Kyle Richards Offers Support to Teddi Mellencamp Amid Divorce

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kyle Richards discussed her unwavering support for Teddi Mellencamp during her divorce. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, aged 55, shared insights from her own public separation from Mauricio Umansky. She understands the struggles that come with going through a divorce in the spotlight.

"I speak to Teddi all the time," Richards stated. She knows the difficult times Mellencamp, aged 43, is facing. "It’s sad no matter what," she added, pointing out her personal experiences which allow her to give useful advice on navigating a public split.

Richards reflected on the emotional toll separations take on children. "It doesn't matter if the kids are little or they're grown," she explained. Her own daughters, despite being adults, found it hard to cope with her and Umansky’s separation.

When offering her advice to Mellencamp, Richards said, "She can lean on me anytime." She reassured her that her home remains a safe space, welcoming Mellencamp at any hour. "Focus on your kids," Richards emphasized, advising her friend to tune out the surrounding negativity this experience can bring.

Richards also recounted encountering many misleading headlines following her split from Umansky, encouraging Mellencamp to ignore such rumors.

In July, PEOPLE reported that Richards and Umansky had separated after 27 years of marriage, still living together amicably for their daughters Alexia, Sophia, Portia, and Farrah.

Mellencamp, on the other hand, filed for divorce from Edwin Arroyave after 13 years of marriage on November 1. She publicly shared the news a day later via social media.

Court documents indicate Mellencamp cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. Moreover, she requested primary custody of their three children—Slate, aged 12, Cruz, aged 10, and Dove, aged 4—along with spousal support.

Upon receiving her petition, Arroyave sought joint custody and asked to block Mellencamp from getting spousal support while seeking support for himself instead. He referenced their prenup detailing spousal support terms.

In her Instagram announcement, Mellencamp signaled that she made this decision after much thought. "My priority is my children," she stated, ensuring attention to their privacy and well-being throughout this transition.

She also expressed reluctance in making a public statement. However, she believed that being transparent was essential to protect her family's interests from speculation and rumors.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Andrea Bocelli revealed his pre-show instrument ritual.