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

Riley Calderon

Published: March 10, 2026 5:22 PM ET

Valerie Bertinelli’s recent memoir, *Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect*, offers a poignant reflection on her relationship with the late Eddie Van Halen. Through heartfelt memories, she explores their 26-year marriage, which ended in divorce in 2007.

Eddie Van Halen’s Regret: “Letting Her Go Was His Biggest Mistake”

In her book, Bertinelli shares a touching insight into Van Halen’s feelings before he passed away in 2020. She recounts that during their final year, he expressed deep remorse over their relationship’s end. “The biggest mistake of my life was letting her go,” he reportedly said after she left a room. Despite their separation, Bertinelli believes they never truly let go of each other.

A Heartfelt Connection

Valerie and Eddie met backstage at one of his concerts in the 1980s. They tied the knot in 1981 and welcomed their only son, Wolfgang Van Halen, in 1991. Their marriage lasted 26 years, marked by love and challenges, culminating in an amicable divorce. Bertinelli emphasizes that even during their separation, they maintained mutual respect and affection.

Enduring Love

Final Thanksgiving: The couple shared heartfelt moments, opening their hearts to one another.
Last Words: Bertinelli expressed love to Van Halen as he took his last breaths.
A Flawed Love: Bertinelli described their bond as genuine and evolving over the years.

In her memoir, Bertinelli reflects on their journey as one filled with love and forgiveness. She acknowledges their imperfections but highlights that their love remained real. After their marriage, Bertinelli married businessman Tom Vitale in 2011, but they separated in 2022.

Valerie’s Perspective

Bertinelli has previously stated she does not view her marriage to Van Halen as a failure. During an appearance on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, she shared that many years were filled with happiness. “I just can’t think of it as a failure, because I still have deep love for the man even though he’s not here,” she expressed.

Ultimately, Bertinelli’s memoir highlights a loving yet complex relationship. Their shared memories and experiences ultimately shaped who she is today, and she cherishes the lessons learned from their time together.

*Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect* is now available in stores for those interested in a deeper dive into Bertinelli’s life and relationship with Eddie Van Halen.