Valerie Bertinelli Tears up While Admitting She ‘Can’t Imagine Ever Trusting Anyone Again’ after 2 Divorces

After going through two failed marriages and her former husband’s demise, Valerie Bertinelli is not afraid to talk about her struggles, like everyone else. Here is what the actress had to say about her difficult moments.

American actress and television icon Valerie Bertinelli is an accomplished woman with many awards and accolades from years of hard work. 

Sadly, while her professional life has seen so much success, Bertinelli’s love life has been quite different. The actress has been unlucky in love — she’s had two failed marriages. 

Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen. | Source: Getty Images

Bertinelli’s first marriage was to musician and songwriter Eddie Van Halen. The pair’s romance began in 1980, and the following year, they tied the knot, eight months after they started dating. 

In 1991, Bertinelli and Van Halen welcomed their only child, Wolfgang. For the next few years, the family of three would live happily until the couple’s separation in 2001.

The “One Day at a Time” star filed for divorce four years later. Despite having a failed marriage, Bertinelli and Van Halen maintained a good relationship until the latter died in 2020. 

Eddie Van Halen & Valerie Bertinelli at the Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Since the musician passed, Bertinelli has spoken candidly about their deep romance, including how she believed Van Halen was her soulmate.

The actress has also expressed her regrets on various occasions, one of which was during an interview with ET’s Nischelle Turner. In Bertinelli’s words:

“I think it’s OK to speak in regrets. Regrets, like mistakes, is how we learn. I have plenty regrets. I wish I could have spent more time with Ed.”

Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen during 38th Annual Golden Globe Awards at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

“When he was living in that big house alone for the last year of his life…I would have loved to have been over there more, but then we had COVID. Because I did not want to get him sick, even though I was not sick,” she added.

Although Bertinelli and Van Halen could not spend enough time with each other, they made sure to talk as much as possible over the phone. 

Eddie Van Halen, Wolfgang Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli sighted at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California on January 29, 1997. | Source: Getty Images

The actress recalled having a deep conversation with her ex-husband before his demise. The pair told each other everything they needed to say while reminiscing on how much they loved each other.

Indeed, Bertinelli and Van Halen shared a bond that transformed after their divorce. However, despite how close they were, the “Wilderness Love” star does not believe she and Van Halen would have rekindled their romance.

BERTINELLI’S SECOND FAILED MARRIAGE 

Actor Valerie Bertinelli speaks at ATAS Celebrates “60 Years: A Retrospective Of Television And The Academy” at the Academy’s Leonard H. Goldenson Theater on October 12, 2006 in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Following her divorce from Van Halen, Bertinelli found love again in the arms of financial planner Tom Vitale. They dated for many years before getting married on January 1, 2011, at their cliffside home in Malibu. 

Bertinelli and Vitale stayed married for over a decade before their union crumbled. In November 2021, the actress filed for legal separation, citing irreconcilable differences, but six months later, she amended her petition and asked for a divorce.

Actress Valerie Bertinelli and Tom Vitale attend the 2009 Mint Jubilee Derby Eve Gala at the Galt House Hotel & Suites on May 1, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. | Source: Getty Images

Since then, the estranged couple has been in a legal battle. On June 2, 2022, Vitale filed documents in the Los Angeles Superior Court, asking to be awarded spousal support.

The documents also revealed that the financial planner seeks to challenge the validity of their prenup and block his estranged wife from requesting spousal support.

BERTINELLI’S THOUGHTS ABOUT HER EX-HUSBAND’S DEATH AND ONGOING DIVORCE 

Tom Vitale and actress Valerie Bertinelli attend Power of Pink 2014 Benefiting the Cancer Prevention Program at Saint John’s Health Center at House of Blues Sunset Strip on October 23, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

On June 9, 2022, Bertinelli sat down with Hoda Kotb on the “Today’s” show to discuss various issues about her personal life. 

The actress started the chat session by opening up about her ex-husband’s death. Bertinelli confessed that one thing she learned from Van Halen’s demise is that love always wins. Bertinelli added,

“No matter what, even when they are gone. There is still that love to be grateful for that you had.”

Valerie Bertinelli on Friday, January 24, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

In addition to her ex-husband’s death, the “Food Network” host also spoke about her ongoing messy divorce and how she has no plans of remarrying. In Bertinelli’s words:

“I am gonna be more than happy to be happily divorced and spend the rest of my life alone. I’ll be happy that way. Well, with my six cats and my dog and my son, and hopefully one day grandchildren.”

Actress Valerie Bertinelli attends a signing for her book “Finding It” at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at The Grove on October 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The actress also made it known that she never sees herself looking for love, and when asked about her reason, Bertinelli said:

“Because of the challenges that I’m going through right now because divorce sucks. I can’t imagine ever trusting anyone again to let into my life. So I have some trust issues that I’m sure I’m going to have to get past.”

Besides talking about her love life, Bertinelli gave a shout-out to her brother, who had open-heart surgery, wishing him a speedy recovery. But, overall, the TV star appears to be coping well with the difficulties of her ongoing divorce. 

Valerie Bertinelli on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. | Source: Getty Images

Since filing for divorce from her second husband, Bertinelli has received a ton of support from fans. The actress once posted a video on TikTok explaining the challenges of going through a divorce.

Not long after, a worried fan took to the comments section to note that Bertinelli looked very depressed and sad. In response to the fan’s comment, the actress shared a video on Instagram, noting that she was just having a bad day and was looking forward to a good one.

BERTINELLI’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HER ONLY SON

After facing many trying times in her life, Bertinelli is blessed to have a son who supports her. The mother and her son, Wolfgang, share a sweet relationship they are not ashamed of. 

During a June 2021 interview with People, Wolfgang described his and his mother’s relationship as sarcastic and filled with humorous moments. 

Bertinelli confirmed her son’s words in a different interview, noting that laughing is one of the easiest ways to get through all the craziness in the world.

Andraia Allsop, Wolfgang Van Halen, and Valerie Bertinelli attend the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Besides sharing hilarious moments, the mother and son also express their love for each other on social media, especially during special celebrations like birthday anniversaries. 

Overall, Bertinelli and Wolfgang are thankful for each other and can not be prouder of their achievements. For Bertinelli, seeing her son attain great heights in his career, including a Grammy Award nomination, is the best feeling in the world.

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