Valerie Bertinelli, a beloved actress and TV personality who has captured hearts for years, has recently shared some exciting news that’s bringing a renewed sense of joy into her life. After years of heartache, heartbreak, and the quiet resilience that’s defined her journey, she’s finally opening a new chapter—one that includes love. She’s gone from publicly proclaiming she was “off the market” to confidently sharing on Instagram that she has found a new boyfriend, and her fans couldn’t be happier for her.
The 63-year-old star made her relationship official last Friday, posting a selfie with a caption that immediately caught everyone’s attention. In the photo, she was smiling warmly, accompanied by lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song “So High School,” which has been rumored to be about Swift’s current boyfriend, Travis Kelce. The choice was meaningful—an artist’s way of sharing her feelings in a playful, yet heartfelt manner. The post was particularly poignant because it came nearly two years after her divorce from her former husband, Tom Vitale, and four years after she lost her first husband, the legendary Eddie Van Halen.
In her caption, Valerie wrote, “I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night.” It was a playful yet intimate expression of her happiness, a declaration that she’s finally embracing life and love again after a long, often difficult journey.
According to Entertainment Tonight, her new partner is writer Mike Goodnough, better known as the Hoarse Whisperer, who is known for his humor, talent, and insightful writing. The news surprised many fans, but Valerie had been hinting at her happiness in recent weeks. Earlier this month, during an interview with USA Today, she dropped a major hint by saying, “I’ve met someone,” adding that she’s “really appreciative of him.” She described their connection as unlike anything she’s experienced before. “I feel so fortunate to have met him,” she said, “and I don’t want to give away too much. I was going to die really happy, surrounded by my six cats and dog.” Her words reflected both her vulnerability and her hope that this new relationship might be a true turning point.
Her openness about her new love came after she referenced her long history with Goodnough. The two had been following each other on social media since 2016 or 2017, and gradually their interactions grew more frequent. By 2018, they were exchanging messages, and after her divorce from Tom Vitale in 2022, the communication deepened. Valerie has described Goodnough as “a really super funny, incredibly talented writer,” someone who brings a lightness and humor into her life—a sharp contrast to her past struggles but also a reflection of how far she’s come.
This month, Valerie was even more candid, telling PEOPLE magazine, “I’m in love.” Her honesty was tinged with surprise—she admitted, “I swear I would never fall in love again,” and her words hinted at a seesaw of emotions that she’s navigating. It’s easy to root for her, especially knowing the hardships she’s already faced and the resilience she’s shown throughout her life. Seeing her happy, smiling, and embracing this new chapter has become a source of inspiration for many.
It’s comforting to witness her contentment, and her openness about finding love again reminds us all that no matter the setbacks or the losses, life can surprise us when we least expect it. Valerie Bertinelli’s story continues to unfold, and her fans are eager to see where this new relationship might lead. For now, everyone’s just happy to see her smiling again, knowing she’s found happiness and a new hope to cherish. And honestly, after everything she’s been through, she deserves every ounce of it.
