Heather Locklear files for divorce from rocker Richie Sambora

Actress Heather Locklear has filed for divorce from her hubby of 11 years, Bon Jovi guitarist, Richie Sambora.

"This is a private matter and there will be no further comment at this time,"  her publicist CeCe Yorke in a statement.

The official paperwork was filed in a Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

Heather is requesting full "physical custody" of the couple’s daughter, 8-year-old Ava Elizabeth, with visitation rights for Richie.

As for the financial arrangements, the couple signed a prenuptial agreement before their Dec. 17, 1994 Paris wedding, which outlines the division of their assets.

The two were introduced by Heather’s friend, makeup artist Lisa Christy and were engaged seven months later. This was the first marriage for Richie and the second for Heather.  She was previously married to rocker Tommy Lee.

Source: Yahoo News & People

Thanks to the many CBB Readers who emailed us.

Comments

seems like everyone is just giving up.. is it just me and the fact i’ve paid more attention or is it really that more and more people are breaking up (people in the limelight)..

- crazytalk23 on February 3rd, 2006

thats too bad. i thought these two would last, but with his busy schedule with Bon Jovi the last few years it must be tough and she worked alot too. I hope they can remain civil for Ava’s sake. I am seeing BonJovi on Feb. 10 and I hope Richie is in his usual form!

It does seem lots of celeb couples have broken up this past year. Or are the tabloids just reporting it more. Who knows! I wish both of them the best.

- tink1217 on February 3rd, 2006

Wow, that is a surprise, and not a good one. I must say I am really surprised by that one. Maybe I shouldn’t be, but I am. That is really too bad. I hope they can at least be civil to each other for the sake of Ava.

- DJ on February 3rd, 2006

So sad! I loved them as a couple! I think the media should just leave couples alone and not pry into their relationships, didnt they deny this a couple months back?? It seems the more the media brings it to our attention it tends to take it’s toll….I know it would on me!
Given the attention Britney’s relationship is getting, I wouldnt be surprised if they are next (look at Nick and Jess, they were in the tabs just as much!)
Crazytalk – it isnt just you, I’ve been noticing it too!

- cherylina on February 3rd, 2006

that’s so sad to hear. hope it all works out for their daughters sake.

- joy on February 3rd, 2006

It’s not just celebrities-nowadays, 40-50% of the world’s marriages end in divorce. I guess it can’t be easy being in the spotlight all the time. Though, to me it seems like this couple aren’t that much. I agree with the other comments-we must always hope that it does stay civil for the sake of the child/children involved.

- Shannon on February 3rd, 2006

Same thing just happened with Sheryl Crown and Lance Armstrong:

http://et.tv.yahoo.com/newslink/13828/

I think the same PR person is just recycling the same old tired comments about “this is a personal matter” and “we ask that everyone respect our privacy during this very difficult time.” Is it necessary to make a statement if this is so personal and private???
According to several credible sources, Richie Sambora learned about the split the same time the rest of the world did.
This particular source is ABC News:

Richie Sambora seemed to find out his marriage was over when all of us did. Yesterday, when Heather Locklear’s spokesperson announced she had filed for divorce from her husband of 11 years…ABC News quickly got a statement from Richie.

He seemed quite bewildered by all of it and said: “It’s completely untrue,”

He even added that he had Valentine’s Day plans with his wife. But indeed it’s true and the wheels are in motion.

This is from ABC News, not the rags.

- Melissa on February 3rd, 2006

Sorry for the misprint. That should have said Sheryl Crowe, not Crown.

- Melissa on February 3rd, 2006