Heather Locklear: A rollercoaster ride through love and heartache

January 19, 2026 by Nadia

The divorces brought Denise and Richie together, and they eventually fell in love, which naturally didn’t sit well with Heather. There was speculation that a possible affair between Richie and Denise was the real reason for Heather’s divorce, though Denise has denied this. What is clear, however, is that Richie and Denise’s relationship deeply hurt Heather.

“The thing with Heather, that’s been hard,” Denise Richards told Entertainment Tonight in 2006. “You can’t help who you fall for and that friendship, unfortunately, was done and wasn’t salvageable.”

According to Denise, she and Heather were never “best friends,” and she didn’t steal her friend’s husband, as some malicious rumors suggested. Getting together with Richie was the last thing she wanted, but it couldn’t be helped once they fell for each other.

”We (her and Sambora) were friends and we were both going through divorces, and that’s what drew us to each other … I did not steal someone’s husband. Did I date a former friend’s ex-husband? Yes. Did I break up a marriage? No,” Richards told Us Weekly.

The relationship between Denise Richards and Richie Sambora was short-lived. They broke up in early 2007 but remained friends afterward. The couple gave it another try in 2011, but ultimately decided to stay friends.

Relationship today

Despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding their divorce, Heather and Richie have managed to maintain a good relationship. Many years after their split, Richie Sambora spoke with People and revealed that he and Heather still love each other.

”Time does heal old wounds. I mean, I still love Heather and I know she loves me. She’s the mother of my child, man. What can you say?,” Richie explained.

Of course, their beloved daughter Ava plays a key role in maintaining healthy communication between them. Both of her parents are incredibly supportive, and when Ava Sambora walked the catwalk at the White Trash Beautiful Spring 2011 Fashion Show, Heather and Richie were there, standing side by side. They have also been together for several Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations.