Valerie Bertinelli: Eddie Is Not in Rehab

Originally posted Wednesday March 12, 2008 03:35 PM EDT

Valerie Bertinelli denied that ex-husband Eddie Van Halen is in a rehabilitation facility, but declined to reveal his mystery ailment.

"The reports about him being in rehab are wrong. Eddie is sober," Bertinelli said at a luncheon hosted by the Hallmark Channel in New York on Wednesday. "He's being proactive about his illness."

Asked to elaborate on the musician's ailment, which has caused several of Van Halen's tour dates to be postponed, Bertinelli said, "I don't think it's my place [to comment.]"

Last week, the band posted a statement on its Web site saying, "According to Eddie Van Halen's physician, he is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures."

Bertinelli says she's been in contact with her ex, with whom she has a 16-year-old son, Wolfgang. "I talk to him about every other day. He wants to get back on tour," says Bertinelli. "I think they'll be back on the road by April 19."