Does Richie Sambora Have Kids? Meet Daughter Ava By Heather Locklear

To say Richie Sambora is a proud dad would be a total understatement. In fact, the former Bon Jovi guitarist is daughter Ava Sambora‘s “rock” as he shares an incredibly close relationship with his only child.

Richie experienced fatherhood during his marriage with ex-wife Heather Locklear. The iconic musician and the legendary actress welcomed Ava in 1997, which came three years after they tied the knot. However, the duo went their separate ways after 13 years together in 2007.

Following his divorce, Richie focused on his career and fatherhood. As Ava grew up, though, his job as a guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer ultimately took a back seat. In 2013, he announced he was leaving singer Bon Jovi’s rock band after 30 years.

Even though the decision was hard, “there was really almost no choice about it,” Richie explained to People in December 2020, noting he realized his daughter “needed [him] to be around at that point” of her life. “Family had to come first, and that’s what happened.”

Looking back, the “Livin’ on a Prayer” performer is happy with his choice. “I’m lucky enough to have an amazing relationship with my daughter,” he gushed. “We’ve been through a lot of things together. That was a time of psychological maintenance for the family.”

It’s pretty clear that Richie’s decision to prioritize his daughter meant the world to Ava. While chatting alongside her famous father, the blonde beauty praised Richie for being a “generous and compassionate” man who always encouraged her “to show up for [herself].”

“He’s always been such a rock for me in my life,” the college graduate sweetly shared with People. “My dad loves me with every ounce of himself. He has always been so supportive of me and all of my dreams.”

Even when Richie was juggling his Hollywood career with fatherhood, Ava said he never missed out on her most important moments. “He showed up to every football game I cheerleaded at, every dance recital I performed in, and all of my school functions no matter how far he had to travel,” she marveled. “He even flew all the way from Australia to surprise me at my cotillion for the father-daughter dance.”

Ava feels “so lucky” to be Richie’s daughter!

Keep scrolling below to learn more about the star’s only child.

Ava Elizabeth Sambora

Richie welcomed Ava alongside his ex-wife, Heather, on October 4, 1997. As the daughter of a skilled musician and a Golden Globe-nominated actress, Ava has followed in her dad and mom’s talented footsteps.

Like mom Heather, Ava enjoys modeling. She often shares gorgeous snapshots on Instagram. Ava also runs a fashion and lifestyle page with “aesthetically pleasing content that makes [her] smile,” according to the page’s bio. There, you can find more pics of the celebrity kiddo sharing glimpses inside her life.

Ava has yet to tie the knot, but she is in a relationship with her longtime boyfriend, Tyler Farrar. In October 2020, the fashion guru shared a cute pic of the couple while celebrating her special day. “Birthday kisses,” she captioned the post.

It sounds like Ava is going to accomplish so much!

Proud College Graduate

Next to her stunning May 10, 2020, college graduation photo taken in her mom Heather Locklear’s backyard, Ava wrote, “Yesterday I graduated from Loyola Marymount University! I earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies! I am hoping to attend graduate school in Fall of 2021! Thank you to all the wonderful people in my life who made this journey possible! Cheers to all the grads!”

USC Grad Student

On July 18, 2021, Ava posted a photo of herself standing in front of the University of Southern California’s iconic Tommy Trojan statue. She noted in a March snapshot while wearing a shirt with the school’s logo, “Stoked to be a Trojan! Starting this summer, I’ll be attending graduate school at USC, working towards an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy!” Congrats, Ava!