Valerie Bertinelli On Still Loving Late Ex-Husband Eddie Van Halen & Why She’s ‘Grateful’ For Last Year They Shared

Mar 12, 2026 by apost team

Valerie Bertinelli has spent decades in the public eye, evolving from sitcom star to author, television host, and outspoken advocate for self-acceptance. Among the most significant chapters of her life was her relationship with legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, a founding member of the iconic rock band Van Halen.

The couple married in 1981 and remained together until their divorce in 2007. Their relationship unfolded under the intense scrutiny of fame, blending Hollywood celebrity with the high-energy world of rock music. Even years after their separation, Bertinelli continues to reflect on that relationship with empathy and perspective.

Born on April 3, 1960, Bertinelli first became a household name in the 1970s when she played Barbara Cooper on the beloved sitcom “One Day at a Time.” Her natural warmth and comedic timing helped her connect with audiences, launching a career that continued through popular television roles in “Touched by an Angel” and “Hot in Cleveland.” Over time, Bertinelli expanded her presence beyond acting.

She built a second career in food and lifestyle programming and authored several books that combine cooking, memoir, and personal reflection. Throughout her work, she has been candid about her struggles with body image, emotional growth, and the challenges of navigating life in the spotlight.

A recurring theme in Bertinelli’s story is vulnerability. She has openly discussed her long journey toward body positivity, sharing both the struggles and the lessons that shaped her outlook. Her willingness to address difficult topics has made her relatable to fans who see parts of their own experiences reflected in her honesty.

Speaking with PEOPLE about her memoir, “Getting Naked,” Bertinelli opened up about the hardships she and her late husband, Van Halen, endured and the deep connection that remained between them.

Bertinelli spoke candidly about the complexities of her relationship with Van Halen, who passed away in October 2020, and how time has changed her view of their marriage. She said:

“I met Ed when I was 20. I was too young to know better. I know that I might get in trouble for saying this, but I’m going to say it anyway because maybe somebody else feels this way — I wish I knew then what I know now.”

She added she wished she “had more compassion back then,” acknowledging that their separation was likely unavoidable, particularly as she tried to protect their son, Wolfgang Van Halen.

“We still probably would’ve divorced, because he wasn’t ready to get sober, and I had to protect Wolfie,” she confessed.

Despite the difficulties that shaped their marriage, Bertinelli confirmed her feelings toward Van Halen never completely disappeared.

“I can’t help but love the man. I went through so much with him, and I’m so grateful for the last year that we had. There’ll always be a huge part of my heart that contains Ed. He gave me the greatest gift, our son,” she said.

She also reflected on how their bond went beyond romance.

“Would we have ever been intimate together again? I really don’t think so. But I’ve never loved another man the way I loved Ed. And that’s just the way it is,” she said.

Bertinelli explained that she believes it is possible for love to evolve rather than disappear, saying:

“There’s something deeper there. It doesn’t take away the love he had in his second marriage. It doesn’t take the love away that I had in my second marriage. There is just something about Ed and I that was special.”

She continued: “And even though we weren’t married any longer, I still loved him. He still loved me, and that’s okay. You can love the father of your child. Isn’t it better than hating him? So yeah, I loved him.”

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Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen’s relationship proved that love can endure even after a relationship ends. What are your thoughts on that? Let us know, and then pass this on to friends and family who are fans of the television star and her former rock star husband!