Richie Sambora is eagerly anticipating his new role as a father-in-law. In a recent appearance on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff Podcast, which aired on November 12, the former Bon Jovi guitarist shared his excitement about his daughter Ava’s engagement and spoke warmly about her fiancé, Tyler Farrar.
Ava and Tyler announced their engagement in February with a heartfelt Instagram post. Just last month, they celebrated the milestone with an elegant party at Richie’s home, surrounded by about 50 guests. A source who attended described the event as a “beautiful day spent celebrating with family and loved ones.”
Family and love surround Richie Sambora as he celebrates Ava’s engagement with a heartfelt smile
Richie humorously shared, “They’ve been together for five years. They’re already married already,” joking with host Howie Mandel. “In my speech, I just said, ‘They’re really in love,’ and I love the kid.”
To get to know Tyler better, Richie said he has taken him on vacation and enjoys spending time with him, adding, “I like to put him right in the limelight so I get to see him, we get to talk.”
Richie explained that Ava met Tyler while attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Ava graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in women’s and gender studies. She later pursued her master’s in marriage and family therapy at USC.
Richie has always been proud of his daughter’s accomplishments. Last year, he spoke to PEOPLE, saying, “Ava is killing it” and mentioned that she was preparing to pursue a doctorate. He also commended her relationship with Tyler, praising him as a “gentleman” and noting how much they truly love each other.
Reflecting on Ava’s choice in a partner, Richie expressed his relief that she didn’t end up with a rock star like himself. Mandel remarked that meeting her famous father must have been intimidating for Tyler in the beginning.
Richie laughed and reassured, “Everybody seems to be somehow intimidated, right? And I’d be going, ‘Don’t worry about me, worry about her.’” He added, “I taught her how to be very discretionary and respect herself.”
