Teddi Mellencamp Refuses Father's Plea to Move Home for Cancer Treatment

The former 'Real Housewives' star says her kids' schooling and estranged husband's residence keep her in LA.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Teddi Mellencamp, 44, the former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star, is battling stage four cancer that has spread to her brain and lungs. Her father, rock singer John Mellencamp, has urged her to move back to Indiana to be closer to family, but Teddi has refused, citing her children's schooling and her estranged husband's residence in Los Angeles. Teddi says the move would add emotional strain during her complex cancer treatment regimen.

Why it matters

Teddi's decision to remain in Los Angeles highlights the difficult balance between personal health decisions and family expectations. While her father wants her closer to home, Teddi feels her established medical team, her children's stability, and her support network in LA are crucial for managing her advanced cancer diagnosis.

The details

Teddi first disclosed a stage 2 melanoma diagnosis in March 2022, but by April 2025 the cancer had progressed to stage IV, spreading to her brain and lungs. She underwent brain surgery that removed several tumors, during which doctors discovered additional lesions. Follow-up scans later showed the tumors shrinking, but she continues to struggle with side effects from immunotherapy treatment. Teddi says the treatment "makes me feel like hell for about four days" and has impacted her speech clarity, though her hand tremors have improved.

  • Teddi first disclosed a stage 2 melanoma diagnosis in March 2022.
  • By April 2025, Teddi's cancer had progressed to stage IV, spreading to her brain and lungs.
  • Teddi underwent brain surgery in 2025 that removed several tumors, during which doctors discovered additional lesions.

The players

Teddi Mellencamp

A 44-year-old former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star who is battling stage four cancer that has spread to her brain and lungs.

John Mellencamp

Teddi's father, a rock singer-songwriter, who has urged his daughter to move back to Indiana to be closer to family during her cancer treatment.

Edwin

Teddi's estranged husband, who lives in Los Angeles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Move back to Indiana, bring the kids and just come back and live in Indiana.”

— John Mellencamp (The Today Show)

“I'm not going to Indiana.”

— Teddi Mellencamp (The Today Show)

“Between him saying that, and I'm suffering, I'm like, you're really putting me through the wringer.”

— Teddi Mellencamp (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Teddi has not ruled out moving, but says she would consider her sister's home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, rather than Indiana, noting she 'does not like cold weather.' Her father has also urged her to finalize her will and consider the family mausoleum.

The takeaway

Teddi's decision to remain in Los Angeles during her cancer treatment highlights the complex personal and family dynamics involved in managing a serious health condition. While her father wants her closer to home, Teddi feels her established medical team, her children's stability, and her support network in LA are crucial for her well-being and recovery.