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Teddi Mellencamp is experiencing a Christmas like no other, as it’s her first holiday season without her three children amid her ongoing divorce from Edwin Arroyave. The former reality star, known for her role on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, took to Instagram to share her unique way of coping. She posted a video recreating a memorable scene from the 2001 classic Bridget Jones’s Diary, where the lead character, portrayed by Renée Zellweger, belts out Celine Dion’s emotional ballad All by Myself. In the video, Mellencamp donned a green pajama set paired with a black beanie, visibly moved as she lip-synced to the heartfelt song.
In a heartfelt caption, she expressed both humor and vulnerability, stating, “If I didn’t laugh at myself, I would cry. First Christmas without my kids, and I know they’re in great hands with an amazing dad, but that doesn’t mean I can’t feel some type of way.” The 43-year-old shared how she navigated the holiday by indulging in over $70 worth of Thai takeout, enjoying cookie dough, and binge-watching the series Special Ops: Lioness on Paramount+.
For support during this tough time, she stayed at the home of her friend and former co-star Kyle Richards, who provided a comforting environment. Mellencamp also shared snippets of her day, including walks around Richards’ backyard, and moments of self-care like face masks and baths. Despite the distance from her children—Cruz, 10, Slate, 12, and Dove, 4—she reassured her followers that she would reunite with them shortly.
Her candid post resonated with many, sparking comments from friends and fans. Tamra Judge, a fellow reality star, shared her empathy, acknowledging the mix of sadness and laughter in Mellencamp’s capture. Others, like Caroline Stanbury and Jana Kramer, also weighed in with supportive messages, reflecting on their own experiences during challenging family transitions.
Mellencamp’s divorce announcement in November was shocking, coming after 13 years of marriage. The revelation of her alleged affair with Simon Schroeder, a horse trainer tied to her children and known to be a close friend’s husband, has stirred considerable media attention. Meanwhile, sources have also indicated that Arroyave has his own affairs to contend with, adding layers to an already complicated situation. As she faces this new chapter, Mellencamp’s journey through heartbreak and healing continues to unfold, resonating with many dealing with similar struggles during the holiday season.
