Heather Locklear Files for Divorce

By: Shannon Gossage

Locklear’s publicist, Cece Yorke, confirmed that the couple has split. Said Yorke, "After 11 years of marriage Heather Locklear has filed for divorce from Richie Sambora. This is a private matter and there will be no further comment at this time." Just a few months ago divorce rumors began dogging the couple, who promptly denied there was any trouble in their marriage. It was widely rumored that Locklear had turned to her ex husband and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee for support. According to a source close to Locklear, the reason for the split is the couple’s frequent separation. Said the source, "Heather hardly saw Richie all last year."

According to the papers filed on Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Locklear is seeking physical custody of Ava Elizabeth, the couple’s eight-year old daughter, with visitation rights for Sambora. "Irreconcilable Differences" was cited as the reason behind the split. The couple did have a pre-nuptial agreement in effect, which will determine how they will split their assets.

Locklear’s pal, make-up artist Lisa Christy, introduced the couple. Seven months later Sambora proposed and Locklear accepted. He moved into her home in Los Angeles and on December 17, 1994 the couple tied the knot. This was the first marriage for Bon Jovi guitarist Sambora, 46. Locklear’s union to Lee lasted a rocky seven years before she called it quits in 1992. Locklear and Sambora seemed every bit the happy couple and the split comes as somewhat of a shock. But is anything really a surprise in Hollywood anymore?