If you’re scouring the internet looking for the name of Richie Sambora wife now, you might be surprised to find that the chair next to him at the dinner table is currently empty. Or, more accurately, it’s reserved for his family and his music rather than a romantic partner.
As of early 2026, Richie Sambora is not married.
It’s a bit of a plot twist for a guy who spent decades as one of rock’s most eligible (and often coupled-up) icons. Usually, when a rock star of his caliber hits his mid-60s, there’s a younger model or a long-term "partner" in the picture. But Richie? He’s doing things differently. He’s leaning into a season of life that focuses on his daughter, his late mother’s legacy, and a surprisingly peaceful relationship with his most famous ex-wife.
The Richie Sambora Wife Now Reality: He’s Single (and Okay With It)
Let’s be real. People often assume that because Richie isn't touring with Bon Jovi right now, he must be tucked away in a mansion with a secret spouse. That’s just not the case. Honestly, the most important woman in his life right now is his daughter, Ava Sambora.
Richie has been very vocal about the fact that he left Bon Jovi back in 2013 specifically to be a father. He didn’t want to be a "paycheck dad" who only saw his kid via FaceTime from a hotel room in Brussels. That commitment to family seems to have superseded his desire to get remarried.
What happened to Orianthi?
For a long time, fans thought Orianthi—the world-class Australian guitarist—would be the one to finally take the title of the next Richie Sambora wife. They were the ultimate "guitar power couple." They lived together, they toured as RSO, and they seemed inseparable.
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But they split back in 2018. While there was some "taking a break" language used at the time, they haven't reunited romantically. Orianthi has since moved on (she was recently linked to Tracii Guns), and Richie has remained flying solo. They’re still cool with each other, but the "wife" ship sailed a long time ago.
The Heather Locklear Connection in 2026
You can't talk about Richie Sambora's marital history without talking about Heather Locklear. They were the couple of the 90s. When they divorced in 2007, it was messy. Like, tabloid-gold messy.
But fast forward to 2026, and their relationship is... actually kind of beautiful?
- They co-parented Ava with zero drama for years.
- Richie stood by Heather through her well-documented personal struggles and sobriety journey.
- They’ve been spotted at family events together, looking more like old friends than bitter exes.
Just recently, in early 2026, news broke about their daughter Ava’s upcoming wedding to Tyler Farrar, set for May. Richie has been gushing about his future son-in-law, even joking on podcasts that the couple is "already married" because they've been together so long. The fact that Richie and Heather can come together to plan a wedding without the "ex-wife" tension is a testament to how much he’s prioritized peace over romantic drama.
Why He Isn't Rushing to the Altar
So, why isn't there a Richie Sambora wife now?
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Basically, the guy has had enough "rock star" drama to last three lifetimes. Between the Nikki Lund lawsuit years ago and the intense spotlight on his marriage to Heather, Richie seems to value his privacy more than ever.
He’s also been dealing with some heavy personal stuff lately. His mother, Joan Sambora, passed away in January 2026, just days before her 90th birthday. Sources close to the guitarist say he was incredibly devoted to her, ensuring she had 24/7 care in her final days. When you’re focused on being a present father and a devoted son, the hunt for a new wife tends to fall to the bottom of the list.
The "Bon Jovi" Factor
There’s also the constant "will he or won't he" regarding a Bon Jovi reunion. In late 2025, Richie confirmed he wouldn't be joining the band for their 2026 tour. He’s happy. He’s writing his own music. He’s not interested in the grueling schedule of a global tour, and it seems he’s equally uninterested in the "work" required to maintain a high-profile marriage right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About Richie’s Love Life
Most fans think he’s lonely. You see a guy who was once the ultimate heartthrob living a relatively quiet life in Calabasas and you assume something is missing.
But if you listen to his recent interviews—like his chat on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast—he sounds more energized than he has in years. He’s obsessed with his daughter’s success (she’s pursuing a doctorate!) and he’s genuinely excited about becoming a father-in-law.
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The idea of a "wife" is a traditional metric of success that Richie just doesn't seem to care about anymore. He’s had the trophy marriage. He’s had the rock-and-roll partnership. Now, he’s having the "Richie" years.
How to Keep Up With Richie in 2026
If you're looking for updates on Richie's status, don't look at the marriage licenses at the courthouse. Look at his music and his family milestones.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch for the Wedding: Keep an eye out for photos from Ava Sambora’s wedding in May 2026. It’s likely the biggest "family" appearance Richie will make this year.
- Listen to New Tracks: Richie is still quietly working on solo material. He’s hinted at releases that reflect his current mindset—slower, more soulful, and definitely less "glam rock."
- Check Social Media: While he isn't a daily poster, his Instagram often features updates on his projects and his daughter’s achievements.
Richie Sambora is proving that you don't need a spouse to have a "full" life. Sometimes, being a world-class dad and a legendary guitarist is more than enough.