Teddi Mellencamp, the 43-year-old reality star and former cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," has recently revealed that her father, iconic rocker John Mellencamp, is making arrangements for her burial as she battles stage 4 cancer. In a poignant episode of her podcast "Two Ts in a Pod," she shared the emotional conversation they had regarding her final resting place.
On April 8, 2025, Teddi recounted how her father called her an astounding eleven times in a row, prompting her to finally answer while jokingly saying, "I’m in the bath. Let me live a little." During this call, John expressed his concern, stating, "I just want to make sure you’re going to be in our group family mausoleum." This conversation highlights not only the severity of Teddi's health situation but also the deep familial bonds that are being tested during this difficult time.
As Teddi delved deeper into the discussion, she inquired whether there would be enough space in the mausoleum for her three children—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5—whom she shares with her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave. John reassured her, saying, "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." This response reflects not only a father’s love but also a practical approach to a difficult subject.
John’s insistence on including this information in Teddi’s will further emphasizes the gravity of their discussion. He advised her, "You’re doing your will right now, so you may as well put it in there." Teddi confirmed that she agreed to her father's wishes, noting that she would need to travel to Indiana to visit her grave. In a moment of levity, she joked about having "hot girls never die" engraved on her tombstone, showcasing her resilient spirit even in the face of adversity.
Teddi's battle with cancer has been public and harrowing. She was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and has since undergone significant medical challenges. In February 2025, she revealed that multiple tumors were discovered in her brain, leading to surgery to remove four large tumors. However, her health continued to be a concern as doctors later found additional tumors in her brain and lungs.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Teddi shared her emotional journey, stating, "I’m fighting for my life, but also for my family’s life and all the people I love." She acknowledged the difficulty of her situation, saying, "This is definitely the hardest thing [I’ve faced in my life], but now it feels less hard." She elaborated on the emotional toll of being unable to celebrate significant moments, like her daughter’s birthday, while in the ICU, which left her feeling incredibly sad.
The support from her father has been unwavering. Teddi mentioned that John, 73, stayed in Los Angeles for 18 days following her surgery, despite his dislike for the city. She reflected on the importance of family during this time, stating, "I was not expecting my entire family to be out here within 24 hours, but by the time I was out of surgery, everybody was there." John’s daily check-ins have provided her with comfort, although there are days when she prefers not to engage in pep talks.
Teddi's journey has also prompted her to reconsider how she communicates with her children about her illness. Previously, she would reassure them with the phrase, "Moms always come back," but she admitted that she hasn't used that phrase recently. "They all know that I'm fighting the hardest I possibly can, but I haven't said (it) because I don't want to lie to them. And I don't know," she explained, highlighting the complexity of navigating her health crisis while maintaining a sense of normalcy for her kids.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her health, Teddi remains focused on hope and encourages others to prioritize their health, particularly in getting regular skin checks. Her resilience shines through as she continues to advocate for herself and her family, stating, "I’m fighting for my life, but also for my family’s life and all the people I love." This sentiment resonates deeply as she balances the weight of her diagnosis with the love and support of her family.
In a recent milestone, Teddi celebrated completing her final radiation treatment by ringing a ceremonial bell at the hospital, a significant moment in her treatment journey. She shared this experience on social media, expressing gratitude for the support she has received and emphasizing the importance of community during such challenging times.
As Teddi Mellencamp navigates this difficult chapter in her life, her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found in family bonds. The conversations she has had with her father about her burial plans reflect a profound love and the realities of facing mortality. Her journey is not just a battle against cancer but also a testament to the enduring power of family and the importance of cherishing every moment.
