Actress Valerie Bertinelli shared that she relates to Taylor Swift‘s new song, “Eldest Daughter,” from her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, which was released on October 3.
On October 5, Bertinelli took to her Instagram account to share pictures and videos that showed her through stages of her life, spanning from childhood to the current day. Bertinelli, who got her big break at 15 after being cast as Barbara Cooper Royer in One Day at a Time, paired the montage with “Eldest Daughter.” Swift’s song, which is track 5 on The Life of a Showgirl, addresses forcing apathy due to heartbreak and unkind internet comments. In addition, it seemingly speaks about being a present person for a loved one, regardless of circumstances.
In the caption of the post, Bertinelli referenced that she is the eldest daughter in her family of five.
“I’ve had this song on a loop since first hearing it. As an eldest daughter, thank you @taylorswift for writing it,” captioned Bertinelli.
She then said that while she knows many of Swift’s fans believe the song is about her fiancé, NFL player, Travis Kelce, she “like[s] to look at it as a love song to my inner child and how I just won’t abandon her any longer.”
“It’s my job to keep her safe and I can do that now. The song perfectly encapsulates everything I write about in my new book,” stated Bertinelli in reference to her upcoming memoir, Getting Naked. According to her October 2 Instagram upload, the book will be out in March 2026.
“Healing is there for all of us and I’m hoping my book will help you heal a little bit,” continued Bertinelli in the post’s caption.
Fans Shared That They Appreciated Valerie Bertinelli’s Instagram Upload About Taylor Swift’s New Song
Several fans flocked to the post’s comments section to share that they appreciated Bertinelli’s message about Swift’s new song.
“As an eldest daughter I agree,” wrote a fan.
“Yes, to the inner child in each of us not to be lost or forgotten,” added another.
“I am an eldest daughter – like you the ONLY daughter with three brothers. I will eventually hug myself, life doesn’t stop,” commented a different person.
Another social media user noted that Bertinelli’s late ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen, the father of her only child, Wolfgang Van Halen, died on October 6, 2020, at the age of 65.
“Listened to the album when it dropped Friday/this song is beautiful – as are you. Sharing your family photos and being vulnerable is what makes your fans love you so much!! Will be thinking of you and Wolf especially 10/6,” wrote the commenter.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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