Richie Sambora “Still Loves” Ex-Wife Heather Locklear

Richie Sambora recently revealed he still loves ex-wife Heather Locklear despite their divorce seven years ago.

The rocker said sharing a 16-year-old daughter with the actress has helped keep their bond strong regardless of past turmoil in their relationship.

“Time does heal old wounds. I mean, I still love Heather and I know she loves me,” the 54-year-old expressed. “She’s the mother of my child, man. What can you say?”

The Bon Jovi guitarist also talked openly about his “close and candid relationship” with daughter Ava who he calls “amazing.”

“Boundaries are set…That doesn’t budge,” explained Richie, though he couldn’t help but gush about his only child.

“She is an amazing kid and dedicated to school. She’s acting. The first audition she [went] out for was Judd Apatow’s ‘This is 40’ – and she got it,” the songwriter bragged to People magazine.

“I’m really proud of her – she’s just a joy. My favorite girl – her and my mom, I always say.”

Earlier this year, Richie expressed how important it is to both him and Heather they maintain a healthy relationship for Ava’s sake.

“If you don’t get along you are messing the kid up,” he said, “so you have to put that before whatever s**t is going on.”