Eddie Van Halen's love life: Rock legend's friendship with Valerie Bertinelli to romance with Janie Liszewski
Eddie Van Halen, the legendary and hugely influential guitarist of the successful rock band Van Halen, passed away after battling throat cancer for over a decade. The guitarist, who had one son, Wolfgang Van Halen who's also the bassist for Van Halen, lived up to the age of 65 years before passing away on October 6, 2020. The legendary guitarist started smoking at the age of 12, according to Eddie himself.
When Eddie's son announced his father's death, one of the first responses that came in was from actress Valerie Bertinelli who tweeted a string of broken heart emojis in response. The actress held a special place in the rock legend's life. Here's taking a look at the rock star and the women he chose to love.
Valerie Bertinelli
In 1980, Eddie met actress Valerie Bertinelli at a Van Halen concert in Louisiana. They married in California a year later and had one son, Wolfgang. His first marriage began to fall apart in 2001 due to the guitarist's drug and alcohol addiction. Valerie, after four years of separation, filed for divorce in 2005 which was finalized two years later in 2007.
Who is Valerie Bertinelli?
Valerie is an actress best known for portraying Barbara Cooper Royer on the sitcom 'One Day at a Time' which was on air from 1975 to 1984. She's also known for playing the role of Gloria on the religious drama series 'Touched by an Angel', and Melanie Moretti on the sitcom 'Hot in Cleveland'. Since 2015, she has hosted the cooking shows 'Valerie's Home Cooking' and 'Kids Baking Championship' on Food Network.
Eddie and Valerie got married in 1981, separated in 2001 and divorced in 2007. However, the two remained friends, even after their relationship ended.
In her autobiography, titled 'Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time', she wrote that the main reasons for her divorce were her husband's cocaine addiction and his refusal to quit smoking despite being diagnosed with oral cancer and losing one-third of his tongue in the treatment process.
In 2010, Valerie announced her engagement with financial planner Tom Vitale who she married in 2011. Both Eddie and Wolfgang were present at the wedding. The pair didn't just support each other through the good times. the actress made sure to visit the singer while he was in treatment for cancer, reports The Vancouver Sun.
On Eddie's death, Valerie paid tribute to Van Halen on Twitter and Instagram with a touching black and white post : “40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you,” Bertinelli wrote. “You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang. Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin. I’m so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love.”
Janie Liszewski
Soon after his divorce from Valerie, Eddie proposed to his girlfriend Janie Liszewski in 2008 in Hawaii. Eddie married the actress and stuntwoman in 2009 with both his son and ex-wife in attendance. Eddie became clean and sober, completely giving up drugs and alcohol for good. Back in 2008, right after their engagement, a source close to the couple told People magazine, "They are devoted to each other and to experiencing life in a whole new, positive and passionate way."
A different story in People later reported that the couple, who tied the knot in 2009, served mini hamburgers, corn dogs, ring pops, candy necklaces, and custom printed M&M's at their wedding. There was no alcohol at the ceremony with the happy couple treating their guests to only a lemonade bar. They even toasted each other and Eddie's new-found sobriety, to French sparkling apple cider and sparkling pear juice.
Janie was known to be extremely private about her private life. In an old Instagram post, she wrote, "Breaking News Eddie Van Halen is my husband & our relationship and life together is PRIVATE."
Janie is yet to comment on her husband's death.