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John Mellencamp is urging his daughter, Teddi Mellencamp, to move back to Indiana so he can spend more time with her while she continues her fight against stage four melanoma.
The 74-year-old singer, who resides in Bloomington, Indiana, shared his concerns about his 44-year-old daughter during an appearance on NBC’s Today show. Teddi, diagnosed with stage two melanoma in 2022, revealed in April 2025 that the cancer had progressed to stage four, spreading to her lungs and brain.
Mellencamp Wants Teddi Closer
John explained to hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer that he has encouraged Teddi to return to Indiana with her children – Slate (12), Dove (5), and Cruz (11) – but she has chosen to remain in Encino, California, near her estranged husband, Edwin Arroyave.
“I’ve tried to talk her into moving back home. I said, ‘Move back to Indiana, bring the kids and just come back and live in Indiana,’ but she won’t do it,” Mellencamp said.
Teddi’s Ongoing Cancer Battle
Despite her undetectable cancer results in October 2025, John stressed that Teddi continues to face serious health challenges. She has had 17 melanoma spots removed, along with four brain tumors, and is undergoing immunotherapy, which causes her to feel unwell for several days at a time.
“She has good days and feels good until she undergoes immunotherapy. She feels like hell for about four days before starting to feel normal again,” John said.
Teddi has shared updates with her fans online, urging them to schedule yearly health checks. On the iHeartRadio podcast Two T’s in a Pod, she explained:
“There is no detectable cancer, but I still need immunotherapy for another year. I’m not considered in remission yet. The doctors said after three years I can be considered in remission. The tumors continue to shrink, so it’s been good.”
Supporting a Brave Fight
John Mellencamp has been vocal about his daughter’s struggles, describing her situation as serious and ongoing, even after previous reports suggested her cancer was undetectable. He emphasized the importance of family support while Teddi continues her treatment.
“I do have a daughter that’s really sick. She’s not fine. She’s got cancer in the brain, and she’s suffering right now,” he said on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
