Eddie Van Halen’s first wife has broken her silence after it emerged the legendary rockstar had lost his battle to throat cancer.
The famous guitarist passed away aged 65, surrounded by his family at a California hospital.
Now, his ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli, 60, has penned an emotional letter to her former flame who she described as her “love”.
Despite splitting after 26-years of marriage, the pair remained on good terms and classed one another as “dear friends”.
Taking to social media, she wrote: “40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you.
“You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang.
Eddie Van Halen’s ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli, left, has paid tribute to the rock guitarist (Image: WireImage)
“Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin.”
The Hot in Cleveland actress went on to say: “I’m so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments.
“I will see you in our next life, my love.”
The pair were married for 26 years but filed for divorce in 2007 (Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
She also shared a touching black and white family snap alongside their son Wolfgang, 29.
Wolfgang broke the news of his father’s passing on Twitter late on Monday afternoon.
The Van Halen bassist tweeted: “I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning.
Valerie is believed to have visited Eddie during his final days (Image: Getty Images)
“He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.”
The youngest member of the rock band went on to say: “My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”
Eddie and Valerie married in 1981 but later split in 2007, with the pair later going on to attend one another’s second weddings.
Valerie went on to marry financial planner Tom Vitale in 2011, while Eddie married actress and porn publicist Janie Liszewski during a low-key ceremony in 2009.
During the last stages of his life, Valerie is believed to have frequently visited Eddie as his health rapidly deteriorated.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
