Teddi Mellencamp and her boyfriend Ricci Rea have ended their relationship after just one month of dating, marking a surprising turn of events in their brief romance.

During Friday’s episode of iHeartRadio’s “Diamonds in the Rough” podcast, the 44-year-old reality star disclosed that the relationship is “already finished.” She expressed that things began to feel a bit too serious for her liking, stating, “I don’t have the capacity for this right now,” leading to a painful but necessary decision to part ways.

Co-host Erika Jayne was taken aback by the revelation, highlighting the unexpected nature of the breakup. Mellencamp’s introspection reflects her current priorities, as she reassesses her needs amidst her ongoing health challenges.

The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum, currently facing a courageous battle against Stage 4 cancer, emphasized that her health must take precedence at this time. “I don’t feel my best. So when I have downtime, I want to rest… It’s not even about a need right now, and I think that’s the crazy thing about this,” she elaborated, showcasing her commitment to self-care and wellness.

Mellencamp made it clear that there were no hard feelings towards Rea, stating that “there’s nothing that he did wrong” and describing him as “the nicest guy,” but lamented that the timing was unfortunate. This sentiment underscores the complexities of navigating personal relationships while dealing with significant health challenges.

“Well, maybe you can take a pause and just perhaps come back in the future or something,” suggested Jayne, 54, to which Mellencamp promptly agreed, indicating her openness to future possibilities while prioritizing her wellbeing.

The mother of three first sparked dating rumors with Rea when they were spotted on May 31 enjoying a romantic walk, a moment captured by paparazzi. Although his identity was initially a mystery, sources later informed The Daily Mail that she was “dating him” and feeling “really happy” during their time together. Mellencamp publicly confirmed her relationship on the June 3 episode of her podcast “Two Ts in a Pod.”

Though she initially kept Rea’s identity under wraps, she described him as a “very kind” and “good” man who “takes excellent care” of her throughout her ongoing battle with cancer. “He’s not married, he doesn’t have any kids,” she added, emphasizing his personal circumstances and suitability as a partner during this challenging time.

After confirming the romance, Mellencamp responded to critics who were scrutinizing her dating life, stating, “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?” She admitted that the criticism does “bother” her, showcasing the emotional toll public scrutiny can take.

By July, the mystery surrounding her boyfriend was resolved as he was publicly identified as a TV producer, according to The Daily Mail. Currently, he serves as a senior producer at Dorothy, a boutique creative agency, as highlighted on his LinkedIn profile. This detail sheds light on his professional background and the potential for shared experiences in the entertainment industry.

Mellencamp’s battle with cancer began when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 melanoma in 2022, a challenging journey that has tested her resilience. In February 2025, she underwent surgery to remove four brain tumors, only to discover three additional tumors later, along with two more found in her lungs in March. This timeline emphasizes the ongoing struggles she faces in her health journey.

While Mellencamp revealed that doctors had given her a 50 percent chance of overcoming her Stage 4 cancer in April, she shared an “exciting” update that her tumors had “significantly shrunk” during that same month. This positive news provides a glimmer of hope amidst her ongoing treatment and struggles.

Her cancer journey is compounded by the fact that she is simultaneously navigating her divorce from Edwin Arroyave, whom she married in 2006. The couple has been co-parenting their children—daughter Slate, 12, son Cruz, 10, and daughter Dove, 5—since their split last year. Reports indicate that their marriage ended due to Mellencamp’s alleged affair with a married horse trainer, adding layers of complexity to her personal life.

Despite their separation, Arroyave, 48, has remained a supportive figure in Mellencamp’s life during her health struggles. “No matter what, I will always love Teddi and she’s been a huge part of my life,” he expressed on Thursday’s episode of “The Eds” podcast. “And I just like taking care of people; it’s just what I do. So it wasn’t even like a question; it was reflexive,” showcasing the enduring bond they share despite their challenges.