AceShowbiz - Valerie Bertinelli recently opened up about her relationship with late guitarist Eddie Van Halen, sharing regrets about how she handled their friendship during the final year of his life. In a heartfelt conversation with actress Sophia Bush on the podcast Work in Progress With Sophia Bush, Bertinelli reflected on their years together and the struggles they faced after their divorce.

The couple, who married in 1981 and had a son, Wolfgang Van Halen, in 1991, parted ways officially in 2007 after more than two decades together. Bertinelli expressed that she does not view their marriage as a failure but acknowledged that she wishes she had been a better friend to Eddie Van Halen during his health battles and personal challenges.

During the podcast, Bertinelli spoke candidly about the difficulty of watching Eddie Van Halen wrestle with alcoholism and drug addiction. She admitted that she wasn’t mature enough at the time to fully understand or cope with his struggles. "Knowing what I know now about trauma and how it affects people, I would be much more compassionate with Ed and his journey," she said.

Eddie Van Halen himself was open about his substance use during their marriage. In a 2015 Billboard cover story, he described how alcohol and cocaine were tools he used. He revealed that he began drinking and smoking at age 12 and often used substances to help him perform and stay awake. Despite the heavy partying, he insisted that his addiction never affected his work, although it did complicate his personal life.

While they ultimately divorced, Bertinelli maintained a connection with Eddie Van Halen until his passing in 2020 from cancer at age 65. Reflecting on those final months, she expressed gratitude for where their relationship stood but also frustration at not having the knowledge or tools earlier to be a stronger support for him. "I'm kicking myself that I wish I had learned what I know now earlier, so I could have been a better friend to him," she shared.

Despite the challenges, Bertinelli recognized the importance of compassion and self-forgiveness. She acknowledged being "the best friend I could be near the end of his life" but admitted it was difficult knowing she might have helped more if she had understood trauma and addiction better sooner. Sophia Bush empathized, noting that learning life’s lessons often comes too late but is part of the human experience.

In past interviews and social media posts, Bertinelli has spoken about the complex nature of her bond with Eddie Van Halen. Although she cherishes the family they created, she does not romanticize their relationship beyond their shared love for their son. In a 2024 Instagram video that was later deleted, she clarified, "What we had together was this beautiful son that we both unconditionally loved. That's what I got out of that marriage: Wolfie, the best thing that ever happened to me. Not a soulmate."

This candid admission highlights the nuanced feelings Bertinelli holds about her late husband—respect and love mixed with realistic acceptance of their differences and difficulties. Her reflections on their past offer insight into the challenges many face when navigating addiction, relationships, and grief.

Listeners interested in hearing the full discussion can find Valerie Bertinelli’s conversation with Sophia Bush on all major podcast platforms. The episode provides a thoughtful look at healing, friendship, and the complexities of loving someone with deep struggles.