Teddi Mellencamp, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has been facing a difficult health battle after undergoing emergency surgery to remove two brain tumors. Her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, confirmed that the operation was successful, but she has been left in “so much pain.” Teddi, who had been experiencing “severe and debilitating headaches” for weeks, was diagnosed with multiple tumors after seeking medical help for the excruciating pain. Doctors believe the tumors had been growing for at least six months before they were discovered.
Teddi is surrounded by a strong support system, including Edwin and their three children—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 4. She is also a stepmother to Edwin’s daughter, Bella, 15, from a previous relationship. Teddi comes from a large family, including siblings Justice, Michelle, Hud, and Speck. Justice recently shared her thoughts on Teddi’s surgery, calling the experience “horrific” and adding, “I’ve tried to get back to everyone who has reached out & I know Teddi will share her journey when she is ready. She is by far the strongest person I know”, reported by the Daily Star.
Despite her current health challenges, Teddi comes from a family of public figures, most notably her father, singer John Mellencamp. The heartland rock legend shot to fame in the 1980s, earning fourteen Top 20 hits, including iconic songs like “Jack & Diane” and “Hurts So Good.” Mellencamp, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, has sold over 60 million records worldwide and earned twelve Grammy nominations. Teddi has been open about her relationship with her famous father, which has had its ups and downs over the years.
During an appearance on the Sibling Revelry podcast with Kate and Olivia Hudson, Teddi reflected on her relationship with John. “I think he always tried his best,” she shared. “Do I think that we’re in a way better place now than when I was a kid? Yes, but also because I mean, I didn’t really understand the importance of a good relationship with my parents when I was a kid.” She also recalled a particularly painful moment from her youth when John, in frustration, told her, “You know what? Eff you, Teddi. I have other kids,” and they didn’t speak for years.
Teddi’s mother, Victoria Granucci, was also married to John Mellencamp and had a strained relationship with Teddi. Victoria suffered a brain bleed in 2022 after a fall and spent several days in the ICU. Meanwhile, John’s personal life has been marked by several high-profile relationships, including his on-and-off romance with actress Meg Ryan. John admitted he was a “bad boyfriend” to Ryan during their tumultuous relationship, which ended in 2019. Reflecting on his past, he said, “I’m a child. I throw fits, I gripe, I complain. I’m moody. Every bad thing that a fella can be, that’s me.”
John himself has faced serious health issues, including a minor heart attack in 1994, which forced him to cancel a tour. He attributed his health scare to a poor lifestyle of smoking and unhealthy eating habits at the time, stating, “I was up to 80 cigarettes a day.”
