MADONNA - MADONNA PAYS TRIBUTE TO RITCHIE AT BIRTHDAY PARTY

MADONNA ended months of speculation surrounding the state of her marriage when she delivered an emotional tribute to husband GUY RITCHIE at her birthday party on Tuesday (15AUG06). The LIKE A VIRGIN singer threw a lavish celebration in London the day before she turned 48, and invited a host of stars including GWYNETH PALTROW and KEVIN SPACEY. And she took the opportunity to express her love for the SNATCH director, whom she described as "the love of my life". She added, "He has changed my life for the better since I met him. I can only thank him for all his support."