December 20th, 2007: The Shocking Split of Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen After 26 Years of Marriage

On December 20, 2007, Valerie Bertinelli and Eddie Van Halen officially finalized their divorce after 26 years of marriage, ending one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships. Bertinelli, an actress famous for her role in the TV sitcom One Day at a Time, and Van Halen, the legendary guitarist of the rock band Van Halen, were once a golden couple of the entertainment world. Their split marked the end of a long chapter in both of their lives.

The couple met in 1980 and married the following year in a whirlwind romance. For many years, they were one of the most famous couples in Hollywood, often seen together in the media. They had one child, Wolfgang, born in 1991, who later became the bassist for Van Halen. Despite their public success, the marriage faced serious struggles, including Van Halen’s well-known issues with substance abuse. These personal challenges were a constant strain on their relationship.

After separating in 2001, Bertinelli and Van Halen took years to finalize their divorce. In 2007, they made it official, parting ways but staying focused on their son. Bertinelli later admitted that their marriage had been troubled for some time, with addiction being one of the major obstacles. Though their split shocked many fans, both Bertinelli and Van Halen remained on good terms, especially for the sake of their family.

Life after the divorce saw both Bertinelli and Van Halen continue their careers. Bertinelli found success as a TV host, while Van Halen kept performing with his band. In 2008, Bertinelli opened up about her experience in her memoir Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time, where she discussed the challenges of her marriage and divorce. Their story became a reminder of the struggles that even the most glamorous Hollywood marriages can face.

The divorce of Bertinelli and Van Halen on December 20, 2007, marked the end of an era in celebrity history. It was a story of love, struggle, and ultimately, new beginnings. Their relationship, though complicated, continues to be remembered as one of the most significant celebrity unions of the 1980s and 1990s.