Valerie Bertinelli's new boyfriend, Mike Goodnough, is making a cross-country journey to be with her and celebrate her 64th birthday. Goodnough, a writer, shared a couple of pictures on Instagram on April 23. One was a sweet selfie of the couple, while the other showed a map depicting a plane flying from Newark, New Jersey, to Los Angeles.

In his caption, he wrote, "Sure, the plane is full and the cabin is eleventy-thousand degrees and I’m in Seat 51G …but it’s @wolfiesmom’s birthday and she’s waiting on the other side and it feels like I’m the one getting the present here." Bertinelli replied in the comments, "How do I (love) this eleventy hundred times? Happy birthday to meeeeee," along with a smiling emoji with hearts.

Goodnough also shared a photo of the former Food Network star playfully posing on a red carpet in his Instagram stories with a simple "Happy Birthday! @wolfiesmom."

The couple made their relationship Instagram official on April 20 when Bertinelli posted the same selfie from Goodnough's birthday tribute. In the photo, Bertinelli is leaning her head on Goodnough's shoulder, with both of them wearing black glasses. For the caption, Bertinelli included lyrics from Taylor Swift's new song, "So High School," writing, "🎶 I’ll drink what you think and I’m high from smoking’ your jokes all damn night 🎶."

Bertinelli's new relationship has captured the attention of her fans, who are excited to see her happy and in love. This cross-country journey to be with her on her birthday shows a sweet and thoughtful gesture by Goodnough, adding a special touch to her celebration.

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A post shared by Valerie Bertinelli (@wolfiesmom)

Before Valerie Bertinelli went public about her relationship with Mike Goodnough, he playfully addressed the unexpected attention he was getting on social media. Goodnough posted an Instagram video showing an "Entertainment Tonight" segment that revealed he was the new man in Bertinelli's life, drawing him into the spotlight.

In the video, Goodnough watched the report while in bed and cringed when "ET" mentioned his name, accompanied by an on-screen "Ooof." His caption humorously acknowledged the situation, "Welp, so much for the staying anonymous thing. So, uh, hi… I guess. 👋." This post was a lighthearted reaction to the sudden public attention.

Bertinelli responded to his post with a GIF of an actor laughing, indicating her amusement at his humorous take on the situation. It seems both Bertinelli and Goodnough are enjoying the lightheartedness of the newfound attention, despite the inevitable scrutiny that comes with being a public figure's significant other.

When did Valerie Bertinelli and Mike Goodnough reveal they were dating?

In March, Bertinelli disclosed that she was romantically involved with someone, whose identity she preferred to keep private.

A few weeks later, Goodnough confirmed on his Substack called "Hoarse Whisperings" that he and Bertinelli were indeed in a relationship.

“I am Valerie Bertinelli’s significant other… and that may rank as one of the most surreal statements I’ve ever typed,” he expressed. “But it’s the truth… and our actual relationship feels anything but surreal. It feels... right... fortunate... like a blessing.”

He elaborated on the unpredictability of life, mentioning how it can bring hardships for years before turning around and bringing deep love and gratitude, like the feeling of calling someone ‘Honey’ out of sheer affection and thankfulness for the gift of their presence.

“So, regarding the recent speculation," he added, "I can happily confirm it. I simply adore her. I’m thrilled that we’re together.”

Goodnough also shared that he sought Bertinelli’s approval before going public with their relationship.

He playfully recounted calling Bertinelli to address the “rumors” of their romance.

“She was delightful and kind and just as you would expect; and we had a lighthearted conversation about this whole situation,” he recounted. “I said ‘I know this sounds absurd but… there seems to be gossip circulating that you and I are… romantically linked. I know. Where do they come up with this stuff? But apparently, it was in a couple of gossip columns today. Not sure if you’re aware or even care…’”

As they bantered about the tabloid chatter, he mentioned, “She replied ‘It’s true. I really am. You’re my partner.’”

Goodnough also shared a photo of himself with Bertinelli’s feline companions.

Who is Valerie Bertinelli's boyfriend, Mike Goodnough?

Mike Goodnough, a writer residing on the East Coast, shared in his post about his journey into writing, mentioning how he transitioned into being a writer about a year ago.

“I delve into topics like life's ups and downs, the experiences of love and loss, moments of joy and sorrow, enduring hardships, and finding the light at the end of dark tunnels,” he expressed. “I’m transparent about my experiences, and that often encourages others to open up in the comments.”

Additionally, Goodnough is a father to a 16-year-old son, as indicated on his Instagram profile.

It seems that Goodnough had been playfully hinting at his relationship with Bertinelli for some time. In an Instagram post dated April 8, he is pictured reading a magazine featuring the TV personality on the cover, hinting at the ongoing banter surrounding their connection.

On April 6, he shared a photo of a magazine rack prominently displaying Bertinelli’s cover on People magazine.

“Just casually perusing the magazine rack. You know, as one does,” he wrote in the caption.

Based on his Instagram feed, it’s evident that Goodnough has a passion for birdwatching, often sharing snapshots of the birds he encounters.

In a blog post dated April 9, he candidly discussed his relationship with the woman he had been seeing, who at that time remained unnamed but visited New York for book promotions. Goodnough expressed his admiration for her accomplishments, particularly during the press tour for her book titled "Enough Already," where she unveiled their new relationship.

What has Valerie Bertinelli said about her boyfriend, Mike Goodnough?

Before revealing Goodnough's identity, Bertinelli spoke with People magazine about being in love.

“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions because I was firm in my decision to never fall in love again,” Bertinelli shared, referring to her divorce from Tom Vitale after 11 years of marriage in 2022.

“I had planned to live out my days happily with my six cats and dog, content to be alone — I was content alone,” she continued. “But now my heart is fluttering. This wasn’t part of the plan.”

Bertinelli explained that she and her then-unnamed boyfriend had initially connected a few years back through Instagram and had a platonic relationship that evolved into something more due to a sense of familiarity and a unique comfort level.

Their romantic relationship began earlier in the year, which Bertinelli described as feeling incredibly right. She expressed finding joy independently before this man came into her life.

The feelings of love appeared mutual. In a post dated March 29, Goodnough hinted at being "in love" with Bertinelli while discussing a visit to a dying friend in Los Angeles.

After visiting his friend, he mentioned driving back to be with a woman he loves and feels fortunate to have found.

"She resides in L.A.. When I arrived home, she was preparing dinner, and it smelled amazing," he shared. "I felt deeply grateful for her care, for the comfort she brings. Sharing that meal together felt so right…”

Goodnough concluded the post by mentioning that it was the experience with his dying friend that brought him and his new love together, promising to share that story in more detail in a future update.