Teddi Mellencamp is embracing a new chapter in her life following her separation from Edwin Arroyave. Three weeks after revealing the end of her 13-year marriage, the 43-year-old shared on Instagram that she is giving herself the freedom to grow and thrive, despite ongoing speculation about the reasons behind their split.
On Nov. 24, Mellencamp took to social media with a powerful message: “The only person who can change your life is you.” She emphasized the importance of taking control of one’s own life, offering a choice between playing the victim or fighting for personal happiness and peace. “We all deserve peace and happiness,” she added.
Sharing lessons learned, Teddi Mellencamp highlights the journey to personal happiness
Accompanying a video of her walking on a Peloton treadmill while Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter” played in the background, Mellencamp reflected on the emotional journey she’s been through. She shared that she had “cried and mourned” and taken responsibility for her actions, acknowledging the mistakes she had made and apologizing for them.
She went on to express that she is no longer concerned with media speculation, stating, “Click bait means nothing and, of course, there are three sides to every story.” For her, the focus is on standing by the people who truly matter. “How I can stand up and show up for the people that do matter does,” she said. Mellencamp concluded her message by emphasizing her maturity: “This is called being an adult.”
Mellencamp filed for divorce from Arroyave, 47, on Nov. 1, citing irreconcilable differences and noting Oct. 20 as their separation date. Initially seeking primary custody of their three children—Slate, 12, Dove, 4, and Cruz, 10—she later amended her request to joint physical and legal custody.
The reality star also addressed the split on Instagram on Nov. 2, revealing that the decision to file for divorce was a tough one. “My priority is my children and ensuring that every care is taken with their privacy and wellbeing throughout this new chapter,” she wrote.
Mellencamp, who is the daughter of musician John Mellencamp, explained that while she didn’t want to make a public statement, she felt it was necessary to protect her family from speculation.
In response, Arroyave shared his own thoughts on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of adopting “healthy habits” during difficult times. He posted about getting more sleep after previously mentioning his struggles with insomnia and shared his experience with hot yoga, writing that rituals can help during moments when motivation is lacking. “It’s when you’re under pressure that your true character is revealed,” he added.
On the Nov. 14 episode of her Two Ts In a Pod podcast, Mellencamp said, “I’m doing the best that I can” as she continued her professional commitments. She also clarified that she didn’t want to involve others in the situation unnecessarily.
“There’s always going to be somebody who is vocal and someone who is not, and I know in my world of recapping Housewives, I’m pretty vocal,” she remarked. “But when it comes to kids and other people’s lives that didn’t sign up for this or did sign up for this, I got to just take a beat.”
