Fans Are Emotional After Valerie Bertinelli Posts Tribute To Boyfriend Mike Goodnough On His Birthday After Saying Her Marriage Was ‘Toxic’: ‘Happiness Looks Good On You’

Valerie Bertinelli stirred emotions among her fans with a touching and heartfelt birthday tribute to her boyfriend, Mike Goodnough, shared on Instagram. Earlier this spring, the Food Network icon, 64, had revealed her journey of “learning to trust again” in the context of her relationship with Goodnough,, 54. The Hot in Cleveland star mentioned that this path began in “late 2022,” around the time she finalized her divorce from Tom Vitale.

On August 17th, Bertinelli uploaded a wholesome pic of her kissing Goodnough’s cheek in a post for her 1.6 million followers. She captioned it: “If there’s one thing about Mike (there are many things) he’s not fond of backlighting. I, on the other hand, think backlighting is beautiful. As evidenced by this picture…that Mike took. Sometimes it pays to listen to your elders.” She added: “Happy birthday Mike. You may be another year older, but you’re still younger than me.”

Fans headed to Bertinelli’s comments section to share their thoughts. “We like seeing you happy Val,” one wrote as another added: “Happiness looks good in any light. It certainly looks good on you.” Someone else replied: “I’m so glad you look so happy!!! You so deserve this” as one other noted: “Beautiful photo and couple! Enjoy each other. Have a fabulous bday Mike.”

In March 2024, the One Day at a Time actress revealed she had begun a new romantic relationship with writer Goodnough, following the conclusion of her divorce from financial planner Vitale in November 2022. Prior to Vitale, Bertinelli had been married to the late rocker Eddie Van Halen, with their marriage ending in 2007. Bertinelli, as fans know, is mom to 33-year-old musician, Wolfgang Van Halen.

Back in April, Bertinelli sat down with People and dished: “I’m in love. It’s a seesaw of emotions because I was adamant I was never falling in love again.” The chef had resolved not to seek love following her divorce, but her perspective shifted when Goodnough entered her life.

“I was supposed to die with my six cats and my dog and very happily live the rest of my years alone — I’m good alone,” she said. “My belly is flip-flopping. This was not supposed to happen.” Bertinelli and Goodnough’s acquaintance began on Instagram, where they struck up a friendship through messaging several years before they started dating.

“It was strictly platonic but there was something about him that I connected with that felt familiar,” she shared. “A comfort level. He felt like a kindred spirit.”

After their initial exchanges, Bertinelli noted that he would message her every few months. Then, in January 2024, their relationship intensified when they had their first phone conversation. “I was very guarded, as was he,” Bertinelli recalled.

“His voice had the most beautiful timbre. I was like ‘Oh, I can’t talk to this man right now because that’s really sexy.’ We both had strong feelings, trying not to admit them.” (Aww!)