Reality television personality Teddi Mellencamp has been spotted out in public with her boyfriend, Ricci Rea, following a concerning health update from her famous father. The 44-year-old was seen over the weekend in the Los Angeles area, maintaining a low-key appearance as she continues her ongoing battle with cancer.
A Public Sighting Amid Private Struggle
This marked the first public sighting of Mellencamp since her father, rock legend John Mellencamp, revealed she has been 'really sick' and 'suffering right now'. The outing was a simple family affair, with Teddi accompanied by her on-off boyfriend of less than a year as she dropped her 10-year-old son, Cruz, at football practice. The pair then sat in the bleachers to watch him play.
Dressed casually in a long-sleeved top, light brown sweatpants, and a baseball cap, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum focused on supporting her child. Ricci Rea matched her relaxed style in a T-shirt and joggers, staying close by her side throughout.
The Harrowing Cancer Journey
Teddi Mellencamp's health battle has been a public and difficult journey. She was first diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in 2022. The situation took a severe turn last year when she revealed the cancer had metastasised, spreading to her lungs and brain and developing into stage 4 melanoma.
Her treatment has been aggressive, involving multiple surgeries over the past three years, including emergency brain surgery, as well as radiation and immunotherapy. In a positive development in October 2025, she shared that a new scan showed 'no detectable cancer'. However, she was quick to clarify on her podcast that she is not in remission, stating, 'I still am in immunotherapy, so I'm still fighting because you have to be.' She has previously shared that doctors gave her a '50/50 chance' of survival.
Family Concerns and a Plea to Move
The recent comments from her 74-year-old father have cast a new light on the ongoing struggle. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, John Mellencamp said, 'It's not f***ing fun. She's got cancer in the brain, and she's suffering right now.' He described her as 'going through hell', with good days followed by others where she 'feels like hell' post-treatment.
He has publicly expressed a desire for his daughter to leave her life in California, where she has raised her three children, and move to be with him in Indiana while she undergoes treatment. 'I'm trying to talk her into moving back home,' he stated during an appearance on the Today show.
Mellencamp's personal life has also seen significant change. She was married to Edwin Arroyave for 13 years before filing for divorce in October 2024. They share three children: daughters Slate, 13, and Dove, 5, along with son Cruz, 10. Reports indicate their legal separation has been paused amid her health battle as they continue to co-parent their family in Los Angeles.
