Valerie Bertinelli Fires Back After Backlash Over Eddie Van Halen Tribute

Valerie Bertinelli is speaking out after receiving renewed criticism online over a heartfelt tribute to her late former husband, rock legend Eddie Van Halen.

The actress recently shared a throwback photo of herself and Van Halen together, marking the sixth anniversary of his death. The emotional post quickly drew attention — but not every reaction was supportive.

Bertinelli, 66, later addressed the criticism directly in a video message, explaining that she has become accustomed to receiving negative comments whenever she posts memories of her former husband.

She said the backlash used to affect her, but that she has learned not to allow other people’s opinions to dictate how she feels.

Bertinelli and Van Halen were married from 1981 until their divorce in 2007. The former couple share one son, musician Wolfgang Van Halen. Eddie Van Halen died in October 2020 at age 65.

For Bertinelli, the relationship remains an important part of her personal history — and she says remembering someone she once loved does not diminish the love she has for the people in her life today.

Her response also touched on the pressure people can face when others attempt to tell them how they should feel about past relationships.

The actress made it clear that she has no intention of removing her memories simply because some people online disagree with them.

Her original tribute was accompanied by a message reflecting on how photographs may change with time, while memories and love can remain.

The emotional exchange has since sparked a wider conversation online about grief, former relationships and whether someone can continue to hold love for a person from their past while still moving forward.

Bertinelli appears to have made her position clear: remembering Eddie Van Halen is part of her story, and she does not believe anyone else gets to decide what that memory should mean to her.

Source: PEOPLE