In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY on Tuesday, the 63-year-old former Food Network star shared that she has re-entered the dating scene following her divorce from her husband of a decade, Tom Vitale, finalized in November 2022.
“I’ve met someone, and I’m truly thankful for him,” she revealed to the publication. “It’s a relationship unlike any I’ve experienced before with a man. I don’t want to divulge too much, but I feel immensely blessed and fortunate to have crossed paths with him because it took me by surprise!”
Bertinelli couldn’t contain her excitement about her new partner:
“He wasn’t even on my radar. I had resigned myself to a life with my six cats and dog, and I was content with that prospect. So this completely caught me off guard, and I’m grateful it did. He’s incredibly special.”
Furthermore, she expressed that her new romance arrived at the perfect moment, as if it had happened any earlier, it might not have unfolded as beautifully.
“I really hope both women and men understand that the personal growth journey you undertake can ultimately lead you to encountering someone as wonderful as the person I’ve had the fortune of meeting now. This wouldn’t have happened three years ago, four years ago, or even last year ― it simply wouldn’t have. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with him and established a meaningful connection.”
Bertinelli conveyed these sentiments during her interview with the publication while discussing her upcoming cookbook, “Indulge,” set to release on April 2. The renowned actress, who has won a Golden Globe award, previously shared insights about the project exclusively with PEOPLE in November 2023.
“In ‘Indulge,’ I embrace the joys of living fully, and food stands as a cornerstone of that experience — an essential delight,”
she expressed during her earlier conversation.
The collection comprises 100 recipes aimed at “nourishing both the body and the soul,” as described by HarperCollins Publishers imprint Harvest.
Meanwhile, Bertinelli has been prioritizing what nourishes her own life lately! On Sunday, she graced the red carpet at the Academy Awards to support her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, who received a nomination for “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie.
Then, on Monday, Bertinelli dropped a hint about a potential change in her dating life. After reposting an Instagram video from last June in which she swore off dating post-divorce, the actress humorously commented, “This didn’t age well🤪🥰.”
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Continuing her social media updates, on Tuesday, she shared another Instagram post, reflecting on her recent perspective shift and expressing gratitude to her fans.
“I f—ing love my life right now,”
Bertinelli proclaimed.
“Not something I ever thought I’d say two years ago. And hey, thank you all for staying on this ride with me. Sticking with me through the tears to get to the joy on the other side.”
