Valerie Bertinelli, beloved actress and television personality, has found love once more after years of navigating heartbreak. Two years after her divorce from Tom Vitale and four years after the loss of her first husband, Eddie Van Halen, the 63-year-old star took to Instagram to confirm her new relationship, sparking excitement among her fans.

Last Friday, Bertinelli made her relationship Instagram-official by sharing a selfie with a playful caption featuring lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song So High School. The song, rumored to reference Swift’s romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, added a whimsical touch to Valerie’s announcement. She wrote, “I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night,” hinting at the joy her new partner has brought into her life.

A New Chapter with Writer Mike Goodnough

According to Entertainment Tonight, Bertinelli’s new boyfriend is Mike Goodnough, a talented writer famously known as “The Hoarse Whisperer.” Their relationship, while relatively new, seems to be built on mutual admiration and humor. Earlier this month, Bertinelli fueled rumors about her new romance when she told USA TODAY, “I’ve met someone, and I’m really appreciative of him.”

She went on to describe the relationship as unlike anything she’d experienced before. “It’s not like any connection I’ve ever had with a man before. I feel so fortunate to have met him, and I don’t want to give away too much,” she added, laughing as she confessed, “I was ready to live out my days happily surrounded by my six cats and dog, but life surprised me.”

Goodnough humorously confirmed their relationship in an essay titled “Rumors, Rumors, Rumors…” published on his Substack. He detailed how he jokingly asked Bertinelli, “Ms. Bertinelli, is there any truth to the idea you are dating me? Would you like to comment?” Her response was straightforward and heartwarming: “It’s true. Yes, I am. You are my partner in life.”

Reflecting on Past Loves

Valerie Bertinelli has always been candid about her experiences with love and loss. In her recent cookbook, Indulge, published on April 12, she reflected on her relationship with Eddie Van Halen. Despite their divorce, their love endured until his passing in 2020.

“Ed and I never stopped loving each other, even though we got divorced,” she wrote. “Who knows, if not for cancer, we might have had a second wind.” She clarified that this sentiment was purely wistful thinking but spoke to the deep bond they shared.

Bertinelli’s openness about her past relationships has endeared her to fans, who admire her honesty and resilience. Her ability to find joy and love again serves as an inspiring reminder that new beginnings are always possible, no matter the challenges one has faced.

How It All Began

The connection between Bertinelli and Goodnough traces back to social media. Valerie revealed that she started following Goodnough around 2016 or 2017, and he followed her back in 2018. Their online interactions laid the foundation for a friendship that eventually blossomed into something more after her divorce from Tom Vitale in 2022.

Speaking about Goodnough, Bertinelli described him as “a really super funny, incredibly talented writer.” His humor and creativity clearly captured her attention, and their shared sense of wit and warmth has become a cornerstone of their relationship.

Embracing Love Again

In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, Bertinelli admitted she never expected to fall in love again. “I’m in love,” she shared. “I swore I would never fall in love again, so it’s a seesaw of feelings.” Her vulnerability about navigating the complexities of opening her heart again resonated with fans who have followed her journey through triumphs and trials.

Her announcement has been met with overwhelming support, as fans celebrate her newfound happiness. For someone who has faced significant loss and personal challenges, seeing Bertinelli embrace this new chapter is a testament to her strength and optimism.

A Bright Future

Valerie Bertinelli’s journey is a story of resilience, growth, and the power of love. While she has endured heartbreak and loss, she has also found hope and joy in unexpected places. Her relationship with Mike Goodnough appears to be a source of laughter, support, and mutual respect—qualities that make for a strong and lasting partnership.

As Bertinelli continues to navigate this new chapter, her openness about her journey serves as an inspiration to others. Love can be found at any stage of life, and her willingness to embrace it wholeheartedly is a reminder to never close the door on happiness.

Fans are thrilled to see Valerie smiling and thriving. Her story proves that even after the darkest moments, there’s always the possibility of light—and in her case, that light shines brighter than ever.