Valerie Bertinelli’s New Memoir
Valerie Bertinelli, now 65 years old, has released her latest memoir titled ‘Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect’, which was published on March 10, 2026. The book offers an intimate look into her life, touching on her experiences with trauma, relationships, and her journey toward self-acceptance.
In her memoir, Bertinelli candidly discusses her past, including the painful experience of being sexually abused at the age of 11. She reflects on how this trauma shaped her life and her approach to healing, mentioning her learning of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a significant step in her recovery. “I was sexually assaulted. It doesn’t feel like it owns me anymore. I’m a survivor,” she states, emphasizing her resilience.
Bertinelli’s personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships, notably her 26-year marriage to rock legend Eddie Van Halen, which ended in divorce in 2007 after their separation in 2001. Van Halen passed away from cancer in 2020, and Bertinelli recalls her final words to him: ‘I love you.’ She reflects on their relationship with fondness, 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.’
Following her marriage to Van Halen, Bertinelli entered into a second marriage with Tom Vitale, which lasted just over a decade and was finalized in 2022. Currently, she has expressed that she is not interested in pursuing another relationship, focusing instead on her personal growth and healing.
Her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, now 34 years old, has also been a significant part of her life. Bertinelli’s relationship with her son is a source of pride and joy, as she navigates the complexities of motherhood alongside her own healing journey.
Throughout her memoir, Bertinelli emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the work it takes to embrace imperfections. She addresses the public scrutiny she has faced, stating, ‘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 determination to reclaim her narrative and focus on her own truth.
As readers delve into Bertinelli’s memoir, they can expect a raw and honest account of her life, filled with lessons on resilience and self-love. Observers are eager to see how her story resonates with those who have faced similar challenges, and what impact her words will have on her audience.