Guitarist Richie Sambora, who was in the legendary rock band Bon Jovi, is mourning a heartbreaking loss after his mother, Joan Sambora, passed away at the age of 89. She died peacefully in her home in New Jersey on Sunday, Jan. 11, PEOPLE reports.
It was just four days before her 90th birthday.
Richie Sambora Was Taking Care Of His Mother In Recent Years
After Richie’s mother, Joan, suffered back-to-back falls in 2023 and 2024, in which she broke her hip and wrist, followed by her back and ribs, he moved in with her “full-time” to help her recover and by “relentlessly pursuing getting his mom back on her feet,” according to PEOPLE.
The outlet added that Richie has “been Joan’s primary support system since the death of his father, Adam, in 2007 from lung cancer.”
And with that, a source speaking to PEOPLE detailed how the guitarist “never hesitated to leave his residences in California or Hawaii at a moment’s notice to return to New Jersey,” spending time living in the basement so he could be there for her “around the clock, even ringing in 2025 by her side.”
“He was so devoted to caring for his mother amid her recovery, the source notes, that Richie hired top medical care and support teams for 24/7 care to help Joan regain strength and stay comfortable,” the outlet wrote.
Fans Send Condolences After Richie Sambora’s Loss
“Oh my. Just read the news that Richie Sambora’s mum has died. My thoughts and prayers are with Richie and his family at this sad and difficult time. Sending lots of love and prayers to them,” one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We send out our deepest condolences to Richie, Ava, and all of Joan’s family, friends, and loved ones. No one rocked harder than Mama Sambora! RIP Joan Sambora,” an account called ‘Sambora Nation’ posted.
“It’s with the absolute deepest of sadness we say goodbye to Joan Sambora. Our thoughts and prayers are with Richie, his daughter Ava, and the entire Sambora family during this difficult time. Please be respectful of the Sambora Family, and respect their privacy at this time,” another account named ‘Richie Sambora Fans Worldwide’ commented.
“Some sad news to report today. Richie Sambora’s mum, Joan, sadly passed away on January 11th 2026, just days before her 90th birthday! Thoughts are with Richie and his family at this sad time,” an account called ‘BonJobiTalk’ said.
My deepest condolences and prayers 🙏 are with you, Richie and Ava. May she Rest Peacefully.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Jane McMillin and Family
1-12-2026
My deepest condolences and prayers 🙏 are with you, Richie and Ava. May she Rest Peacefully.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Jane McMillin and Family
1-15-2026
My prayers 🙏 and condolences go out to Richie and his family, in their time of mourning