Valerie Bertinelli, a beloved figure in Hollywood for decades, has long been known for her charm, warmth, and relatability.

From her early days as a teen actress to her career as a Food Network star, Valerie has maintained a public image of grace and positivity.

However, behind the scenes, her life has been anything but easy.

At 65, Valerie has finally opened up about the struggles she faced, including toxic relationships, addiction, body image issues, and mental health battles.

Her story is one of resilience, healing, and ultimately, self-acceptance.

 

Valerie Bertinelli was just in her 20s when she married Eddie Van Halen, the legendary rock musician and guitarist for Van Halen.

Their marriage, which began in 1981, attracted widespread attention due to the stark contrast between Valerie’s innocent, girl-next-door TV persona and Eddie’s rebellious rock star image.

While their relationship seemed glamorous on the surface, Valerie has since revealed the painful reality behind closed doors.

 

In her memoirs, *Losing It* and *Enough Already*, Valerie recounted the challenges of being married to Eddie, who battled cocaine addiction and refused to quit smoking, even after being diagnosed with cancer.

She described the helplessness of watching someone she loved deeply succumb to self-destructive habits.

Despite their divorce in 2007, Valerie remained by Eddie’s side until his death in 2020, holding his hand as he took his final breath.

Their relationship was complex, filled with love and pain, and Valerie’s candid reflections provide a rare glimpse into the emotional toll of loving someone you cannot save.

 

In 2011, Valerie married Tom Vitale, a financial planner who seemed to offer a more peaceful life compared to her tumultuous years with Eddie.

However, the marriage proved to be anything but tranquil.

After their divorce in 2022, Valerie described the relationship as toxic, though she chose not to elaborate on the details.

She admitted to using food and alcohol as coping mechanisms during their conflicts, a revelation that confirmed what many had suspected about her struggles behind the scenes.

 

Following the divorce, Valerie took time to heal and focus on herself.

While she initially expressed no desire to date again, she later entered a quiet relationship with writer Mike Goodnuff.

Although the relationship ended by the end of 2024, Valerie’s openness about her emotional struggles and her decision to prioritize self-care resonated deeply with her fans.

 

Valerie’s struggles with body image have been a recurring theme throughout her life.

Since her television debut at age 15, she has been under constant public scrutiny, particularly regarding her weight.

In the early 2000s, Valerie became the face of the Jenny Craig weight loss campaign, earning praise for her transformation.

However, she later admitted that her involvement with the diet company was a mistake.

The pressure to maintain an ideal weight left her feeling exhausted and ashamed, especially when media outlets criticized her for gaining weight.

In her book *Enough Already*, Valerie revealed the psychological toll of letting her self-worth be defined by the number on the scale.

She described how stepping on the scale each morning could dictate her mood for the entire day.

The turning point came in 2024 when Valerie posted a selfie in her underwear on Instagram, declaring that she was no longer ashamed of her stretch marks, loose skin, or imperfections.

The post sparked controversy, but for Valerie, it was a powerful step toward self-acceptance.

She followed it up with a bikini photo on her 65th birthday, accompanied by the caption, “I spent my youth trying to be someone else. Now I just want to be me.”

 

In addition to her struggles with body image, Valerie has also faced significant mental health challenges.

After her divorce from Tom Vitale, she began drinking more frequently, not for pleasure, but to numb her emotions.

By March 2024, she announced that she had stopped drinking, not as a lifelong commitment to sobriety, but as a way to regain clarity and reconnect with her emotions.

 

Valerie also sought therapy to address long-standing issues, including panic attacks and feelings of insecurity.

She became an advocate for mental health, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

To further support her healing journey, Valerie began journaling, meditating, and limiting her time on social media.

In May 2024, she announced a temporary break from Instagram, explaining that she felt overwhelmed by the pressure to maintain a positive image online.

 

Despite her personal struggles, Valerie has continued to find success in her professional life.

From 2015 to 2023, she hosted *Valerie’s Home Cooking* on the Food Network, a show that earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards.

Her down-to-earth approach and heartfelt storytelling made her a fan favorite.

She also co-hosted the *Kids Baking Championship*, where her patience and humor shone through.

 

However, in early 2024, Valerie was unexpectedly cut from *Kids Baking Championship*, sparking outrage among her loyal fans.

Many speculated that ageism played a role in the decision, as the entertainment industry often sidelines women over 50.

Valerie’s calm and dignified response to the situation only deepened her followers’ admiration for her resilience.

 

Later that year, she appeared on *The Drew Barrymore Show* as a lifestyle expert, marking a new chapter in her career.

She also released a cookbook, *Indulge: Delicious and Decadent Dishes to Enjoy and Share*, which focused on breaking free from diet culture and embracing food as a source of joy.

 

Throughout her life, Valerie has found stability and purpose in her role as a mother.

Her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, whom she shares with Eddie, has been her anchor through life’s ups and downs.

Valerie has often expressed pride in Wolfgang’s accomplishments, including his music career and personal happiness.

Their close bond remains a source of strength for her. At 65, Valerie Bertinelli is no longer trying to fit into anyone else’s mold.

Her journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance has been painful but transformative.

Whether she’s sharing unfiltered photos on Instagram, speaking openly about her mental health, or redefining her career, Valerie is living life on her own terms.

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of embracing one’s true self.

 

As Valerie herself has said, “True strength comes when you stop playing a role for others to see.”

 

Her journey inspires us all to face our struggles, let go of the past, and find peace within ourselves.

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