Valerie Bertinelli, who once made it clear that she was done with romance, has now surprised fans by announcing that she has found love again. The 63-year-old actress recently made her relationship Instagram-official, revealing that she is dating writer Mike Goodnough, known for his work under the pseudonym “Hoarse Whisperer.”

This exciting revelation comes after years of personal heartbreak. Bertinelli endured a painful divorce from her ex-husband Tom Vitale in 2022 and previously mourned the loss of her first husband, legendary rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen, in 2020. Now, it seems the television star has found happiness once again, and her fans couldn’t be more thrilled.

Instagram Reveal: A Taylor Swift-Inspired Caption

Bertinelli set social media abuzz last Friday when she shared a cryptic yet romantic selfie on Instagram. Accompanying the photo was a caption featuring lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song So High School, which is widely believed to be about the pop star’s current boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

“I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night,” Bertinelli wrote in the caption.

Fans were quick to speculate that she was hinting at a new romance, and their suspicions were soon confirmed. Entertainment Tonight later reported that Bertinelli’s new partner is none other than writer Mike Goodnough.

Bertinelli’s Happiness: “I’ve Met Someone”

Earlier this month, Bertinelli hinted at her newfound love in an interview with USA TODAY. When asked about her personal life, she admitted that she had met someone special.

“I’ve met someone,” she said. “And I’m really appreciative of him.”

Bertinelli went on to explain that her new relationship feels different from any she’s had before.

“It’s not like any connection I’ve ever had with a man before,” she confessed. “I feel so fortunate to have met him, and I don’t want to give away too much. I was going to die really happy, surrounded by my six cats and my dog.”

Her comment about resigning herself to a life with pets struck a chord with many fans who have followed her journey through heartbreak and healing.

Mike Goodnough Confirms the Relationship

While Bertinelli’s Instagram post fueled speculation, the confirmation came from Goodnough himself. In a humorous essay titled Rumors, Rumors, Rumors… published on his Substack, Goodnough acknowledged that the rumors were, in fact, true.

He shared a playful exchange he had with Bertinelli, writing that he asked her in a “reporterly voice” whether there was any truth to the speculation.

“Any truth to the idea that you are dating me?” he wrote. “Would you like to comment?”

Bertinelli’s response was simple but heartfelt.

“It’s true,” she said. “Yes, I am. You are my partner in life.”

A Look Back at Love and Loss

Bertinelli’s romantic history has been filled with both love and loss. She was married to rock icon Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until their divorce in 2007, though their bond remained strong even after they went their separate ways. In her recently released cookbook Indulge, which was published on April 12, she reflected on her enduring love for Van Halen.

“Ed and I never stopped loving each other, even though we got divorced,” she wrote.

She even speculated on what might have been, adding, “Who knows, if not for cancer, we might have had a second wind.” However, she clarified that this was simply “wistful thinking.”

Her words resonated deeply with fans who admired the deep connection she shared with Van Halen, even in his final days.

How Valerie and Mike Connected

Bertinelli also shared how her relationship with Goodnough evolved over the years. Their online connection began in 2016 or 2017 when she first followed him on social media. Goodnough, in turn, followed her back in 2018.

It wasn’t until after Bertinelli finalized her divorce from Tom Vitale in 2022 that their interactions took a more personal turn. Over time, their friendship blossomed into something more.

Speaking about Goodnough, Bertinelli had nothing but praise.

“He’s a really super funny, incredibly talented writer,” she gushed.

Falling in Love Again

After everything Bertinelli has been through, finding love again was not something she expected. In fact, she had sworn off relationships entirely. However, in an interview with PEOPLE magazine this month, she made a surprising declaration.

“I’m in love,” she said.

She admitted that falling in love again was unexpected, describing it as a “seesaw of feelings.”

“I swore I would never fall in love again,” she confessed. “But here I am.”

Her words captured the raw emotion of someone who had once given up on romance but found it in the most unexpected way.

A New Chapter for Valerie Bertinelli

Bertinelli’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, but her latest chapter is one of joy and newfound love. After years of personal struggles, she has emerged stronger and ready to embrace happiness again.

Fans have flooded her social media with messages of support, celebrating her decision to open her heart once more. While Bertinelli and Goodnough may keep much of their relationship private, one thing is clear—she has found someone who makes her truly happy.

And that’s something worth celebrating.