Valerie Bertinelli is offering a heartfelt clarification about her current relationship status and expressing her deep affection for her former beau, Mike Goodnough. On Monday, March 3, the renowned celebrity chef took to Instagram to pen a poignant tribute to her ex, whom she dated for ten months before their separation was confirmed by sources in November 2024.
"Precisely a year ago today, I crossed paths with the incredible @therealhoarse, and he has irreversibly transformed me for the better. Meeting and spending time with him has undoubtedly molded me into a stronger, more benevolent individual," Bertinelli penned, addressing the talented professional writer.
She elaborated, sharing that her initial attraction to him stemmed from his writing. "It’s genuine, intelligent, humorous, sensitive, caring, and soulful. The way he weaves words together is breathtakingly beautiful. I’m a huge admirer, can you tell?" she gushed. "And much to my delight, the person he is in real life mirrors his writing – heartfelt, authentic, sensitive, and caring."
Bertinelli continued, expressing her gratitude for having had the opportunity to get to know him and absorb his profound insights. "Our lengthy conversations have guided me to places I never thought to explore, offering me a fresh perspective on life. He has played a pivotal role in healing old childhood wounds I was unsure how to address," she revealed, urging her followers to subscribe to Goodnough’s newsletter, Hoarse Whisperings, to experience the beauty of being in his presence.
She concluded her caption with heartfelt words: "Thank you, Mike. Though we may no longer be a couple, you will forever hold a special place in my heart. I love you."
The Food Network veteran had hinted at their split before, but this tribute marked the first time she explicitly acknowledged their breakup.
Last week, Bertinelli opened up to her fellow panelists, Drew Barrymore and Ross Matthews, on The Drew Barrymore Show about how breakups teach us how to behave better. Earlier in February, she penned another candid Instagram post, sharing that she had learned from "two failed marriages" and that she had "let slip away the last truly good man she met." She explained that these relationships had taught her invaluable lessons, particularly how to seek and offer apologies.
Bertinelli was married to financial planner Tom Vitale from 2011 until 2022 and before that, she was married to the late Van Halen frontman Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until 2007.
