Valerie Bertinelli’s New Memoir
Valerie Bertinelli’s new book, titled ‘Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect’, was published on March 10, 2026, and it dives deep into her personal journey of healing and self-acceptance. At 65 years old, Bertinelli reflects on her life experiences, including her marriage to rock legend Eddie Van Halen, who passed away from cancer in 2020.
In her memoir, Bertinelli reveals that she was sexually abused at the age of 11, a traumatic experience that she has worked hard to overcome. “I was sexually assaulted. It doesn’t feel like it owns me anymore. I’m a survivor,” she states, emphasizing her resilience and growth. She has also learned about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help with her trauma.
Bertinelli was married to Eddie Van Halen for 26 years, a relationship that began in 1981 and ended in divorce in 2007. They separated in 2001, and despite their challenges, Bertinelli has expressed enduring love for Van Halen, saying, “I still love him to this day. But when I say that, people are like, what? It’s because I love the human being. I love his soul.” Her final words to him were, ‘I love you.’
Following her marriage to Van Halen, Bertinelli married Tom Vitale, a union that lasted just over a decade and was finalized in 2022. Currently, she has stated that she is not interested in pursuing another relationship, focusing instead on her personal growth and well-being.
Her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, now 34 years old, has also been a significant part of her life. Bertinelli’s journey has not been without loss; she lost her brother Mark when he was just 17 months old, an event that has shaped her understanding of family and grief.
Throughout her memoir, Bertinelli addresses the challenges she has faced, including public scrutiny. She remarked, ‘If someone wants to spend months writing and lying about me, they can, because it doesn’t define who I am.’ This statement reflects her commitment to authenticity and self-acceptance, despite the pressures of fame.
As observers look forward to how Bertinelli’s story will resonate with readers, her memoir promises to offer insights into the quiet work of becoming perfectly imperfect. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any upcoming projects or further public appearances following the release of her book.
