If you’ve ever seen the music video for “Jack & Diane” by John Mellencamp, you’ve seen her. The pretty blonde girl in the video? That’s Victoria Granucci, his second wife at the time. She was part of his life during the 1980s, when his music was everywhere.
But what happened to her after the fame? Where is she now?
In this article, we’ll talk about Victoria Granucci, John Mellencamp’s ex-wife — her early life, how they met, her life as a mom and grandma, and what she’s doing today in 2026.
Victoria Granucci Quick Bio
| Full Name | Victoria Lynn Granucci |
| Known As | John Mellencamp’s ex-wife |
| Birth Date | November 26, 1958 |
| Age (2026) | 67 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’6″ (167 cm) |
| Hair / Eyes | Blonde hair, Blue eyes |
| Parents | Philip Granucci, Barbara Babcock |
| Ex-Husband | John Mellencamp (1981–1989) |
| Children | Teddi Jo & Justice Mellencamp |
| Grandchildren | 6 |
| Work | Model, Actress, Writer |
| Net Worth | About $2 million |
| Lives In | Hilton Head Island, South Carolina |
| Marital Status | Divorced, in a private relationship |
Who Is Victoria Granucci?
Victoria Granucci is known by many as the ex-wife of rock singer John Mellencamp. But she’s much more than that. She’s also a former actress, a model, a mom, and now a grandmother who lives a peaceful life far away from the spotlight.
She became famous when she appeared in Mellencamp’s hit music video “Jack & Diane” in 1982. Fans remember her for her natural beauty, blonde hair, and sweet smile. But after her marriage ended, she stepped away from public life — and many people still wonder where she went.
Victoria Granucci’s Early Life and Childhood
Victoria Lynn Granucci was born on November 26, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Burbank after her parents split. Her mom’s name is Barbara Evelyn Babcock, and her dad, Philip Granucci, was a Hollywood stuntman.
As a child, Victoria loved movies and music. She dreamed of being part of the entertainment world. She watched shows, followed actors, and imagined herself on screen one day. Her favorite stars were Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, and she had big hopes for the future.
She later attended Glendale Adventist Academy, and by 1980, she had finished her studies and started working behind the scenes in Hollywood.
Victoria Granucci’s Acting and Modeling Days
Before she met Mellencamp, Victoria had already worked in TV and movies — but you may not have noticed her. She was in the background of popular shows like Happy Days, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and even the movie Grease.
She also worked as a model and later became a writer for a site called Noblemania. Though her roles were small, she loved working in the industry. She never wanted to be a big star — she just enjoyed being part of the creative world.
Victoria had talent, charm, and a deep love for acting. But everything changed when she met a rising rockstar who would soon steal her heart.
How Victoria Granucci Met John Mellencamp
Their love story feels like a movie. In 1979, John Mellencamp saw a photo of Victoria at a friend’s house. He was curious and asked to meet her. At the time, Victoria was working as an assistant for a music executive named Billy Gaff, and she was just 20 years old.
Her friend invited her to dinner at Dan Tana’s, a restaurant in Hollywood — but didn’t tell her it was a blind date. When she arrived, she saw John Mellencamp waiting. It was a surprise. They hit it off right away.
John was still married to his first wife, Priscilla Esterline, but he was instantly drawn to Victoria. Later, he said, “After one night together, we were inseparable. After a week, I realized I was in big trouble.” Their connection was strong and fast.
Victoria Granucci and John Mellencamp’s Marriage
John and Victoria got married on May 23, 1981. Just two months later, their first daughter, Teddi Jo Mellencamp, was born. They moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where Victoria left behind her Hollywood dreams and focused on being a wife and mom.
In 1982, she appeared in John’s music video for “Jack & Diane.” That short video made her face famous — fans around the world saw her, even if they didn’t know her name.
Behind the scenes, she supported John’s career, managed their home, and stayed strong as he toured and made music. They looked like a perfect couple — but fame often brings challenges.
Meet Their Two Daughters, Teddi and Justice
Victoria and John had two daughters:
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Teddi Jo Mellencamp, born in July 1981
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Justice Mellencamp, born in 1985
Teddi became well known as a reality TV star and fitness coach. She starred in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and also runs a wellness brand. She’s now a mother of four and often posts sweet messages about her mom online.
