John Mellencamp Says Daughter Teddi Is ‘Really Sick’ as She Battles Stage 4 Cancer

Singer-songwriter John Mellencamp has spoken publicly about the health struggles of his daughter, Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, revealing that she is currently enduring significant challenges in her fight against stage 4 cancer, and that her condition has become increasingly difficult in recent months.

Mellencamp, 74, made the remarks during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast on January 14, 2026, where he described his daughter’s situation as “really sick” and said she is “suffering right now.” He emphasized the emotional toll the illness has taken on both his daughter and their family.

Teddi Mellencamp, 44, first revealed her cancer diagnosis in 2022 after being diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Over time the disease progressed to stage 4, with cancer spreading to her brain and lungs — a development she publicly confirmed in early 2025 after facing multiple surgeries and treatments.

In late 2025, Teddi shared on her podcast Two T’s in a Pod that scans showed “no detectable cancer” following intensive immunotherapy treatments, offering a moment of encouraging news. However, her father’s recent comments suggest that she continues to cope with serious health issues, experiencing the effects of ongoing treatment and the strain of the disease.

Teddi, who became widely known through her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has been candid about the emotional and physical challenges of living with cancer, including hospitalizations, frequent doctor visits and the impact on her daily life. In public statements, she has acknowledged the difficulty of the journey while also expressing gratitude for family support and moments of progress.

Despite the hardships, her family remains close, and John Mellencamp has repeatedly highlighted his love and concern for his daughter, underscoring the seriousness of her condition and the compassion of a family navigating life amid a long-running health battle.