Teddi Mellencamp is facing the fight of her life—and her famous dad is already making funeral plans.
The 43-year-old “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, who is battling Stage 4 cancer, revealed that her father, rock legend John Mellencamp, has started planning her final resting place.
John Mellencamp Calls 11 Times in a Row
On her podcast, “Two Ts in a Pod,” Teddi shared that her 73-year-old father bombarded her phone with 11 calls in a row. When she finally picked up, she was shocked by the reason.
“I’m in the bath, let me live a little,” she told him.
His response? He wanted to confirm she would be buried in the family mausoleum in Indiana.
Planning the Family Mausoleum
John wasn’t joking. According to Teddi, he laid out the plan in detail. The mausoleum would have a main area for the top five family members. Around that, there would be smaller sections for others—including Teddi’s three children, Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5.
“He goes, ‘You’re doing your will right now, so you may as well put it in there,’” she recalled.
Teddi agreed, adding with her signature humor that she wants “hot girls never die” engraved on her tombstone.
Mellencamp Cancer Diagnosis Hits Hard
She first announced her diagnosis in February. Doctors had discovered multiple tumors in her brain. She quickly underwent surgery. Surgeons removed four large tumors.
Just a month later, she shared even more devastating news. Additional tumors had been found in both her brain and lungs.
Despite the setbacks, she’s determined to fight.
“I’m Fighting for My Life”
Speaking to US Weekly, Teddi didn’t hold back.
“This is definitely the hardest thing I’ve faced in my life,” she said. “But now it feels less hard.”
She said the ICU stay was particularly traumatic. At one point, she forgot it was her daughter’s birthday.
“That crushed me,” she admitted. “It’s still sad when I can’t be there for my kids.”
Her Estranged Husband Broke the News
Teddi and her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave, are co-parenting through the crisis. She revealed that Edwin was the one who told John about her health issues.
“I didn’t expect my whole family to be there within 24 hours,” she said. “But by the time I got out of surgery, everyone was already there.”
Even John, who famously hates Los Angeles, stayed for 18 days.
“That says a lot,” Teddi said.
Every Day, Her Dad Checks In
John has taken on the role of daily motivator.
“He calls every day,” Teddi said. “Some days I’m not in the mood for a pep talk, but I love that he cares.”
She said some mornings she has to tell him, “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I’m not pep-talk ready today.”
Teddi Stays Strong on Social Media
Through it all, Teddi has been open with her followers. She has posted photos from her hospital bed and shared candid updates.
“I will always fight to be my best,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am in no place for negativity or discouragement.”
Support has poured in from fans, fellow reality stars, and even some celebrities.
Family Over Everything
Despite the heartbreak, Teddi says her family has been her rock. Her kids continue to be her top priority. Even amid painful treatments and emotional lows, she tries to stay strong for them.
“They’re why I’m doing this,” she said. “I’m not giving up.”
No Timeframe, Just Determination
Teddi hasn’t revealed a treatment timeline, but she’s made one thing clear—she’s not ready to go.
The “Teddi Mellencamp cancer” journey has turned into a public battle, but one she’s facing head-on.
For now, she’s back home, surrounded by family, including her beloved dog, Boots.
And while the planning of her final resting place may be grim, Teddi is still very much in the fight.
