Denise Richards, Richie Sambora Split, Rep For Actress Confirms Couple Called It Quits Months Ago

NEW YORK, May 15, 2007

Musician Richie Sambora and actress Denise Richards in New York at Radio City Music Hall September 7, 2006. (GETTY IMAGES/Peter Kramer)

(CBS) Actress Denise Richards and Richie Sambora called it quits a few months ago, a rep for the actress confirmed Tuesday.

The couple began dating last April, after the Bon Jovi guitarist had split from his wife of nearly 12 years, Heather Locklear, Richard's one-time friend.

"They split a few months ago," Richards' rep, Jill Fritzo, told The ShowBuzz on Tuesday.

"They were trying to keep it as quiet as possible so they don't have to live in the media spotlight," Fritzo said. "They have been extremely supportive of each other."

Fritzo said Richards attended the funeral of Sambora's father last month when he died of cancer.

Photos: Celebrity Splits

Richards, 36, was previously married to actor Charlie Sheen. They have two children together. Sambora and Locklear wed in December of 1994. They have a daughter named Ava.

Fast Fact

Denise Richards' publicist said the actress attended the funeral of Richie Sambora's father last month when he died of cancer.

Last year, Richards told "Entertainment Tonight" that she didn't begin seeing Sambora until after Locklear filed for divorce.

Richards said that she, Locklear, Sheen, and Sambora were all friendly, but that she and Locklear were not "best friends."

Richards said she and the actress were close in the last few years but that their friendship was not "salvageable."

By Amy Bonawitz
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