David Spade Checks In on Heather Locklear

By Jenny Sundel

10/05/2008 at 02:50 PM EDT

A year ago, David Spade owned up that he and Heather Locklear had been an item – only then they became friends, and now she's a friend in need.

"I texted her to check on her," Spade, 44, said Saturday night in Santa Monica at the annual benefit dinner and concert for the Lili Claire Foundation (which helps children living with neurogenetic conditions), about Locklear, who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

In July, Locklear left a treatment center, where she dealt with anxiety and depression.

"I think things get blown out a lot of proportion," said Spade. "She's always solid and always a great person. And I think people understand she's in a tough situation and she does her best."

When it comes to Locklear, 47, Sapde says, "I think there's no one that doesn't feel for her or have nice things to say about her in my experience."