Almost five months after reports surfaced that Valerie Bertinelli and Mike Goodnough had parted ways, the beloved actress finally broke her silence. In a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating the one-year anniversary of their meeting, Valerie not only reflected on their time together but also confirmed their breakup for the first time. It's a moment that fans have been waiting for, and Valerie didn't disappoint with her candid words.
In a beautifully written caption, Valerie Bertinelli, now 64, expressed her deep gratitude for the impact Mike had on her life. "I met the @therealhoarse in person a year ago today, and I can honestly say that meeting him changed me for the better," she wrote. "I feel like I've grown into a stronger, kinder person because of him. He’s someone who truly made a difference in my life, and I’ll always be grateful for that."
Valerie went on to share how she initially fell in love with Mike's writing, praising his work and encouraging her followers to check out his Substack, Hoarse Whisperings. But it wasn't just about his words; it was about the person he is. "I fell in love with his soul," she wrote, setting the tone for what came next. "Mike, we may no longer be a couple, but you’ll always hold a very special place in my heart. Love you."
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Valerie’s Fans React to Her Thoughtful Words
Fans were quick to respond, flooding the comments section with messages of support and admiration. They praised Valerie for her grace and Mike for the positive influence he had on her life. One commenter wrote, "People definitely come into our lives for a reason! I’m quite sure he was as lucky to have you in his life!" Another fan chimed in, "Valerie, your words stir things, too. I have also followed Mike for a while and am so happy the two of you came into each other’s lives, even if it was just for a short while."
Valerie’s Journey to Love Again
Valerie's relationship with Mike Goodnough began in April 2024, marking her first serious romance after her divorce from Tom Vitale, whom she married in January 2011 and divorced in November 2022. Before Tom, Valerie was married to the late Eddie Van Halen for 26 years. Despite her storied past, Valerie proved that she could love again, and her connection with Mike was proof of that.
Unfortunately, their romance was short-lived. According to People, the couple parted ways in November 2024. A source told the magazine, "They’re no longer in a relationship." While the reasons for their split remain unclear, Mike shared cryptic messages on his Instagram Stories around the same time, hinting at the end of their romance.
Mike’s Subtle Goodbye
Days before the news of their breakup hit the headlines, Mike posted a series of quotes on his Instagram Stories that seemed to foreshadow the end of their relationship. One quote read, "If you can go a whole day without talking to me, then go another." Another said, "If someone is fine without you, then let them be fine without you." While some fans assumed these posts were directed at Valerie, Mike later clarified that they weren’t about her specifically. "Y’all for real, the things I post aren’t real-time coded subtweets of my own life," he wrote. "I post things that resonate with me as wise or thoughtful or lessons learned."
Despite the split, Valerie remains appreciative of the time they shared. A source exclusively told Closer that Valerie "fell hard" for Mike. "She really fell hard for him, him for her too, but the romance didn’t pan out," the source explained. "Some say it was the long-distance romance that did them in, others say it just wasn’t meant to be. But the bright side is that Valerie discovered that she could love again."
