In a recent interview, Valerie Bertinelli has shared her evolving perspective on her former marriage to music legend Eddie Van Halen. The heartfelt reflections come as the actress promotes her new memoir, “Getting Naked,” which offers an intimate look into her life and relationships.
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Bertinelli, who was married to the iconic Van Halen frontman from 1981 until their divorce in 2007, has opened up about the lessons she has garnered over the years. Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, the 65-year-old actress revealed that she entered the relationship at just 20 years of age, a time when she lacked the maturity and wisdom that hindsight has since provided. “I met Ed when I was 20. I was too young to know better,” Bertinelli acknowledged. She expressed a sense of regret, stating, “I wish I knew then what I know now,” and emphasised a desire for more compassion during those early years.
Despite the challenges they faced as a couple, Bertinelli highlights that their love story was not without its profound moments. She admits that the decisions they made were not without necessity: “We still probably would’ve divorced, because he wasn’t ready to get sober, and I had to protect Wolfie,” she noted, referencing their son, Wolfgang Van Halen.
Following Van Halen’s passing from throat cancer in 2020, Bertinelli has reflected on their relationship with fondness and gratitude. “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,” she shared. This sentiment illustrates a deep-seated emotional connection that remains intact despite their separation. Bertinelli conveyed that a significant part of her heart continues to be reserved for Van Halen, stating, “He gave me the greatest gift, our son.”
When considering whether they might have rekindled their romance had circumstances been different, Bertinelli was candid. “Would we have ever been intimate together again? I really don’t think so,” she said, yet she reaffirmed the depth of her feelings, saying, “I’ve never loved another man the way I loved Ed. And that’s just the way it is.”
Bertinelli’s reflections also acknowledge the love that evolved in their lives, both separately and together. She acknowledged the uniqueness of their bond, asserting, “There’s something deeper there.” She also stated that these feelings do not negate the love they experienced in their subsequent relationships. “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 explained.
The actress further articulated the importance of love and respect even after the end of a marriage, conveying, “Even though we weren’t married any longer, I still loved him. He still loved me, and that’s okay.” Bertinelli’s commitment to maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of their child shines through. “Isn’t it better than hating him?” she posed, underscoring the significance of love for the father of her child.
“Getting Naked” is now available to the public, promising readers insights into Bertinelli’s life, her struggles, and her reflections on love and loss. The memoir serves as a testament to her resilience and the capacity for enduring affection that transcends the complexities of relationships.
As fans and readers alike delve into her story, they are reminded that love can persist despite challenges and that personal growth often accompanies the passage of time. Bertinelli’s heartfelt testimony is a compelling exploration of the deeper aspects of love and the lessons learned from a relationship that shaped her life.