Where Is Victoria Granucci Now?: Everything About John Mellencamp’s Ex-Wife

Victoria Granucci may not be a name you hear every day, but if you grew up in the ’80s or love classic rock, you’ve probably seen her before. She was the young blonde woman in John Mellencamp’s famous “Jack & Diane” music video. Back then, she was not just his co-star — she was also his wife.

Many fans still wonder where Victoria Granucci is today. She was once in the spotlight, living the rockstar life with Mellencamp. But after their divorce, she quietly stepped away. So, where is she now? What happened after her marriage? In this article, we’ll walk through her life — from her early days to her love story, and what she’s doing in 2025. Let’s begin.

Victoria Granucci Quick Bio

Who Is Victoria Granucci?

Victoria Granucci is an American actress, model, and writer. But most people know her as the second wife of singer John Mellencamp. They were married in the 1980s, during the peak of his music career.

Her time in the spotlight came mostly from that relationship. She also appeared in a few TV shows and movies as an extra. But she never wanted to chase fame. She preferred living a quiet life focused on her family. Even now, in 2025, she stays away from the public eye, which only makes people more curious about her.

Where Was She Born and Raised?

Victoria was born on November 26, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Burbank, a well-known city in the Los Angeles area, especially for people working in film and TV.

After her parents separated, she was mostly raised by her mother, Barbara Evelyn Babcock. Her father, Philip Charles Granucci, was a Hollywood stuntman. So, it’s no surprise that Victoria became interested in acting from a young age. She loved watching movies and shows, and she dreamed of working in the entertainment world someday.

What Did Victoria Do Before She Met John?

Before meeting John Mellencamp, Victoria Granucci had already started working in Hollywood. She was a model and appeared as an extra in many popular shows and films. You may not have noticed her at the time, but she was there — in shows like Happy Days, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, and even the movie Grease.

She wasn’t the star of these shows, but she was quietly building a career. She also worked behind the scenes and later wrote articles for websites like Noblemania. It’s clear she had talent, but fame wasn’t her main goal. She was doing what she loved — and that was enough for her.

How Did She Meet John Mellencamp?

This part of the story almost sounds like a movie.

In 1979, John Mellencamp saw a photo of Victoria at a friend’s house. He was immediately drawn to her and asked to meet her. At the time, Victoria was just 20 and still in college. She was also working as an assistant to a music executive named Billy Gaff.

Her friend invited her to a dinner at Dan Tana’s, a well-known restaurant in Hollywood. She didn’t know it was a blind date — but there was John Mellencamp, waiting for her. They clicked right away. Even though John was still married at the time, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He later said, “After one night together, we were inseparable. After a week, I knew I was in big trouble.”

When Did They Get Married?

John and Victoria got married on May 23, 1981. Their love story had moved fast, and by the time they tied the knot, Victoria was already pregnant with their first child.

They moved away from Hollywood to Bloomington, Indiana, where John was from. Victoria gave up her acting career to focus on family life. She also appeared in the “Jack & Diane” music video in 1982, which made her instantly recognizable to millions of fans.

The couple seemed happy. For a while, they were one of those perfect-looking celebrity couples — but behind the scenes, things were not always so simple.

How Many Kids Do They Have?

Victoria and John Mellencamp had two daughters together:

• Teddi Jo Mellencamp, born in July 1981

• Justice Mellencamp, born in 1985

Victoria became a full-time mom. She stayed home, raised the girls, and supported John as his music career took off even more. Teddi would later grow up to become a reality TV star, and Justice followed a quieter path, becoming a hairdresser.

Victoria was always there for them. Even after her marriage ended, she kept her focus on raising her daughters with love and care.

Why Did Victoria and John Divorce?

Their marriage came to an end in 1989, after eight years together. At first, no one knew why they split. But years later, John admitted he had cheated on her while touring.

