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Rock legend and co-founder of the band Van Halen, Eddie Van Halen, died on Oct. 6, 2020. The announcement was made by Eddie’s only child Wolfgang « Wolf » Van Halen via Instagram. « 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, » read the caption. « He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop. »
According to the New York Post, the talented musician passed away at the age of 65 after his years-long battle with throat cancer. Wolfgang is the son of Eddie and his first wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli (pictured right). The two married in 1981 after dating for only eight months, and welcomed Wolf in 1991. Although the couple divorced in 2007, following a separation in 2001, they remained friends until Eddie’s dying day. Keep scrolling to see how Bertinelli honored Eddie’s legacy.
Valerie Bertinelli shared a touching throwback of Eddie Van Halen
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On the day of Eddie’s Van Halen’s death, Valerie Bertinelli took to Instagram to share her thoughts on her late ex-husband. « [Forty] years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang. Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin, » she wrote. « 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. »
Along with the touching tribute, the TV personality posted multiple throwback photos of her and Eddie from the ’80s via her Instagram Story on Oct. 8, 2020 (per People). The first two photos in the story were from the night the two met, captioned, « Shreveport, LA August 28,1980; » the next from « Christmas 1980; » another from « Los Angeles Forum 1981, » and the final photo captioned « Central Park NYC 1993 » also featured a two-year-old Wolfgang « Wolf » Van Halen. Although Eddie has passed on, it seems the actress-turned-chef has many memories to hold close to her heart.
