Valerie Bertinelli, the ex-wife of Eddie Van Halen, has shared a statement following the news of the iconic guitarist’s passing at age 65.

Bertinelli shared via Twitter, “40 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. 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.”

Bertinelli and Van Halen were married in 1981 and separated in 2001. They finally divorced in 2007. Their son, Wolfgang, was born in 1991.

Eddie Van Halen: On Stage

• 2015 Billboard Music Awards – Show

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  LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 17: (L-R) Drummer Alex Van Halen, singer David Lee Roth and guitarist Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform during the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

• 2015 Billboard Music Awards – Show

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  LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 17: Bassist Wolfgang Van Halen (L) and guitarist Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform during the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

• 2015 Billboard Music Awards – Show

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  LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 17: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was processed using digital filters) Singer David Lee Roth (L) and guitarist Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform during the 2015 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
• Van Halen And Kool & The Gang Perform At The Staples Center

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  LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 01: Van Halen, guitarist Eddie Van Halen performs as part of their 2012 North American tour at Staples Center on June 1, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

• Van Halen With Kool & The Gang In Concert

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  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Wolfgang Van Halen and Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

• Van Halen With Kool & The Gang In Concert

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  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performs at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
• Van Halen With Kool & The Gang In Concert

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• Van Halen With Kool & The Gang In Concert

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  NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen perform at Madison Square Garden on March 1, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

• Van Halen Dress Rehearsal At The Forum

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  INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Musician Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performs at their dress rehearsal for family and friends at the Forum on February 8, 2012 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
• Van Halen Dress Rehearsal At The Forum

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  INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Musician Eddie Van Halen of Van Halen performs at their dress rehearsal for family and friends at the Forum on February 8, 2012 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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