Richie Sambora Reveals How His Son-in-Law Asked Him to Marry Daughter Ava Sambora (Exclusive)

Richie Sambora is thrilled to officially welcome his daughter Ava Sambora's fiancé Tyler Farrar into the family

NEED TO KNOW

• The former Bon Jovi rocker tells PEOPLE Farrar asked for his permission before proposing in 2024

• The couple tied the knot on May 16 at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, Calif.

Richie Samborais thrilled to officially welcome daughterAva Sambora’s fiancé Tyler Farrar into the family.

The rocker, 66, who shares Ava with exHeather Locklear, says that even before the couple tied the knot, he’s been calling Farrar “son” for some time.

“I love him,” Sambora told PEOPLE at the Kentucky Derby on May 2. “...I actually started to call him son prematurely compared to her other boyfriends.”

“He's a shoo-in and he's great,” the proud dad adds.

Ava and Farrar married during an outdoor wedding ceremony at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito, Calif., on Saturday, May 16.

The couple was surrounded by their close family and friends for their special day. Richie, 66, was in attendance, as were Locklear, 64, and her partner, Lorenzo Lamas.

Before Farrar got down on one knee, whichthe couple announced in an Instagram post in February 2024, he took his future father-in-law out for golf to share his plans to propose.

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“I said, ‘Do you have to ask, son?’ I said, ‘Of course,’" Richie told PEOPLE. “They've been living together happily for a long time, and we went on many vacations together and we spend a lot of time together. It's really a very good thing.”

“Being a dad is my favorite thing in the world, man,” he concludes.

Richie joined stars like*NSYNC’sLance BassandJoey Fatone, as well as athletes including NFL starJoe Burrow, OlympianLolo Jonesand former WNBA playerSue Birdat the 152nd Kentucky Derby race.

Also enjoying the festivities were five Verizon customers and their guests, who won an all-expenses-paid trip to the Derby throughVerizon Access— a rewards program that gives customers a chance to win trips to concerts and sporting events, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Days after her dad’s appearance at the Derby, Ava shared a carousel of images from herfloral-themed bridal showerattended by family and closer friends — including her mom.

“The most beautiful bridal shower,” Ava wrote in the caption. “Thank you to all the amazing women who hosted, organized, and attended this special day. I am beyond grateful for each of them, especially my mama, God mother Juliet, future mother in law Mary, and sister Monica.”

Read the original article onPeople