Teddi Mellencamp is facing her cancer journey with humor and heart as she navigates the challenges of Stage 4 melanoma. Recently, the 43-year-old reality star revealed that her father, musician John Mellencamp, has taken a rather unexpected role in planning her burial amid her ongoing health battle. The candid moment unfolded during a recent episode of her podcast, "Two T’s In A Pod," co-hosted with Tamra Judge.
On April 8, 2025, Teddi shared that her father called her 11 times in a row, prompting her to finally answer while she was in the bath. "He goes, 'I just want to make sure you’re going to be in our group family mausoleum,'" she recalled, highlighting the surreal nature of the conversation. The family mausoleum is located in Indiana, and Teddi humorously questioned where her three children—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5—would be buried if she were to be entombed there.
"He’s like, 'Well, there’s going to be the top five and then we’re gonna have little areas around it, and then that’s where everyone’s going to get buried,'" Teddi explained. Her father's insistence on discussing burial plans came as she grappled with the reality of her diagnosis, which has escalated since her initial melanoma diagnosis in 2022.
In early March, after experiencing severe headaches, Teddi underwent brain surgery that revealed multiple tumors. She shared on Instagram that doctors found four or five more tumors in her brain, as well as two in her lungs. "These are all metastases of my melanoma," she wrote, expressing her determination to fight the disease. "The doctors are hopeful that immunotherapy will effectively treat them," she added.
Teddi's journey has not been easy. On April 2, she confirmed that her cancer had reached Stage 4, a significant escalation in her health battle. "Stage 4 cancer can be scary," she admitted. "Yesterday was the first day I ever had to do immunotherapy and radiation on the same day, and I feel so tired and run down, but I know it’s going to get better again... it will get better."
Despite the gravity of her situation, Teddi has maintained a sense of humor. She jokingly mentioned wanting her tombstone to read, "Hot girls never die," a quip that has resonated with her fans. This lightheartedness is part of her coping mechanism as she navigates the emotional toll of her diagnosis.
In her April 9 Instagram post, Teddi shared a photo that demonstrated the stark difference in her appearance over the past four months, showcasing her shaved head post-surgery. "What a difference 4 months makes," she captioned the post. She also reflected on the isolating experience of battling cancer while raising her children and going through a divorce from her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave. "Sometimes I am so focused on 'being strong' that I forget I am allowed to be sad, cry it out, and feel very alone," she wrote.
Edwin has been a significant source of support throughout this ordeal. Teddi noted that he "completely changed" the moment she fell ill, stepping up to help care for their children and providing emotional support. During an episode of his podcast, "The Eds," he expressed admiration for their children's resilience during this challenging time.
Meanwhile, fellow "Real Housewives" star Kyle Richards has also been by Teddi's side, offering encouragement and positivity. During a recent interview, Kyle remarked on Teddi's strong spirit, saying, "She has some rough days right now going through radiation and the immunotherapy, but, you know, you know, Teddi. She is a really strong girl and I do believe she's going to come out on the other side of this, so lots of prayers and positive vibes for her."
Teddi's openness about her health struggles has resonated with many, and she continues to use her platform to raise awareness about melanoma and the importance of early detection. She has shared her journey since her initial diagnosis in October 2022, when she discovered she had Stage 2 melanoma after a routine skin check.
After undergoing surgery to remove multiple melanomas, Teddi was declared cancer-free in December 2022. However, her battle was far from over. In January 2024, she had to undergo further biopsies, and by February 2025, she was faced with the heartbreaking news that her cancer had returned with a vengeance.
As she continues her treatment, which includes immunotherapy and radiation, Teddi remains hopeful and determined. "I am blessed to be surrounded by my children, family, friends, doctors, nurses, and surgeons who are doing everything possible to get me back into better health," she expressed in an emotional update.
In a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, Teddi's journey underscores the importance of support systems, humor, and resilience in the face of adversity. As she navigates this challenging chapter, her candid reflections and unwavering spirit inspire many who are following her story.
As Teddi Mellencamp continues to fight her battle against Stage 4 melanoma, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, the strength of family bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit.
