Teddi Mellencamp took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal a deeply meaningful new tattoo, offering fans a glimpse into her emotional journey as she continues her battle with stage four cancer.
The 43-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star shared a photo of the fresh ink, located on her back. The tattoo features an eight-word vertical script, and she playfully invited followers to guess the inscription by writing in the caption, “Can you guess what my new tat says?”
She continued, “We did family tat day yesterday and of course this is what I picked.”
In her Instagram Stories, Mellencamp offered a closer view of the tattoo, which reads: “Life is short even in its longest days.” The quote is a heartfelt tribute, taken from her father John Mellencamp’s 2008 song Longest Days. She included the caption, “For my dad,” expressing the personal and emotional significance behind the ink.
The bond between father and daughter was further underscored by the fact that John Mellencamp, 73, also received a tattoo during the same family outing. Tattoo artist @wyldwess shared a photo on Instagram documenting the moment.
Teddi has been courageously sharing her cancer journey since her diagnosis, which stems from melanoma she was first diagnosed with in 2022. In February, she underwent emergency surgery to remove large brain tumors. Following the procedure, she began undergoing radiation and immunotherapy treatments to combat the spread.
Throughout her challenging battle, Teddi has maintained transparency with her followers, documenting her recovery and treatment milestones via social media. She is also a mother to three children—Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5—whom she shares with estranged husband Edwin Arroyave.
In November 2024, Mellencamp filed for divorce. However, the proceedings were temporarily paused so the couple could focus on her health. A source recently told DailyMail.com, “Their divorce was on hold as Edwin was taking care of Teddi. She was staying at the home that they share together past several months.”
The source added, “While Edwin is dedicated to continuing to help Teddi however he can in her recovery, they have decided to progress with their divorce. Their marriage is over and they want to put an end to this and finalize it amicably and with much respect.”
On May 8, Edwin filed documents with the court confirming that he has exchanged preliminary financial disclosures, including income, expenses, and details of shared and separate property. This filing was in response to a declaration Teddi submitted back in February.
Despite the personal upheaval and the toll of her illness, Teddi has recently shared some uplifting news. In late April, she reported that her brain tumors had shrunk significantly, and that she might be only weeks away from being cancer-free.
On the May 14 episode of her podcast Two T’s In A Pod, which she co-hosts with Tamra Judge, Teddi called in from an immunotherapy appointment and provided further updates on her progress. “Today I had the scan where they checked my lungs and the [tumors] are shrinking and one of them has shrunk so much you can barely even see it,” she shared.
Her friend and co-host Tamra Judge responded emotionally on Instagram, writing, “I can’t stop crying tears of joy,” and adding, “I love you so much.”
Mellencamp’s new tattoo is more than just body art—it is a testament to her resilience, her connection to her family, and her determination to keep fighting.
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