Teddi Mellencamp, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, has shared a deeply personal conversation with her father, legendary singer John Mellencamp, revealing the heart-wrenching details of her burial plans amid her ongoing battle with cancer. During this week’s episode of her Two T’s In A Pod podcast with cohost Tamra Judge, Teddi candidly discussed how her father had called her 11 times in a row to ensure that she would be laid to rest in the family mausoleum in Indiana.
John, known for hits like “Jack and Diane”, wanted to make sure his daughter would join the Mellencamp family plot when the time comes, a request Teddi agreed to, but with one condition: her children—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5—would also have a place there. It’s a somber but loving gesture from the famous musician, reflecting his deep concern for his daughter’s well-being as she faces her stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
In a mix of humor and vulnerability, Teddi shared the specifics of the conversation on the podcast. John’s approach to kickstarting the difficult discussion was pragmatic—”You’re doing your will right now, so you may as well put it in there.” Teddi added some lightness to the situation, joking that she plans to have “hot girls never die” etched onto her tombstone.
While Teddi’s humor offered a moment of relief, she also took the opportunity to speak more seriously about her health and future. She revealed that she is committed to continuing her fight against cancer but made it clear to her father that she doesn’t want to be kept alive artificially in a state she would consider a “vegetable.” This candid admission speaks volumes about Teddi’s bravery and the difficult decisions she is facing in the wake of her diagnosis.
Teddi first revealed her stage 2 melanoma diagnosis in 2022, and her condition has progressively worsened. In February of this year, doctors found multiple tumors in her brain, which required surgery. By March, she shared that the cancer had spread to her lungs, and just earlier this month, she discovered even more tumors in her body.
Despite the escalating challenges, Teddi continues to show incredible strength, though she admits it isn’t always easy. In a recent Instagram post, she shared two photos: one showing her long, golden locks and another showing her nearly bald head. Her words in the caption were raw and poignant: sometimes, she’s so focused on “being strong” that she forgets she’s “allowed to be sad, cry it out, and feel very alone.”
Her openness about the emotional toll of her diagnosis has resonated deeply with fans, and she’s been praised for her transparency throughout this difficult journey. Teddi’s courage in the face of such adversity serves as a reminder of the importance of facing hard conversations with loved ones while continuing to fight for every moment of life.
