After a long struggle with addiction, Heather Locklear finds herself on the other side. The 58-year-old actress took to Instagram to share an inspirational quote attributed to Maya Angelou in celebration of one year of sobriety.
Sobriety is difficult even under the most ideal circumstances for those who struggle with addiction. During this extended time at home, those in recovery have had to keep at it to remain sober during an unthinkable situation with no clear end in sight.
Heather, to her credit, has done an amazing job. She posted a video sending her love to everyone in late March. She even cracked a joke about her dark roots and her infamous Melrose Place character, Amanda Woodward.
It's great to see Heather thriving in a good place. She has largely lain low after a year where she was in and out of rehab, trying to find her way. It seems she's finally on the right track and loving it.
Heather Locklear celebrated a special and important milestone on Tuesday. The 58-year-old actress marked one year of sobriety. She shared the news on Instagram with an inspirational quote from Maya Angelou.
"Hugs will come later," Heather captioned. She's referring to a part of the quote that reads:
“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“1 year sober today!!!” she concluded the caption.
"She is gardening and taking walks and cooking like a fiend," the source continued.
"She cooks for herself and Ava, and she cooks for her parents." Ava is Heather's 22-year-old daughter with ex Richie Sambora.
"She is passionately getting into cooking," the friend continued.
"It’s very sweet, her dad is close to 91 and her mom is in her 80s and she delivers food to them often. It’s so thoughtful. She’s strong and clear headed and she’s thoughtful about others."
Heather decided to get serious about sobriety last spring. Sources close to her told People at the time that it was a much-needed action to take.
"Her issue is alcohol, pills, and her mental health. She doesn’t want anybody to hold her accountable," they said at the time.
"She has no job, nothing to keep her accountable. This has been tearing up her family. It’s been an ongoing issue for many many years. It has been horrible for Ava."
Richie has continued to be supportive, even if he isn't hands-on in doing so. "Richie isn’t really involved anymore, though he has always been a great supporter," the source noted. "He has supported Ava and has always been there for Heather."
Richie has stood by that assessment, according to a statement issued by his reps. "I will not waiver on always being there for Heather to see she gets the best help possible, and especially Ava," he said.
"I am once again very proud of my daughter for her composure and strength during this difficult time."
Over the past year, Heather has offered some glimpses at what sober life looks like for her. In August, she shared a photo of her dog asleep on her Alcoholics Anonymous book. A passage about allowing God to help remove things that are objectionable is visible.
In September, she showed the Alcoholics Anonymous third step prayer scrawled on her mirror.
"God, I offer myself to Thee — to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!"
Heather seems to be showing a commitment to sobriety that those close to her haven't seen before. Her renewed dedication to herself and the important relationships in her life shows that change is very possible. Congratulations to Heather on this significant step!
