Valerie Bertinelli Reveals She’s Dating ‘Special’ Man After 2022 Divorce: He ‘Came Out of Left Field’

Valerie Bertinelli has a new man in her life!

On Tuesday, the Food Network alum, 63, revealed USA TODAY she’s currently dating again since finalizing her divorce from her husband of 10 years, Tom Vitale, in November 2022. 

“I’ve met someone. And I’m incredibly grateful for him,” she told the outlet. “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 continued gushing about her mystery man: “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.”

She added that her beau came at the perfect time, because if he had arrived any sooner, things may not have worked out. 

“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."

Bertinelli spoke with the outlet to promote her cookbook Indulge, out April 2.

The Golden Globe award-winning actress spoke exclusively to PEOPLE in November 2023 about the project. 

"I indulge in the pleasures of being alive, and food is one of those pleasures — an essential pleasure,” she said at the time.

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The read features 100 recipes to “nourish the body and the soul,” per an official description from HarperCollins Publishers imprint Harvest.

And Bertinelli has been all about pouring into what nourishes her lately as well!

On Sunday, she hit the red carpet at the Academy Awards in support of her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, who was nominated for "I'm Just Ken" from Barbie.

And on Monday, Bertinelli hinted at a change in her dating status.

After re-sharing an Instagram video from last June which saw her swear off dating following her divorce, the actress wrote“This didn’t age well🤪🥰.”

 Valerie Bertinelli Says the Oscars Red Carpet Was ‘So Hot’ There Was ‘Sweat Dripping Down Our Faces’

On Tuesday, she followed up with another Instagram post explaining her recent outlook on life and thanking her fans.

"I f---ing love my life right now," Bertinelli wrote. "Not something I ever thought I’d say two years ago. And hey, thank you all for staying on this ride with me. Sticking with me through the tears to get to the joy on the other side."