Valerie Bertinelli Reflects on Her Relationship with Eddie Van Halen in New Memoir

Valerie Bertinelli's memoir, *Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect*, offers an introspective look at her 26-year marriage to the late rock legend Eddie Van Halen. Married from 1981 until their amicable divorce in 2007, Bertinelli reflects on their shared experiences, love, and the challenges they faced, particularly during Van Halen's battle with throat cancer, which ultimately led to his death in October 2020.

Daily MailValerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: ‘Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake’Entertainment WeeklyUS Weekly

In her memoir, Bertinelli recounts her poignant final moments with Van Halen, revealing that her last words to him were, "I love you." She emphasizes the depth of their connection, stating, "Even when we were angry, we stayed loving." Their relationship, characterized by both affection and conflict, evolved over the years, culminating in a heartfelt reconciliation during Van Halen's final months. Bertinelli recalls a Thanksgiving when they opened their hearts to each other, expressing love and forgiveness for past mistakes.

Valerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: ‘Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake’Entertainment WeeklyUS WeeklyDaily Mail

Bertinelli shares that Van Halen expressed regret about their separation, reportedly saying, "The biggest mistake of my life was letting her go." Despite their divorce, she believes they never truly let go of each other, maintaining a bond that transcended their marital status. She reflects on their love as "a flawed love" that was nonetheless real and enduring. Bertinelli acknowledges that their relationship was not without challenges, including Van Halen's struggles with alcoholism, but she emphasizes the sweetness of his character and his desire to be a better person.

Valerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: ‘Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake’Entertainment WeeklyDaily MailUS Weekly

Throughout her memoir, Bertinelli asserts that she does not view her marriage to Van Halen as a failure. She recalls their early days as "madly in love" and highlights the importance of their shared son, Wolfgang Van Halen, in their lives. Bertinelli's reflections reveal a deep appreciation for the love they shared, stating, "There will always be a huge part in my heart for him." She emphasizes that their relationship, while complex, was filled with genuine affection and respect.

Valerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: ‘Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake’Entertainment WeeklyDaily MailUS Weekly

While Bertinelli expresses enduring love for Van Halen, she also candidly discusses the difficulties they faced, including her own feelings of inadequacy as a parent. She acknowledges the mistakes made during their marriage but emphasizes the lessons learned and the growth that came from their experiences together. Bertinelli's memoir serves as a testament to the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that can exist even after separation.

Valerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: ‘Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake’US WeeklyEntertainment Weekly

*Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect* is now available, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of Valerie Bertinelli's life and her relationship with Eddie Van Halen. Through her reflections, Bertinelli invites readers to consider the nuances of love and the importance of forgiveness, both for oneself and for others.

Valerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: ‘Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake’US WeeklyEntertainment Weekly