Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress and TV personality, has found love again. Two years after her divorce from ex-husband Tom Vitale and four years after the passing of her first husband, Eddie Van Halen, the 63-year-old star took to Instagram to share the exciting news of her new relationship. In a post that quickly grabbed fans’ attention, Bertinelli hinted at her blossoming romance, marking a new chapter in her life after enduring heartbreak.

Last Friday, Bertinelli made things official on Instagram by sharing a selfie accompanied by a caption featuring lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song So High School. The song, rumored to be about Swift’s current boyfriend, Travis Kelce, added a playful and romantic touch to the announcement. Bertinelli wrote, “I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night,” subtly alluding to her newfound happiness.

A Fresh Start with Writer Mike Goodnough

According to Entertainment Tonight, Bertinelli’s new boyfriend is writer Mike Goodnough, also known by his pen name, “The Hoarse Whisperer.” The two had been interacting on social media for years before their relationship turned romantic. Bertinelli recently told USA TODAY about her new love, sparking excitement among her fans.

“I’ve met someone,” she revealed. “It’s not like any connection I’ve ever had with a man before. I feel so fortunate to have met him, and I’m really grateful for this new chapter in my life.” She added, with her signature humor, “I was ready to live out my days happily surrounded by my six cats and dog, but life had other plans.”

Goodnough confirmed their relationship in a lighthearted essay titled “Rumors, Rumors, Rumors…” on his Substack. Sharing how he asked Bertinelli about the rumors they were dating, he wrote, “I used my best reporterly voice and asked, ‘Ms. Bertinelli, is there any truth to the idea that you are dating me? Would you like to comment?’”

According to Goodnough, Bertinelli responded without hesitation, saying, “It’s true. Yes, I am. You are my partner in life.” The confirmation was as sweet as it was humorous, and fans of both couldn’t be happier for the couple.

Reflecting on Her Past

Bertinelli has been candid about her journey through love and loss. In her recent cookbook, Indulge, published on April 12, she opened up about her deep bond with Eddie Van Halen, despite their divorce.

“Ed and I never stopped loving each other, even though we got divorced,” she wrote. The actress expressed bittersweet feelings, adding, “Who knows, if not for cancer, we might have had a second wind.” She clarified that this was simply wistful thinking but spoke volumes about the enduring connection they shared.

How It All Began

The love story between Bertinelli and Goodnough began years before they officially started dating. Bertinelli shared that she began following Goodnough on social media around 2016 or 2017. Goodnough followed her back in 2018, and their online exchanges eventually led to more meaningful conversations. After Bertinelli finalized her divorce from Tom Vitale in 2022, the connection between her and Goodnough grew stronger, and the two began building a deeper bond.

Describing her new partner, Bertinelli couldn’t help but gush. “He’s a really super funny, incredibly talented writer,” she said. It’s clear that his humor and creativity won her over, and their shared sense of joy has become a cornerstone of their relationship.

Embracing Love Again

Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Bertinelli declared, “I’m in love.” She admitted that falling in love again was unexpected, saying, “I swore I would never fall in love again, so it’s a bit of a seesaw of emotions.”

Her openness about the challenges and joys of starting over has resonated with fans, who admire her courage and vulnerability. Bertinelli’s willingness to embrace love again after enduring significant losses is a testament to her resilience and optimism.

Moving Forward with Happiness

This new chapter in Bertinelli’s life has brought her a renewed sense of happiness and hope. While her journey has been filled with ups and downs, her relationship with Goodnough appears to be a bright spot, bringing her joy and stability.

Fans have rallied around her announcement, expressing excitement and support for her new relationship. Bertinelli’s story is a reminder that love can come at any time and that embracing it wholeheartedly is always worth the risk.

As Valerie Bertinelli embarks on this new journey with Mike Goodnough, she does so with gratitude and optimism. While her past has shaped her, it’s clear that her future holds endless possibilities. For now, fans are just happy to see her smiling and thriving. After everything she’s been through, she deserves every bit of happiness this new relationship brings.