Teddi Mellencamp’s new romance is blossoming as she bravely battles stage four melanoma.
Following multiple public appearances of the affectionate couple, the Daily Mail is now able to exclusively disclose that Mellencamp’s partner is successful TV producer Ricci Rea, who has been a steadfast presence during her battle with cancer.
Although Rea does not have children of his own, he joined Mellencamp, the 44-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, on a family trip, supporting her alongside her two younger children, Cruz, 10, and Dove, 5.
During their hectic travel day, even though Mellencamp appeared frail and relied on a wheelchair, Rea ensured the children were entertained while skillfully navigating through a bustling airport.
This outing marked the first time Rea has been seen with Mellencamp’s little ones, who she shares with estranged husband Edwin Arroyave,48.
Daily Mail can now reveal for the first time that Teddi Mellencamp’s boyfriend is successful TV producer Ricci Rea. He is pictured here jetting off on holiday with the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star
Mellencamp is battling stage four melanoma with unwavering strength; seen last month
Her eldest and third child, 12-year-old daughter Slate, was not present – but, a keen equestrian, she is often busy competing in various horsing events.
Rea boasts an impressive career in the entertainment industry, having held key production roles at top-tier companies, including Apple TV+ and Fox, where he served as an Event Producer.
His resume also includes a stint as a Line Producer at the Santa Monica-based agency Done+Dusted, from March 2023 to January 2024. He now brings his talents to Dorothy, a boutique creative agency where he currently holds the title of Senior Producer.
On his LinkedIn profile, Rea describes himself as an ‘innovative production leader with 15+ years of experience in the production of cross-category unscripted TV, live broadcasts, upfront presentations, red carpet premieres, and press junkets.’
While it remains unknown if Rea has been married before, Mellencamp – daughter of legendary musician John Mellencamp – split from Arroyave in November 2024 after 13 years of marriage.
She was also previously married to Matthew Robertson from 2006 to 2010.
Mellencamp looked frail and used a wheelchair on their busy travel day
Despite not having children of his own, Rea stepped up on a recent family outing with his girlfriend and her two youngest children, Cruz, 10 and Dove, 5
This marks the first time Rea has been seen with Mellencamp’s little ones, who she shares with estranged husband Edwin Arroyave
Her eldest daughter, Slate, 12, was not seen with the pair, but she is often busy competing in various equestrian events
Unlike Mellencamp, whose life as a reality star plays out in the public eye, Rea appears to maintain a more private existence, with no visible public social media presence.
Still, the couple seem perfectly in sync. Just last month, Rea was spotted running alongside Mellencamp in her neighborhood.
The couple looked smitten, stealing kisses and affectionate embraces mid-jog in images obtained by the Daily Mail.
In June, Mellencamp confirmed her new relationship on her podcast, opening up to listeners for the first time about the man who has quietly entered her life and heart.
She shared that she was ‘dating somebody,’ adding: ‘He’s very kind to me. He’s taking good care of me.’
Rea boasts an impressive career in the entertainment industry, having held key production roles at top-tier companies, including Apple TV+ and Fox
His ambition appears to be something he shares with Mellencamp, who runs the lifestyle and fitness brand All In by Teddi and co-hosts the podcast Two Ts In A Pod alongside Tamra Judge
‘He’s nice… he’s not married, he doesn’t have any kids,’ she continued.
Though she didn’t name him at the time, Mellencamp did offer a glimpse into his character, noting that Rea is a ‘very private person.’
That said, she emphasized that Rea knew exactly what to expect when dating a reality star.
‘I asked him, like, “Do I even say your name?”‘ Teddi recalled. ‘And he’s, like, ‘It’s really whatever you want to do, I know you’re a public person.”
Mellencamp was first diagnosed with Stage 2 melanoma in 2022, but her condition took a terrifying turn earlier this year when it progressed to Stage 4.
However, in a recent video on social media, Mellencamp revealed her tumors have significantly shrunk, and that doctors are hopeful.
