John Mellencamp has opened up about his daughter Teddi Mellencamp’s health, revealing she is “really sick” and “suffering right now” as she continues her fight against stage 4 melanoma.
A Father’s Painful Update
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the 74‑year‑old “Jack & Diane” singer shared the difficult reality of his daughter’s condition. “It’s not f***ing fun,” Mellencamp said. “She’s got cancer in the brain, and she’s suffering right now.” The update comes just months after Teddi, 44, told fans she had “no detectable cancer” during an appearance on her Two T’s in a Pod podcast in October 2025. At the time, she described the news as “huge,” though she emphasized she was not yet considered in remission.
Teddi’s Ongoing Battle
Teddi, a former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. Her condition advanced to stage 4 in February 2025, spreading to her lungs and brain. She underwent major brain surgery that removed four tumors and has remained on immunotherapy treatments.
“I’m still going to be having days when I’m feeling sick and stuff because I still am in immunotherapy,” she explained last year. “I’m still fighting because you have to be.”
Doctors told her remission could only be considered after three years of clear scans, meaning her journey remains ongoing.
Facing Criticism and Staying Positive
Despite her health struggles, Teddi has continued to live her life openly. She previously addressed criticism for fostering a dog and dating while undergoing treatment. “If I want to put myself in a situation where I’m staying busy so I’m not getting depressed, why have a problem with that?” she said. She added that her doctor encouraged her to focus on joy: “You should be going and having fun and trying to laugh.”
Family Support
Mellencamp, who shares five children from his marriages to Priscilla Esterline and Victoria Granucci, has been candid about the emotional toll of Teddi’s illness. Teddi herself is a mother of three — daughters Slate, 12, and Dove, 11, and son Cruz, 5 — with her estranged husband Edwin Arroyave. Her resilience and openness have inspired fans, even as her father’s latest comments underscore the seriousness of her condition.
Looking Ahead
While Teddi’s October update gave hope, Mellencamp’s recent remarks highlight the unpredictable nature of cancer treatment. For now, she continues her fight with the support of her family, fans, and medical team.
