Co-parenting amid a divorce isn’t always easy. But Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave appear to be handling it like pros.
The estranged couple demonstrated this on Friday, June 6, when they reunited for their oldest daughter’s 6th-grade graduation. Teddi shared the milestone in a series of Instagram Stories, which showed 11-year-old Slate Arroyave opening a very special graduation gift.
See Teddi Mellencamp’s beautiful gift for daughter Slate Arroyave
“Graduation day. So, of course, that comes with a little [present],” Teddi said from behind the camera.
Slate began to pull tissue out of a red-and-white polka dot bag before pulling out a personalized backpack.
“It’s so pretty,” the preteen said. “I love it.”
The black leather piece was emblazoned with Slate’s name and hand-painted pictures of her horses, Classy and Poe.
“Do you see? Classy, Poe, Slate,” Teddi said. “It’s a backpack. Put it on. Let’s see. Turn around.”
The former Housewife credited the accessory to Ariana Pacino, a Beverly Hills-based artist/designer specializing in custom bags and trunks.
“Thank you [Ariana] for the incredible artwork of Classy & Poe,” Teddi wrote. “[Slate] is beyond grateful. This is truly so beautiful. [Ariana] you’ve made her year.”
Slate received the gift at her family’s Encino home, where Teddi and Edwin are still cohabiting.
Edwin Arroyave shares an inside look at Slate Arroyave’s graduation day
The estranged couple also snapped a family photo with Slate, 10-year-old son, Cruz, and 5-year-old daughter, Dove. Edwin’s daughter, Bella, whom he shares with his ex, was also pictured.
“Just like that our baby girl is graduating lower school,” Teddi captioned a June 6 photo. “Off to middle school next year. Proud of you [Slate].”
Shortly after the home celebration, Edwin shared a few photos and videos from Slate’s graduation. One of the posts showed the Beverly Hills daughter giving a quick speech during the commencement ceremony, reflecting on the lessons she learned while attending the school.
“Certainty and confidence combined with humility is the most magnetizing, attractive quality that you ever have,” Edwin captioned the clip. “You are amazing [Slate].”
Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave put their divorce on pause
Teddi confirmed her and Edwin’s split in early November 2024 after 13 years of marriage. In the months following her divorce filing, Teddi announced she had been diagnosed with lung and brain tumors stemming from her years-long battle with melanoma. Edwin has since remained by Teddi’s side, focusing on his estranged wife’s recovery and their children.
Although the parents have put their divorce proceedings “on hold,” Teddi has made it clear that she and Edwin are no longer romantically involved.
“We’re not together, but we put all the divorce stuff on hold because getting divorced is very stressful,” she said in an April 17 interview with Extra. “[Edwin is] a good guy, and we’re having a friendship, which is what we liked about each other in the first place, making each other laugh and all those types of things, so I think it’s been really nice. We call it the divorce chronicles, where we just tease each other.”
Teddi Mellencamp confirms she’s dating a “really nice” guy
Teddi recently revealed she’s dating someone special. The Indiana native shared the news in a recent episode of her Two T’s in a Pod podcast, just days after she and her mystery beau were spotted on a walk together.
“There’s no big story to tell here,” she said. “I’m in a position where I’m dating. And yes, I’m dating a guy… He doesn’t stay at the house with the kids, but we go to workouts together, we’ve gone on dates, he’s been really nice, he’s been very kind to me.”
Get more details about Teddi’s cancer journey and the support she’s receiving from her family and closest friends.