Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave are forging ahead with divorce despite her medical condition, and a source exclusively tells In Touch how they’re keeping things amicable while planning to stay in each other’s lives no matter what.
“When Teddi found out she had brain cancer, they put the divorce on hold to focus on her healing, and Edwin was all in to help her. He was there for her and the kids every step of the way, and a lot of people thought that it might get their marriage back on track because they obviously love each other,” according to In Touch’s insider. “But they’ve decided that the best thing is to move forward with the divorce. They still care about each other deeply, but they know it’s time to go their separate ways.”
The source notes that Teddi, 43, and Edwin, 48, are “both in agreement that this is the best decision for their family, so it’s going to be very smooth with no fighting.”
“This isn’t some toxic Hollywood breakup, but it’s still very emotional,” the source continues. “They’re sad that this chapter is ending, but they’re saying they will still be family, they just won’t be married anymore. They’re proving that not every breakup has to be messy.”
In May, In Touch exclusively reported that the estranged couple had made progress in court after filing for divorce in November. The exes married in July 2011 and share three kids together; Slate Arroyave, 12, Cruz Arroyave, 10, and Dove Arroyave, 5. Edwin submitted documents of his income, finances and owned properties.
Edwin Arroyave, Slate Arroyave, Cruz Arroyave, Dove Arroyave and Teddi Mellencamp
Despite calling it quits on their marriage, Teddi and Edwin continued to be by each other’s side in sickness and in health when Teddi underwent surgery to remove tumors from her brain.
“For the last several weeks I’ve been dealing with severe and debilitating headaches. Yesterday the pain was unbearable and required hospitalization. After a CT scan and MRI, doctors found multiple tumors on my brain, which they believe have been growing for at least 6 months,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star wrote in an Instagram statement on February 12. “Two of the tumors will be surgically removed today – The remaining smaller tumors will be dealt with via radiation at a later date.”
Teddi shared videos of her experience in the hospital, where she was surrounded by Edwin, her family and friends. The following day, Edwin gave fans an update on Teddi’s surgery.
“So many people asking for updates. All I will say right now is surgery went well,” he wrote via Instagram Stories on February 13. “That said, I’ve never seen @teddimellencamp in so much pain. She’s finally getting some needed rest. I know she is so grateful for the outpouring of love.”
After returning home, more tumors were found in Teddi’s brain, which later “shrunk” and “disappeared.”
“One update I couldn’t wait to share! All tumors stage 4 (metastasized melanoma in my brain and lungs) shrunk or disappeared so I have 6ish more weeks of immunotherapy and doctors believe I will be healed if everything stays on course,” she wrote via Instagram in April. “Thank you to everyone who has sent their love, prayers, and positivity.”
More recently, the Bravolebrity spoke out about her love life and the criticism she has received amid her health battle, revealing she is still focused on what brings her joy at this time. “People have been coming for me about fostering a dog, and they’ve been coming for me for dating,” she said in the June 11 episode of her “Two T’s in a Pod” podcast. “[They say], ‘The only thing she should be worried about right now are her kids and staying alive.”
Teddi added, “If I want to put myself in a situation where I’m staying busy so I’m not getting depressed, why have a problem with that?”
