Teddi Mellencamp: Cancer & New Relationship Defense
Facing stage 4 melanoma,Teddi Mellencamp is boldly defending her choices,specifically her dating life and fostering a puppy,against critics’ scrutiny.The former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star reveals her perspective, navigating both her health and new relationship with unwavering resolve. Mellencamp shares how the criticism surrounding her decisions has been “hurtful,” emphasizing her oncologist’s encouragement to embrace life to the fullest, not to mention, how her friend Tamra Judge, fervently defends her. News Directory 3 brings you this empowering story of resilience and self-determination amid a challenging health battle. Learn how Mellencamp prioritizes well-being, her children, and finding joy in dating, while focusing on staying busy to avoid depression. Discover what’s next in her journey.
Teddi Mellencamp defends Dating Amid Cancer Battle
Updated June 24,2025
Teddi mellencamp,former star of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” is pushing back against critics who question her choices as she battles stage 4 melanoma. The reality star is focusing on her health and finding happiness through dating and fostering a puppy.
On the June 12 episode of her podcast,”Two Ts in a Pod,” co-hosted with Tamra Judge,Mellencamp,43,addressed the backlash. She said the judgment surrounding her new relationship and decision to foster a dog has been ”hurtful.”
“People have been coming for me for fostering a dog and dating,” Mellencamp said. “Like, ‘The only thing she should be worrying about right now are her kids and staying alive. How in the world could she be dating?'”
Mellencamp responded to the criticism,stating she wants to stay busy to avoid depression.Her oncologist supports her decision to live life to the fullest. “My doctor said,’Now that I follow you on Instagram,I see some of the stuff that people write,'” Mellencamp recalled. “‘I really don’t want you to think about your cancer as terminal… You should be having fun and trying to laugh.'”
Mellencamp, who shares children Slate, 12, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5, with estranged husband Edwin Arroyave, said fostering a puppy has brought joy to her family. She also noted she has been feeling stronger and is working out several times a week.
Judge, 54, staunchly defended her friend. “There’s not a day that you’re not worried about your health, getting better, doing everything that you can do and spending time constantly with your children,” Judge said.”like, shut the f-k up, honestly. If you wanna date, life doesn’t stop as you have cancer.”
Mellencamp confirmed on the June 3 podcast episode that she is dating someone new, describing him as ”very kind” and someone who “takes good care” of her. She added that he is not married and does not have children.The two were recently seen walking together in Los Angeles.
What’s next
Mellencamp plans to continue prioritizing her health, spending time with her children, and enjoying her new relationship.