Valerie Bertinelli has always been more than just a familiar face on television. For decades, she has been a constant in the lives of millions — admired not only for her acting talent, but also for her warmth, honesty, and her willingness to let the public share in her personal journey. Fans have celebrated her triumphs and stood by her through heartbreak. In recent years, much of that heartbreak has played out in the public eye: the end of her marriage to Tom Vitale, and the devastating loss of her first husband, legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Valerie spoke openly about her grief, unflinching in sharing the depth of her struggles, yet determined to find peace on her own terms. For a while, it seemed she had left romance in the past, focusing instead on her work, her family, and her beloved pets. But life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.
Earlier this year, Valerie sparked speculation with a single Instagram post. Sharing a selfie alongside lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song “So High School” — “I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night” — she revealed a playfulness and lightheartedness her fans hadn’t seen in years. The energy was different, and her followers noticed immediately. Within hours, her comments filled with curiosity and excitement. After everything she had endured, people were overjoyed at the thought that Valerie might have found happiness again.
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That happiness was real. It came in the form of writer Mike Goodnough, known online by some as the “Hoarse Whisperer.” Shortly after Valerie’s post, Entertainment Tonight confirmed the rumors, and the news quickly spread. Valerie had already hinted at it herself in a USA Today interview, casually admitting, “I’ve met someone,” while expressing how deeply grateful she was. She laughed as she recalled once imagining her future spent solely with her six cats and her dog — and yet here she was, surprised by love.
Mike later addressed their relationship in his own Substack newsletter. In an essay titled “Rumors, Rumors, Rumors…” he recounted the playful moment he asked Valerie, in mock-reporter fashion, “Is it true you’re dating me?” Her answer was simple and genuine: “Yes, I am. You are my partner in life.” For both of them, that honesty crystallized the reality of their bond. This was not a fling — it was a true partnership, grounded in sincerity.
For Valerie, this chapter is especially profound. In her memoirs and most recently in her cookbook Indulge, she reflected tenderly on her enduring love for Eddie Van Halen, even after their divorce. She admitted she believed that, had cancer not taken him, they might have found their way back to each other. Those reflections revealed just how deeply Valerie has always cherished love — and how bravely she now allows herself to embrace it again.
