John Mellencamp Opens Up About Daughter Teddi Mellencamp’s Brain Cancer Battle

"It's not f—ing fun." With those blunt words, rock legend John Mellencamp shared a somber update on his daughter Teddi Mellencamp’s health. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience on January 14, 2026, the "Jack & Diane" singer revealed that the former RHOBH star is currently "suffering" as she continues her fight against metastatic cancer.

Timeline of Teddi Mellencamp’s Brain Cancer Battle

Teddi Mellencamp, 44, was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022. Despite undergoing more than a dozen surgeries, the melanoma eventually metastasized. In February 2025, she announced a brain cancer diagnosis, followed by the discovery of tumors in her lungs just a month later.

The journey has been a rollercoaster of hope and hardship. In October 2025, Teddi shared a positive update on her podcast, 'Two T’s in a Pod,' stating that scans showed "no detectable cancer" following intensive immunotherapy. However, her father’s recent comments suggest that the path to full recovery remains grueling and painful.

A Father’s Support Amidst Health Struggles

John Mellencamp confirmed that he remains very involved in Teddi’s life, despite a history of what both have called a "difficult" relationship. Teddi has noted that her father checks in on her daily, providing a vital emotional lifeline. "My dad is very much there," she previously stated, highlighting the family's shift toward unity during this health crisis.