The Two Wives Of Eddie Van Halen: Inside The Unconventional Family Bond And Valerie Bertinelli's 2024 Book Revelations

The legacy of guitar legend Eddie Van Halen is not only defined by his revolutionary music but also by the extraordinary relationships he maintained with the two most important women in his life: his ex-wife, Valerie Bertinelli, and his widow, Janie Liszewski. As of late 2024, the public interest in the Van Halen family remains high, fueled by fresh, intimate details shared by Bertinelli in her recent book, painting a picture of a complicated, yet deeply loving, modern family unit that transcended divorce and tragedy.

The unique, respectful bond between the actress and the publicist—both of whom were by Eddie's side with his son, Wolfgang Van Halen, when he passed away in October 2020—stands as a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and forgiveness. This article delves into the lives of the two women who shared the legendary rock star's heart, their individual careers, and the latest updates on how they are honoring his memory today.

A Dual Portrait: The Wives of Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen, the co-founder of the iconic rock band Van Halen, was married twice. Both of his marriages produced a rich, if sometimes tumultuous, history that became central to his personal life and the upbringing of his only son, Wolfgang.

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Valerie Bertinelli (First Wife)

• Full Name: Valerie Anne Bertinelli
• Born: April 23, 1960, in Wilmington, Delaware
• Occupation: Actress, Television Personality, Author, Cookbook Writer
• Key Works: *One Day at a Time* (Barbara Cooper), *Touched by an Angel*, *Hot in Cleveland*, *Valerie's Home Cooking* (Food Network show)
• Relationship with Eddie: Married April 11, 1981; Separated 2002; Divorced 2007
• Children: Wolfgang "Wolf" Van Halen (born 1991)
• Current Status: New York Times bestselling author; released her latest cookbook, *Indulge*, in 2024.

Janie Liszewski (Second Wife and Widow)

• Full Name: Janie Liszewski Van Halen
• Born: January 3, 1970, in Pennsylvania
• Occupation: Publicist, Stuntwoman, Competitive Ballroom Dancer, Actress
• Career Highlights: Publicist for the Van Halen band; Stunt work in films like *Mulholland Drive*, *Looney Tunes: Back in Action*, and *Along Came Polly*.
• Relationship with Eddie: Began dating in 2007; Married June 27, 2009; Remained married until his death on October 6, 2020.
• Children: None with Eddie Van Halen
• Current Status: Widow of Eddie Van Halen; continues to manage the late musician’s legacy and public affairs.

Valerie Bertinelli's 2024 Intimate Revelations in 'Indulge'

The most recent and significant updates regarding Eddie Van Halen's personal life have come directly from his first wife, Valerie Bertinelli. Her 2024 cookbook, *Indulge: Delicious and Decadent Dishes to Enjoy and Share*, is more than just a collection of recipes; it contains deeply personal essays that explore her complex journey with grief, self-acceptance, and her enduring love for the legendary guitarist.

The book’s release, which became an instant New York Times bestseller, brought renewed media attention to their relationship, which had evolved from a passionate young marriage into a profound, platonic friendship after their divorce.

The Final Words and The Hospital Room

One of the most emotional revelations in *Indulge* was the detail surrounding Eddie's final moments at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. Bertinelli confirmed that she, Janie Liszewski, Wolfgang Van Halen, and Eddie's brother, Alex Van Halen, were all present at his bedside.

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She shared the final, heartbreaking words exchanged between them: "‘I love you’ are the last words Ed says to Wolfie and me, and they are the last words we say to him before he stops breathing." This detail highlighted the extraordinary, reconciled nature of the Van Halen family unit in his last hours.

Bertinelli has been transparent about the emotional pain and deep grief she experienced following his death, stating that her love for Eddie was a "very, very complicated love" that never truly faded, despite their separation and subsequent second marriages.

Janie Liszewski: The Widow and Guardian of the Legacy

Janie Liszewski, who was a former stuntwoman and the publicist for the Van Halen band, married Eddie in 2009. Their wedding was officiated by Eddie’s brother, Alex Van Halen, and was attended by both Wolfgang and Valerie Bertinelli, a remarkable sign of the family’s unity even then.

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Liszewski’s dedication to Eddie, particularly during his prolonged battle with cancer, has been publicly acknowledged and praised by Wolfgang Van Halen. Wolfgang expressed his gratitude to Janie for faithfully accompanying his father until the very end, solidifying her role as a beloved stepmother figure.

Janie's Career and Post-2020 Life

Before becoming a publicist and Eddie's wife, Janie Liszewski had a notable career in the entertainment industry. She was a professional stuntwoman, performing in over a dozen projects, and is also a competitive ballroom dancer. Her diverse background provided her with the resilience and public relations experience necessary to support a rock legend.

Since Eddie's passing, Janie has primarily focused on preserving his memory and managing his affairs. Her social media presence often features emotional tributes to her late husband, ensuring that his fans around the world continue to feel connected to the man behind the guitar. She has maintained a dignified silence on many of the family’s private matters, allowing the focus to remain on Eddie’s monumental musical contributions.

The Van Halen Family’s Modern Dynamic

The relationships between Eddie Van Halen, Valerie Bertinelli, Janie Liszewski, and Wolfgang Van Halen offer a rare and inspiring example of co-parenting and mutual respect. The fact that Valerie and Janie were both present for major family milestones—Valerie at Eddie and Janie's wedding, and Eddie and Janie at Valerie’s second wedding to Tom Vitale (a marriage that ended in 2022)—illustrates a commitment to family over traditional boundaries.

Wolfgang, who has successfully launched his own band, Mammoth WVH, often speaks about the supportive nature of his family. His close bond with both his mother and his stepmother, Janie, is a testament to the healthy environment they fostered, even after his parents’ divorce. This stable foundation allowed him to grow into an acclaimed musician in his own right, carrying on the Van Halen name with pride and respect.

The narrative of the Van Halen family is a powerful one, moving beyond the typical celebrity drama to showcase a profound, unconventional love story. Both Valerie Bertinelli and Janie Liszewski have played irreplaceable roles in Eddie Van Halen's life, and their shared history ensures that the legacy of the rock icon remains grounded in love, respect, and enduring family ties.