Valerie Bertinelli has rediscovered love and she’s embracing it openly.
The former Food Network host and renowned cookbook author revealed her new romance with Mike Goodnough in March 2024. This announcement comes more than a year after her divorce from Tom Vitale was finalized in November 2022. Prior to Vitale, Bertinelli was married to the late Eddie Van Halen until their separation in 2007.
Although Bertinelli shared news of her relationship in March, she initially kept Goodnough’s identity under wraps.
“I’ve found love,” she disclosed to PEOPLE in April 2024. “It’s a whirlwind of emotions because I was certain I wouldn’t fall in love again.”
Bertinelli kept her newfound romance under wraps until April 2024, when she and Goodnough made their public debut. Shortly after, Goodnough took to his Substack to officially announce their relationship to the online world.
“I am Valerie Bertinelli’s partner… and typing that out feels surreal, but it’s true… and our relationship feels anything but surreal. It feels right… fortunate… like a blessing,” he shared on his Substack titled Hoarse Whisperings.
Curious about Valerie Bertinelli’s partner? Here’s a comprehensive look into Mike Goodnough and his connection with the esteemed cookbook author.
He is a writer
Goodnough, known as the Hoarse Whisperer, is a lifestyle writer predominantly sharing his reflections and personal anecdotes on his Substack platform, Hoarse Whisperings. His writings often delve into topics such as fatherhood and significant life events.
Initially gaining traction on X (formerly known as Twitter), Goodnough has amassed a following of over 400,000. In a September 2019 post, he detailed his journey, recounting his previous career in marketing and strategic communications as a freelancer for advertising agencies and marketing consultancies.
However, upon the birth of his son, Goodnough transitioned away from full-time employment, opting for project-based work while prioritizing his role as a parent.
Reflecting on this shift, he shared on X, “Dealing with the bureaucracy and grind of increasingly corporate ad agencies became less appealing, so about 12 years ago, on the eve of my son’s birth, I ventured out on my own.”
Presently, Goodnough concentrates on his Substack platform, where a substantial portion of his content is offered through subscription-based newsletters, catering to his dedicated followers.
He is a father to one child
In 2007, Goodnough and his first wife welcomed a son into their lives. However, their relationship came to an end when their son was just 2 years old. Goodnough emphasized that he placed his child’s well-being above all else, reshaping his career to play a significant role in his upbringing.
“I made a deliberate choice to provide him with a nurturing presence rather than conforming to traditional fatherly roles,” he expressed on X. “I took on tasks like potty training and fostering his reading skills. Bedtime stories became enchanting adventures with Leo the Lion, the most laid-back lion on Long Island. Every moment spent with him was cherished.”
He and Bertinelli met online
Bertinelli hadn’t entertained thoughts of finding love anew post-divorce, she revealed to PEOPLE in April 2024. However, with Goodnough’s arrival in her life, she experienced a change of heart.
“I had envisioned spending my days contentedly with my six cats and faithful dog, happily embracing solitude,” she confessed. “Being alone suited me just fine. But now, my world’s turned upside down. This wasn’t part of the plan.”
Bertinelli and Goodnough’s paths initially crossed when they struck up a friendship through Instagram messaging a couple of years prior to embarking on a romantic journey.
“Initially, our connection was purely platonic, yet there was an inexplicable familiarity about him,” she reminisced. “A sense of ease. He felt like a kindred spirit.”
Their occasional direct messages evolved over time, Bertinelli shared. Then, in January 2024, their relationship took a significant turn when they had their first phone conversation.
“We were both cautious,” she recalled. “His voice was captivatingly melodic. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t have this conversation right now because it’s dangerously enticing.’ We were grappling with intense emotions, reluctant to acknowledge them.”
They live on opposite coasts
The couple’s romance began with geographical distance, as Bertinelli resides in Los Angeles while Goodnough calls the East Coast home. However, two months after their initial lengthy phone conversations, they arranged a rendezvous in New York City in March for a special date.
“I’m driving up to meet him, and there he is, waiting outside the hotel,” Bertinelli recounted to PEOPLE about their inaugural encounter. “I just leap out of the car, rush to him, and embrace him. It was the most incredible hug. Instantly, I felt a sense of belonging. In his arms is where I’m meant to be. Everything just feels right.”
Since then, the couple has implemented a “three-week rule” to ensure they maintain frequent visits.
“We never let more than three weeks pass without seeing each other,” Bertinelli elaborated. “Because, ultimately, life is about discovering joy and sharing it.”
Goodnough also documented his experience of joining Bertinelli during her promotional tour for her cookbook, Indulge, on his Substack.
“It was a hectic week – especially for her. I anticipated that. I knew our ‘together time’ would be limited,” he reflected. “In some respects, I felt less ‘present’ than when we’re on opposite coasts with more flexible schedules. But that was alright.”
He dropped hints about their relationship online
While Bertinelli maintained secrecy around Goodnough’s name and background, he playfully dropped hints and sneak peeks suggesting his connection to her on his Substack and social media platforms. When PEOPLE described him as an East Coast writer, Goodnough teased by posting a snapshot of himself working on a laptop on X with the caption, “On the East Coast writing.”
Subsequently, he continued dropping breadcrumbs, sharing images of himself reading Bertinelli’s cookbook and glimpses of her book featured prominently during his viewing of her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Bertinelli elevated the hint game by reposting Goodnough’s Substack post about supporting her during her press trip on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by the caption, “I just can’t with this man🥹😭.” She tagged his Instagram handle, offering a subtle nudge towards unveiling his identity.
They made their relationship public in April 2024
Shortly after making a public appearance with Bertinelli during her guest spot on The Drew Barrymore Show, Goodnough officially confirmed their relationship in one of his Substack posts.
Addressing the swirling speculation in a post humorously titled “Rumors, Rumors, Rumors,” he playfully recounted reaching out to Bertinelli to clarify their relationship status. He then went on to acknowledge the surreal nature of the rumors, humorously describing Bertinelli’s impressive accolades, including her two Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, long-standing tenure hosting her own cooking show, and authoring six books, one of which topped the New York Times bestseller list.
“Valerie freaking Bertinelli… dating… me!?!” he quipped incredulously before confirming the truth behind the rumors.
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