Denise-Richie's Family Similarity: Parents with Cancer

Mon, 22 January 2007 12:00:00 ET

Denise Richards and boyfriend Richie Sambora both have a parent battling cancer. The actress, who made the revelation at Hollywood's GM Ten fashion show on Tuesday (20.02.07), said they are supporting each other through tough times. Denise said: "My mother has cancer and Richie's father has cancer. It's hard. Thank God Richie and I have each other not only to go through divorce, but to go through both our parents being ill."

The 'Blonde and Blonder' star has been helping to raise money for Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which is treating both Denise and Richie's parents. When asked about her relationship with Richie, she told People magazine: "You know, I'm really happy. I'm just taking one day at a time in my life." Denise and the Bon Jovi guitarist began dating following her split from husband of four years, Charlie Sheen, and Richie's separation from actress Heather Locklear, who filed for divorce in February 2006. Denise has two daughters, Sam J and Lola Rose, while Richie has one daughter, Ava.