John Mellencamp shares update on his daughter’s battle with cancer

John Mellencamp has shared an update on the health of his daughter Teddi Mellencamp, saying he hopes she will return to Indiana as she continues treatment for stage 4 cancer, TODAY reports.

The 74-year-old singer appeared on TODAY on Jan. 16, where he spoke candidly about his 44-year-old daughter’s ongoing battle with melanoma. Teddi Mellencamp was first diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in October 2022 after having a mole removed from her back. The cancer later spread to her brain and lungs.

Mellencamp said he encouraged his daughter to leave Los Angeles and return home with her three children while she undergoes treatment. He noted that despite his efforts, she chose to remain in California.

Providing a health update, Mellencamp said his daughter continues to face physical challenges. She explained that while she has periods where she feels fine, the immunotherapy treatments take a toll, leaving her feeling unwell for several days before feeling well again.

Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp previously shared on her “Two T’s in a Pod” podcast in October 2025 that scans showed no detectable cancer after immunotherapy. However, he clarified that he is not considered in remission and must continue treatment for at least another year.

The doctors explained that remission can only be considered after several years without detectable cancer. Mellencamp has since continued regular treatments under medical supervision.

In February 2025, she underwent emergency surgery after cancer was discovered in her brain, and in March it was confirmed that it had spread to her lungs. In April, she reported that her brain tumors had shrunk significantly, indicating a positive response to treatment.