Richie Sambora: "I love being a dad"

If Richie Sambora gets his way, his 10-year-old daughter Ava with ex-wife Heather Locklear will not grow up to be an only child, as he himself is.  In a new interview, Richie tells People that despite several years filled with sadness — including his divorce, a stint in rehab for alcohol addiction and the death of his dad from lung cancer — fatherhood remains a bright spot. 

I love being a dad. I’d have more kids if I could. I’d take a couple more, one or two more before I croak.

Ava was the only child for Richie, 48, and Heather. 

Source:  People

Comments

That’s sweet. My father is an only child and because of my parents divorce, I ended up being one as well. He always felt a little bad about it, but at least I always have someone in my life who understands some of the weird stuff that goes along with that position. I bet Richie and Ava have some of the same bond.
I have occasionally wished I had siblings, but my husbands brother has caused us so much heartache in the last couple years that I’m glad I don’t have a sibling of my own to deal with right now.

- Elizabeth on February 13th, 2008

I just Love Richie and Ava.

And rightnow, i’m going through the hardest part of my life (because my divorce turned evel uglier than it already was)
And that he sort of went through the same thing as me, as in divorce, custody battle, i find even more comfort in his music than i already did.
(I hope he somehow reads this)
But I now, that just like him, I in the end will get through it.
But i just wanna say i’m so glad to see that he’s spending time with his precious girl.
Love you Rich’

- Black on February 13th, 2008

I’d have his next child!

- tink1217 on February 13th, 2008

Richie is beyond adorable and always has been. Too many people over too many years have taken advantage of that IMO. It’s really sad

He and his mother and daughter are blessed to have eachother because clearly, they are a tight little unit despite outside sources keeping them physically apart sometimes. Richie is the most devoted and adoring parent, and has been from the second that little girl came into the world and latched onto him instead of her mother (as Heather’s mother said in People magazine at the time; Ava KNEW him from the second she was born)

She is a lucky little girl to have a father who is so open with his love for her and who has no problems devoting himself to her. I hope he does achieve his dream of a few more little Sambora’s in the world Richie is just the best, and I wish him and Joan and Ava the best of everything because they deserve it.

- Amie on February 13th, 2008

Aaahhh, Richie and Ava FOREVER!!!!!!

I love them both so much, they’ve been the cutest Daddy-daughter duo for so long and I’ve yet to see a stronger bond between a father and child.

They are PERFECT and I just love how he speaks about her. She has been his saving grace along with his Mom so GO RICHIE AND AVA!!!!

We all love you both

- Kirstie on February 13th, 2008

tink1217……………me first! Ha ha. Seriously, I hope he does find someone to love soon.

- Vanessa on February 13th, 2008

Oh my lovely Richie, keep up the good work! Ava is a precious little girl who deserves to have a Dad who loves her as much as Richie does, he’s done a wonderful job raising her. i also loved what he said about his mother too, he seems to be in awe of the two women in his life and understandably so

- Lauren on February 13th, 2008

I am so happy to see Richie doing so well and talking about his mother and little girl (if 10 can still be considered little!.) Ava is truly blessed to have such a wonderful father in her life. For all fans, like myself, who saw what he went through last year, it is marvelous to know that he has such a wonderful mother and daughter to keep him happy. Richie you are an inspiration!

- Mara on February 13th, 2008

I would gladly have a child with him!!

- Kathy on February 13th, 2008

my earlier typing was not quite right. I meant to say “even”
And I’m indeed very glad that he has such a good bond with his mother and with Ava.
I would love to see more of them in CBB
And I’m also willing to be the mother to his next child

- Black on February 14th, 2008

Richie really went through a hard time but has come through it with the support of his mother and the love of his daughter obviously. I dont know what happened with his ex but it sounds like a lot of the story wasn’t made public, namely Richie didn’t say one word about the situation. It seems as if it affected him very very badly which is understandable.

It’s encouraging to see a parent come through a hardship and remain true to their love for their child as a paramount focus, but also that he sought the love and support of his own mother. I wonder what he means by their having been a custody battle, as I recall the press talking about them having been quite amicable over everything? Clearly his ex was causing him a huge deal of devastation. He seems so devoted and aware of his childs needs so I can’t even begin to fathom the thinking there.

I’m just glad he’s sounding better, as he seems like a wonderful loving man.

- fern on February 14th, 2008

He’s so cuuuuuuutttte!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a gorgeous hunk and what a fantastic attitude he gives off about parenthood

I just think he’s wonderful and the girl who gets him better appreciate him.

- Avery on February 14th, 2008

I just love Richie Sambora and that he will always be there for is little girl. If i ever meet him there will be so much to tell him and i wish him lots of happiness and love and any girl that gets you i do really hope she treats u right. I love ya Richie and you rock my world.

- Brenda on February 17th, 2008