Heather Locklear & Richie Sambora Split?

By: Shannon Gossage

Sources say that Locklear and Sambora’s marriage is on the rocks and that she has turned to ex-husband and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee for support. A source close to Locklear blames the marital problems on the couple’s frequent separation. Said the friend, "Heather hardly saw Richie at all last year. At this point, it’s like they’re becoming strangers." Reportedly, the marriage began going downhill last year. Sambora had a hiatus from touring with his band Bon Jovi and planned to spend his time with Locklear and their 8-year old daughter, Ava, but Heather spent most of the year on the series LAX and the film The Perfect Man.

As for the ex entering the picture, it was said that Locklear has been spotted with Lee. Sources say that they are just friends, but Sambora is not happy about it. A friend of Locklear’s revealed, "Despite all the problems they had years ago, Tommy has always held a special place in Heather’s heart. She still remains very fond of him." Locklear and Lee were married in1985. The union lasted 7 turbulent years until she filed for divorce in 1992 amid rumors of infidelity on Lee’s part.

Locklear and Sambora were married in Paris in 1994. They have seemed to have one of those marriages that appeared unbreakable. Friends fear that now that he is back on tour with his band, they will continue to grow apart, especially if she continues to be in contact with Lee. Locklear and Sambora have made it for 10-years…a virtual lifetime in Hollywood. Hopefully they will be able to work through their troubles…she just needs to stay away from Tommy Lee.