Valerie Bertinelli is embracing a new chapter in her love life. The celebrated Food Network personality, at 63, has opened up about venturing into the dating scene once again after her decade-long marriage with Tom Vitale came to an end in November 2022. In a candid revelation to USA TODAY, Bertinelli shared her excitement and gratitude for finding love unexpectedly.
“I’ve met someone. And I’m incredibly grateful for him,” she expressed with a sense of wonder. Bertinelli highlighted the uniqueness of this relationship compared to her past experiences, choosing to keep the details private but acknowledging the profound impact this new connection has had on her. “It’s unlike any relationship that I’ve ever experienced with a man. I don’t want to say too much, but I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have met him, because I wasn’t expecting it!”
Bertinelli’s journey to finding love again was unexpected, to say the least. She humorously remarked on her previous contentment with the idea of living out her days surrounded by her pets, only for this new relationship to take her by surprise. “He was not on my radar. I was going to die with my six cats and my dog and be incredibly happy doing it. So this came out of left field, and I’m grateful it did. He’s very special.”
Timing played a crucial role in the blossoming of this new romance. Bertinelli believes that had they met any sooner, the outcome might have been different. This serendipitous timing underscores the importance of personal growth and readiness in fostering meaningful connections.
Bertinelli’s message to her audience is one of hope and encouragement, emphasizing the value of self-improvement and readiness for love. “I really want women and men to take away that it’s the work that you do [on yourself] that can lead you to meeting someone like I’ve been lucky enough to meet right now. This would not have happened three years ago, four years ago, last year — it wouldn’t have. And I feel incredibly lucky to have met him and made a connection with him.”
In addition to her personal revelations, Bertinelli is also promoting her cookbook, Indulge, set to release on April 2. The book promises a collection of 100 recipes designed to nourish both body and soul, reflecting Bertinelli’s philosophy of indulging in life’s essential pleasures, with food being a primary source of joy.
Bertinelli’s recent endeavors, including her cookbook and newfound love, highlight her commitment to embracing life’s pleasures and the unexpected twists and turns that come with it. As she navigates this new chapter, Bertinelli remains grateful for the support of her fans and the joy that has emerged from her personal growth and openness to new experiences.