Valerie Bertinelli Admits That Eddie Van Halen and Tom Vitale Splits Were ‘Completely Different’

Valerie Bertinelli Reflects on Her Two Very Different Divorces

Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress known for her roles in “One Day at a Time” and “Hot in Cleveland,” recently shared intimate details about her experiences with divorce. During a heartfelt conversation on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Bertinelli opened up about her two marriages ending in divorce and how each split was uniquely challenging. At 65 years old, Bertinelli’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the emotional complexities of ending a marriage, especially when those marriages were with two very different men—rock legend Eddie Van Halen and financial planner Tom Vitale.

Bertinelli was married to Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until their divorce in 2007. Later, she married Tom Vitale in 2011, and their marriage lasted until 2022. Despite both relationships ending in divorce, Bertinelli emphasized that the experiences were “completely different,” highlighting the distinct emotional journeys she underwent with each partner.

How Valerie Bertinelli’s Divorces Differed

On the January 27 episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Bertinelli candidly discussed the nuances between her two divorces. When host Drew Barrymore, who has also experienced multiple divorces, brought up the recent trend of divorced women transforming their wedding rings into celebratory jewelry, Bertinelli resonated with the idea. She shared that after her last divorce, she sold her wedding ring back to the jeweler and replaced it with an “evil eye bracelet” as a symbol of empowerment and protection.

Bertinelli explained, “I mean I’ve had two divorces, and they were completely different. My last divorce, I actually, I did go back to the jeweler and sell my ring back, and I got a celebratory, like, evil eye bracelet.” This gesture represented a shift from mourning the end of a marriage to celebrating newfound freedom and strength.

Drew Barrymore praised this trend, noting that divorce often carries a stigma or sense of shame. She described the jewelry transformation as a “weird tone change” that brings “some empowerment [and] some rebelliousness.” Bertinelli agreed, adding that while divorce marks the end of a relationship, it also signifies the end of pain and the beginning of healing. “There was love at one point between those – I mean at some point,” she reflected, acknowledging the complexity of emotions involved.

Insights Into Valerie Bertinelli’s Personal Struggles Post-Divorce

Beyond the public narrative of her marriages, Bertinelli has been open about the personal challenges she faced, especially following her split from Tom Vitale. In early 2023, she took to social media to share her struggles with body image and emotional abuse during her marriage. In a poignant Instagram post, she revealed that she had stopped wearing certain clothes due to being “mercilessly mocked” for her weight.

She also disclosed the emotional toll of her relationship with Vitale, stating, “I have been screamed at so many times and told how fat and lazy I am.” Bertinelli recognized that these harsh words were projections from her ex-husband, but admitted that believing them had caused her pain. Despite this, she emphasized her journey toward self-acceptance and healing, saying, “I don’t believe it anymore. But it still doesn’t stop the feelings from coming up and the hurt.”

These revelations highlight the often unseen emotional battles that can accompany divorce, especially when the relationship was toxic. Bertinelli’s openness about her experiences serves as an inspiration to others navigating similar hardships.

New Beginnings and Reflections on Love

After her divorce from Vitale, Bertinelli found love again with Mike Goodnough in 2024. She described this relationship as “unlike any relationship that I’ve ever experienced with a man,” signaling a hopeful new chapter in her life. However, after dating for 10 months, the couple parted ways in November 2024.

In a reflective Instagram post in early 2025, Bertinelli acknowledged her two failed marriages and the end of her most recent relationship. She wrote candidly, “I have two failed marriages and fumbled the last true good man I met. Maybe don’t take advice from me.” Despite the setbacks, her honesty about love and loss resonates deeply with many who have faced similar experiences.

Bertinelli shares one son, Wolfgang Van Halen, with her late ex-husband Eddie Van Halen, who passed away from cancer in 2020. Her journey through love, loss, and healing continues to inspire fans and followers alike.

Conclusion

Valerie Bertinelli’s candid reflections on her divorces from Eddie Van Halen and Tom Vitale reveal the deeply personal and varied nature of ending a marriage. Her story underscores that no two divorces are the same, and healing often involves embracing empowerment and self-love. If you’re navigating the complexities of divorce or seeking inspiration to move forward, Bertinelli’s journey offers hope and encouragement. Stay connected for more heartfelt stories and insights by subscribing to our newsletter today!