Despite the heartbreak, Victoria didn’t speak badly about him. In fact, they stayed on good terms for the sake of their daughters. She even stayed in touch with John’s older daughter from his first marriage, Michelle.

Their love story may have ended, but the respect they had for each other as parents never went away.

What Happened After the Divorce?

After her marriage ended, Victoria Granucci moved far away from the spotlight. She left Indiana and settled in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It’s a peaceful beach town where she could focus on her daughters and enjoy a slower pace of life.

She didn’t return to acting or modeling. Instead, she chose a private and simple life. Some reports say she worked at small local places like diners or pubs. But she never tried to be famous again. That’s one of the things that makes her story so different — while many chase fame, Victoria quietly stepped away from it.

What Is Her Life Like as a Mom and Grandma?

Family means everything to Victoria Granucci. After her divorce, she raised her daughters on her own, helping them grow into strong and successful women. Her older daughter, Teddi Mellencamp, became a well-known wellness coach and reality TV star. Her younger daughter, Justice, works as a professional hairdresser.

Both daughters are now married and have children of their own. Victoria loves being a grandmother. She often spends time with her grandkids, especially during holidays and birthdays. Teddi has shared sweet messages on Instagram, thanking her mom for always being strong and loving.

Even though Victoria stays off social media, her daughters often post photos with her. It’s clear they are close. In 2022, Teddi wrote a message saying, “Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who taught me that you can overcome anything.” That says a lot about Victoria’s strength and kindness.

Has Victoria Faced Any Health Problems?

Yes, Victoria Granucci has faced some health challenges in recent years. In late 2022, Teddi shared a photo of her mom in the ICU, asking fans for prayers. She didn’t share the exact details, but it was clear the family was worried.

This wasn’t her first health scare. Back in the 1980s, while pregnant with Justice, Victoria got chickenpox. Doctors warned that the baby might have birth problems. But luckily, everything turned out fine, and Justice was born healthy.

These moments show how much Victoria has been through. Yet she keeps going — quietly and bravely. Her family often talks about how strong she is, even during hard times.

Where Is Victoria Granucci Now?

So, where is Victoria Granucci today?

As of 2025, she is still living in Hilton Head Island, enjoying her quiet life. She doesn’t appear in public much. There are no verified social media accounts under her name. And she doesn’t do interviews or seek attention.

Some say she works at a local diner or helps with small community events. But most of the time, she stays close to her daughters and grandkids. That’s where she finds her joy.

Many people still search for updates about her, not because she’s in the news, but because her story feels real. She chose peace over fame. And that choice still touches people.

Final Thoughts

Victoria Granucci may have stepped away from fame, but she never stopped inspiring others. She was part of a major moment in music history — the “Jack & Diane” video — and the love story behind it made headlines in the 1980s.

But her true legacy isn’t just about being John Mellencamp’s ex-wife. It’s about how she handled life after that. She raised two daughters on her own. She faced health struggles with quiet strength. And she stayed close to her family, even as the world kept changing.

Today, people remember her not just for who she married, but for who she is — a kind, loving, and strong woman who found peace in a simple life. That’s why the question “Where is Victoria Granucci now?” still matters. It’s not just about finding her — it’s about learning from her.

(FAQs)

Where is Victoria Granucci now?

She lives a quiet life in South Carolina. She doesn’t use social media and stays away from fame. Many people are shocked she left the spotlight completely.

How much money does Victoria Granucci have? Was she really a model?

Yes, she was a model and acted in small TV roles. She also appeared in the movie Grease. Today, her net worth is around $2 million, even though she lives a simple life.

How old is Victoria Granucci now?

She is 66 years old in 2025. People are often surprised because they still picture her as young and in John Mellencamp’s music video.

Does Victoria Granucci have children?

Yes, she has two daughters with John Mellencamp. One of them, Teddi, became a TV star on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

What did Victoria Granucci look like when she was young?

She had blonde hair and a pretty smile. She looked like a classic Hollywood actress and even appeared in the famous video for “Jack & Diane.”