One Day at a Time star Valerie Bertinelli once thought acting was her ultimate passion, her true calling. But everything changed when she welcomed her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, with her first husband, Eddie Van Halen, in 1991. It was a moment that shifted her entire life into a whole new direction.
Discovering Motherhood: The Most Satisfying Role
In her book Losing It, Valerie opens up about how motherhood became the most rewarding role of her life. "Of all the roles I've ever taken on, none has been as fulfilling as being a mom," she says with heartfelt emotion. "I chose to step away from the spotlight to focus on building a normal life for my family. I was driving carpools, volunteering in my son’s classroom, making dinners—just doing all the little things that make a family thrive." It's clear that Valerie found immense joy in creating a stable and loving environment for her child.
When Valerie first started dating Eddie, the legendary rock star, she felt like she had truly found her soulmate. They were so certain about their future together that they decided to tie the knot after just eight months of dating. "People would express doubts about our relationship, and it used to drive us crazy," Valerie recalled in an interview with People shortly after their wedding. "We're both monogamous people. I trust him completely, and he trusts me. There’s no way anything could ever come between us. I was just so happy."
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The End of an Era: A Difficult Decision
Unfortunately, Valerie and Eddie's marriage didn't last as long as they had hoped. Despite being diagnosed with oral cancer in 2000, Eddie continued to party and use drugs, which ultimately led to their separation. By 2001, Valerie realized that their relationship couldn't continue in its current state, and they officially divorced in 2007. "After Ed and I separated, I thought, 'I’ll finish raising my son, and then I’ll just retreat into a quiet life with 40 cats and get nice and fat,'" she admitted. "I truly thought I would be alone for the rest of my life."
A New Chapter: Finding Love Again
But life had other plans for Valerie. In 2011, she met and married her second husband, Tom Vitale. The couple has been together ever since, building a beautiful life full of love and support. "He loved me no matter what," Valerie gushed about her new partner in an interview with AARP the Magazine. "I’ve never felt more beautiful at any weight than when Tom looks at me. It’s a feeling like no other."
Moving Forward: Healing and Forgiveness
Being in a healthy and supportive relationship with Tom has also helped Valerie mend her relationship with Eddie. "They have both forgiven each other and love their son," a close friend revealed to Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue. "There are no more bad feelings between them. It's a beautiful example of how people can grow and heal over time."
Living in the Present: A Life Well-Lived
Today, Valerie describes her life as feeling "at home." In a recent interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, she reflected on her journey: "I went through a period where I wasn’t as happy as I could have been. But in just the last few years, I’ve reframed it as creating the next chapter of my life. It’s about embracing the present and all the beautiful opportunities it brings." It's clear that Valerie has found her groove, both personally and professionally.
We couldn't be happier for you, Valerie!
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