Valerie Bertinelli is bracing herself for the emotional experience of reading Alex Van Halen’s memoir. During her visit to The Drew Barrymore Show on Nov. 7, the 64-year-old actress shared that she hasn’t yet read Brothers, Alex’s heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Eddie Van Halen, and her ex-husband of 25 years.
“I’m so excited to read it,” Bertinelli told Barrymore, 49, as she held up the book. “It’s been sitting in my house, and I just look at it. I’m shaking thinking about it because I know them both so well.”
Barrymore’s co-host, Ross Matthews, playfully asked Bertinelli why she hadn’t read it yet. She explained, “It’s going to be emotional. It’s going to be really emotional because I love both of these men. They were good men, but they were complicated men. Congratulations, Al, it’s going to be a bestseller.”
Valerie Bertinelli opens up about the personal impact of Alex’s memoir on her and her connection to Eddie
Bertinelli went on to praise Alex’s writing, calling the memoir “beautiful” and expressing how proud she was of him. “When Al told me last year that he was writing the book, I was really excited for him. We had a long conversation about grief and what it means to go through it,” she explained. “Al is a very private person, so for him to open up like this is extraordinary. And to do it so beautifully, I’m so proud of you, Al.”
She also shared her belief that the memoir offers a more intimate look at Eddie, beyond his status as a rock legend. “This book gives you a look at Ed the man, not the icon. People will see that he was a gentle soul, despite all the trauma he went through,” Bertinelli said. “And Al went through his own pain, too.”
Eddie passed away from throat cancer in October 2020 at 65. Bertinelli was by his side in his final moments, holding his hand as their son, Wolfgang, held the other. In an April 2024 PEOPLE cover story, Bertinelli reflected on Eddie’s passing, remembering how, after he died, the group in his hospital room—including Alex and his sons—decided to order pizza.
“I didn’t want to believe it was happening. Even when it was happening, I couldn’t believe it,” Bertinelli said of Eddie’s death. “Someone suggested we have pizza, and we all agreed. Even though Ed couldn’t eat, pizza was something he loved, so we had it in his hospital room. I hope people don’t find that morbid.”
Bertinelli concluded with a heartfelt message, saying, “He knew how much I loved him, and I knew how much he loved me. His final words to me and to Wolfie were, ‘I love you.’ Ed was always so open with his heart. He wore it on his sleeve.”
