What Really Happened Between Valerie Bertinelli and Her Ex? The Inside Scoop on Her Love Life

Valerie Bertinelli has been Hollywood's favorite for years, not only because she acts but also because she so unapologetically presents her life to fans. From her highly publicized marriage to her more recent self-love and self-discovery, Valerie's love life has been a rollercoaster ride. 

What makes her journey so accessible is that she doesn't minimize the imperfect parts, she takes ownership of them. Through heartbreak, hope, and healing, Valerie inspires us all over again by showing us that it's never too late to learn, love yourself, and tough it out. 

Ten Years with Tom: Love, Loss, and Letting Go 

After her breakup with Eddie Van Halen, Valerie found new love with Tom Vitale, a money man. They met in 2004 and waited forever before finally getting married in 2011. 

Life was fine for a while—they had well over a decade of living together. But things started to fall apart in 2021, and Valerie made the sad choice to officially break up. By 2022, they were divorced. 

She later confirmed that the relationship had become painful and unhealthy, and compelled her eventually to leave. It wasn't simple, but it was for her sake. This chapter showed strength—the power to walk away when love becomes something that no longer lifts you up. 

Eddie and Valerie: A Love That Evolved but Never Faded 

Valerie's initial marriage to rocker Eddie Van Halen was rocky, yet it was a love that never really faded away. They married in 1981, had their son Wolfgang in 1991, and survived all kinds of problems, Eddie's addiction, and the chaos of fame. 

Even when they broke up in 2007, they were close friends and worked hard at being fabulous co-parents. Valerie has never said anything but wonderful things about him, especially after his passing. 

Theirs was not a perfect story, but it was real. It taught her so much about lasting relationships—though romance fades, there remains something of friendship and respect to be left behind. 

Mike Goodnough: A New Spark, A Bittersweet Finale 

Valerie surprised everyone in 2024 when she brought her newest boyfriend, Mike Goodnough, a blogger known well for his emotionally charged updates on the web. They met online and developed a lovely long-distance relationship. 

Although they lived on opposite sides of the nation from each other, they had a "three-week rule" to stay close. But at 10 months, they broke it in November 2024. Both of them said it was a tearful breakup—Mike went so far as to call it the worst experience of his life. 

Valerie later admitted she had done some things wrong and wished she hadn't lost him. However, she's grateful for what they had. Their story reminded us (and you and me too) that love can come to you when you least expect it, and leave as suddenly. 

Healing and Growth: Loving Herself First 

One of Valerie's greatest strengths is that she's so forthcoming about her own flaws and process of healing. She's talked about how communication issues and emotional scars were present in her most recent break-up. 

In her own words, she "screwed up the last real good man." But instead of keeping it under wraps, she posts about it on the internet, encouraging others to be kind to themselves and take the lessons they've learned along the way.

In celebrating two years since her last divorce, Valerie's attitude is one of self-love, independence, and moving forward. She's not pretending to have all the answers—but she's getting the work done. And that's what makes her story so inspiring.