Valerie Bertinelli Is 'Happily Divorced' Despite Owing Tom Vitale Millions
UPDATE 11/23/22 3:42 p.m. ET.
Bertinelli and Vitale reached a divorce settlement — and filed their judgement with a California court — on Tuesday, November 22, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly.
The Food Network star was ordered to pay her ex-husband $2.2 million even though they had a prenuptial agreement in place. Vitale has to move out of Bertinelli’s Malibu, California, home by December 31, in order to receive the payment. The financial planner, however, can remain in the house rent-free if the Sydney alum doesn’t pay him the settlement by the end of the year.
The agreement also states that if Vitale chooses to live in the L.A. residence after Bertinelli has paid him the $2.2 million, he must start paying her $50,000 in rent every month.
Original story below:
Single and smiling. Valerie Bertinelli revealed that her divorce from Tom Vitale is finalized, and she’s ready to celebrate.
Celebrity Splits of 2022: Stars Who Broke Up This Year
The One Day at a Time alum, 62, took to social media to share an update from the airport on Tuesday, November 22. “I’m at the airport, about to go see Wolfie,” she said, referring to 31-year-old son Wolfgang Van Halen. “My lawyer just called. The papers are all signed.”
Bertinelli excitedly continued, “They’re about to be filed. On 11/22/22, I am officially f–king divorced. Happily divorced. God. Finally. It’s finally over. Yes!”
On Twitter, she shared the video with the caption: “11.22.22 second best day of my life.”
She also “liked” several responses congratulating her. “Congratulations on ending that MoFo’s gravy train ride and double congrats on your new found freedom!! Enjoy your visit with Wolfie!! Happy Thanksgiving to Y-O-U!!” one commenter wrote.
Bertinelli also “liked” a comment that read, “He must have put you through hell. Glad you’re free now! Enjoy life.”
The Emmy winner started the process of divorcing Vitale, 58, in May, according to documents obtained by Us Weekly at the time. Bertinelli cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, listing the date of separation as December 1, 2019.
Selena! Florence! Stars Who Have Had Their Own Cooking Shows Over the Years
The Food Network personality previously filed for legal separation from Vitale in November 2021 after 10 years of marriage. At the time, she also listed “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the duo’s breakup.
Bertinelli and Vitale met in 2004 after being introduced through her brother Patrick. They dated for six years before getting engaged, and they got married in January 2011. After the wedding, Bertinelli said that she was excited to finally refer to Vitale as her “husband” after their lengthy courtship.
“I think I got tired of calling him ‘my spousal equivalent,’” the Hot in Cleveland veteran said during a January 2011 appearance on The View. “It’s nice to call him my husband. It feels appropriate.”
Bertinelli was previously married to the late Eddie Van Halen, whom she married in 1981. They welcomed son Wolfgang in March 1991. The pair separated in 2001 and finalized their divorce in December 2007.
When the guitarist died at age 65 in October 2020 after a battle with cancer, the actress was outspoken about her love for the Van Halen guitarist.
Matching Monikers! Kylie Jenner, More Celeb Parents Naming Their Kids Wolf
“40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “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.”
An insider later told Us that Bertinelli was “truly heartbroken” over Van Halen’s death. “Valerie and Eddie had some rough times, but their love for each other never wavered,” the source explained.
