VALERIE BERTINELLI has become a secret angel to her “One Day at a Time” TV mom BONNIE FRANKLIN, who is battling pancreatic cancer.
“Valerie has always been there for Bonnie, but never more so than now,” a source close to 52-year-old Valerie told The ENQUIRER.
“She’s even cooked hearty Italian dishes for Bonnie and delivered them personally. Bonnie was so grateful! With tears in her eyes, she said, ‘Valerie, I really feel like you’ve been another daughter to me all these years. I love you!’”
Bonnie, 68, played single mom Ann Romano to Bertinelli and s Mackenzie Phillips on “One Day at a Time” from 1975 to 1984.
She recently appeared on Valerie’s TV Land sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” after Valerie insisted producers hire her, said the source.
And after Bonnie announced her cancer battle, Valerie posted this message on her Twitter page: “She’s the kindest, smartest, bravest woman I know. Send some of your extra prayers to Bonnie please…”
The source added: “Even though Bonnie is only 16 years older, Valerie always considered her like a second mother. She’s always looked up to Bonnie and tried hard to please her.”
And Bonnie is not the only one to benefit from Valerie’s devotion.
As The ENQUIRER has reported, Valerie has also stood by her rock star ex-hubby Eddie Van Halen during a series of health woes, sources say.
“Valerie has helped Eddie through his medical crises,” a friend told The ENQUIRER, “and now she’s right there for Bonnie.”
