The 63-year-old made things official on Instagram last Friday by captioning a selfie with lyrics from Taylor Swift’s song So High School, which is purportedly about the music star’s current boyfriend Travis Kelce. The post was made two years after the singer’s divorce from her ex-husband Tom Vitale and four years after the passing of her first husband, Eddie Van Halen.

Bertinelli captioned the photo, saying, “I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night.”

According to Entertainment Tonight, writer Mike Goodnough, well known as the Hoarse Whisperer, is Valerie’s new partner.

Actress and TV personality Bertinelli started a rumor mill earlier this month when she told USA TODAY, “I’ve met someone.” And I’m really appreciative of him.

It’s not like any connection I’ve ever had with a man before. 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 dog.

In an essay titled “Rumors, Rumors, Rumors…”, Goodnough acknowledged on his Substack this week that the reports he was dating Bertinelli were accurate. He humorously revealed in the article that he had inquired of “Ms. Bertinelli” in a “reporterly voice” as to if there was “any truth to the idea you are dating me? Would you like to comment?

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

In the cookbook, which was published on April 12, she said, “Ed and I never stopped loving each other, even though we got divorced.”

Bertinelli added, “Who knows, if not for cancer, we might have had a second wind,” but clarified that her statement was “wistful thinking.”

Valerie gave an explanation of how she started following Goodnough on social media in 2016 or 2017, and how he reciprocated in 2018. Eventually, after Valerie and Tom Vitale’s divorce in 2022, the two probably started messaging one another.

She described Goodnough as “a really super funny, incredibly talented writer.”

This month, the actress declared, “I’m in love,” to PEOPLE Magazine. I swear I would never fall in love again, therefore it’s a seesaw of feelings.

We’re glad to see Valerie content, though!