AceShowbiz - Valerie Bertinelli opens up about her years-long relationship with late rocker Eddie Van Halen in her memoir Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect, released on March 10. Reflecting on their two-decade marriage, she recalls the depth of their connection and the challenges they faced together.

The couple, married from 1981 until their divorce in 2007, share one son, Wolfgang Van Halen, who is now 34. Bertinelli describes their early romance as being "madly in love starting out," emphasizing the genuine affection they held for each other despite later hardships.

Though their marriage did not last, Bertinelli maintains a positive view of their time together. She recounts a poignant moment during their final Thanksgiving spent as a couple, when Van Halen opened up emotionally in a way he felt had been long overdue. "We both did. We found a place of deep love and forgiveness for our past mistakes," she writes, highlighting the enduring bond they shared even after separation.

Eddie Van Halen passed away in October 2020 at age 65 after battling throat cancer and suffering a stroke. Bertinelli recalls the final moments they shared in the hospital, saying her last words to him were simply, "I love you."

She also reflects on how they first met, revealing it was "backstage at a concert." Their initial connection blossomed quickly, with Van Halen inviting her to join him on the road just days later. From that point forward, their relationship grew amidst the demanding lifestyle of a touring musician.

Bertinelli does not shy away from discussing the difficulties they faced, particularly Van Halen's struggles with alcoholism. She notes that while he could become angry when drinking, he was never angry at her, and their dynamic was one of mutual understanding and patience. "He would get angry, and then I would get angry at him and poke him until he reciprocated," she shares, underscoring their unique way of managing conflict.

Her memoir provides insight into Van Halen's inner battles, explaining that he had difficulty confronting his traumas and the immense pressure he placed on himself. The shame he felt afterward was also a heavy burden, which Bertinelli witnessed firsthand due to her close proximity to his struggles.

In mourning Van Halen, Bertinelli expresses how deeply his passing affected her, stating that it still "breaks my heart" and lamenting that he "didn't get enough time" in life. She reveals that in the year before his death, he was actively making amends with people from his past, even cold-calling them to reconnect. This effort, she says, was a testament to the sweet nature that defined him at his core.

She also shares that Van Halen wanted to reconcile with her. According to her, he often expressed regret over their separation, reportedly saying, "The biggest mistake of my life was letting her go."

Bertinelli touches on more personal aspects of their relationship, such as Van Halen's reaction to her decision to get breast implants, which she later removed. He reportedly "couldn't understand" the choice because he "fell in love with me the way I was," highlighting his affection for her natural self.

Regarding their divorce, Bertinelli describes the split as amicable, despite the inevitable hurt feelings. She emphasizes that although their love was "flawed," it was genuine. "Even when we were angry, we stayed loving," she writes, noting how their relationship evolved and grew stronger over time, healing in different ways than at the beginning.

After Van Halen's death, Bertinelli reflects on his lasting presence in their son's life. She acknowledges that he remained Wolfgang's biggest supporter after her, cheering him on as he pursued his own music career. Watching their son perform, she recalls wishing Van Halen was still alive to share in the moment. "That was our kid onstage. Playing guitar. Singing songs he wrote. I needed an arm to grab. Parents will know what I mean," she explains, expressing the bittersweet feelings of witnessing Wolfgang's success without his father there.

Valerie Bertinelli's memoir offers a heartfelt and candid look at a complex relationship marked by love, struggle, forgiveness, and healing. Through recounting their story, she honors both the good and difficult times shared with Eddie Van Halen, preserving the memory of a man who deeply impacted her life and the life of their son.