Many are mourning the loss of rock legend Eddie Van Halen, who passed away on October 6th. Among the touching tributes, his ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli revealed she and the couple’s son, Wolfgang, were able to be with Eddie in his last moments.

“40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you,” she wrote on Instagram with a heartwarming family photo. “You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang. Through all of your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin. I am so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love.”

The actress and guitarist were married for 26 years after tying the knot in 1981. At the time, they made headlines as an odd couple with Bertinelli’s sugary-sweet reputation while starring in One Day at a Time versus Eddie’s wild rock and roll persona. But even after divorcing in 2007, it was clear the pair always had a lot of love and respect between them.

Wolfgang was the one to break the tragic news about his dad, sharing on Twitter, “I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ask for.”

The younger Van Halen followed in his father’s musical footsteps and began performing with Eddie at just 11 years old. “Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift,” Wolfgang continued. “My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”