Justice took a quieter path. She works as a professional hairdresser and lives with her husband and three kids. She married her high school sweetheart in 2014 — at her father John’s house in South Carolina.
Victoria raised her girls mostly on her own after the divorce. She gave them a loving, peaceful life in South Carolina — far from the busy world of fame.
Why Did Victoria Granucci and John Mellencamp Divorce?
Their marriage ended in 1989, after eight years together. At first, no one knew the reason. But later, John admitted he had cheated on Victoria while on tour.
It was a hard time, but Victoria didn’t speak badly about him. Instead, she focused on protecting her daughters. She even stayed in touch with his daughter from his first marriage, Michelle, showing how much she cared about family.
They stayed respectful, even after the split. That’s rare — and it shows how strong and kind Victoria really is.
Victoria Granucci’s Life After Divorce
After the divorce in 1989, Victoria Granucci made a quiet and smart choice — she walked away from the spotlight. While John Mellencamp stayed in the public eye, Victoria packed up her life and moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her two daughters.
She didn’t return to acting or modeling. Instead, she focused on being a full-time mom. Some local reports say she worked at places like Harold’s Diner, a small, well-known spot in the area. She lived simply and quietly — not like a former celebrity, but like any normal woman who just wanted peace.
Even though she was once known as John Mellencamp’s ex-wife, Victoria chose not to chase fame or attention. She stayed private, but her daughters often shared loving posts about her on social media, giving fans little glimpses into her life.
Victoria Granucci’s Health and Hospital Scares
In recent years, Victoria has faced some serious health issues. One of the scariest moments came in late 2022, when her daughter Teddi shared that her mom was in the ICU. She didn’t give full details, but her message was clear — the family was deeply worried and asking for prayers.
Teddi posted a birthday message too, saying, “I pray for healing and a full recovery for you.” It was a moment that reminded fans just how strong and loved Victoria is.
This wasn’t her first health scare. Back in the 1980s, when she was pregnant with her second daughter, Justice, Victoria caught chickenpox. Doctors warned that the baby might be born with health problems. But thankfully, Justice was born healthy — a moment the family calls a miracle.
Through it all, Victoria Granucci has shown quiet strength. She doesn’t share her story in interviews or on TV. But her family makes sure people know how much she has fought — and how much she means to them.
Victoria Granucci as a Loving Grandma
Today, Victoria is not just a mom — she’s a proud and loving grandma. Between Teddi and Justice, she has six grandchildren, and they mean the world to her.
Teddi has four children — one stepdaughter and three biological kids. Justice has three — two daughters and a son. On birthdays, holidays, or just random weekends, Victoria spends time with them.
She may not be famous anymore, but in her grandkids’ eyes, she’s a star. Teddi once wrote, “Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who taught me you can overcome anything.” Messages like that show the deep love between them.
Even though Victoria Granucci, John Mellencamp’s ex-wife, isn’t in the news much, her family keeps her story alive with their sweet memories and quiet moments together.
Where Is Victoria Granucci Now?
As of 2026, Victoria Granucci still lives in Hilton Head Island. She enjoys her peaceful life far from cameras, crowds, and celebrity drama.
She doesn’t use social media and rarely appears in public. But according to her Facebook profile, she’s in a relationship — though she keeps her partner’s identity private.
She might be the kind of person who once walked red carpets, but now she prefers quiet beach walks, small-town dinners, and quality time with her family. That choice makes her even more special to many fans.
Victoria Granucci’s Legacy Beyond Being John Mellencamp’s Ex-Wife
It’s easy to call her John Mellencamp’s ex-wife, but Victoria Granucci has made her own mark — in a softer, quieter way.
She gave up fame to raise two strong daughters. She faced health battles with courage. She handled heartbreak without bitterness. And she chose love, peace, and family over public attention.
Even now, fans still look her up. They remember the girl from the “Jack & Diane” video. They wonder where she went. And when they find out, they’re surprised — and inspired — by her peaceful life and strong heart.
Final Thoughts
Victoria Granucci may not be in the spotlight, but her story still matters. She was once part of a famous love story. But more importantly, she became a symbol of strength, kindness, and quiet grace.
She raised her daughters with love. She stayed true to herself. And in 2026, she continues to live life on her own terms.
That’s the beauty of Victoria Granucci, John Mellencamp’s ex-wife — she didn’t need fame to make a difference. She just needed to be herself.
(FAQs)
How much money does Victoria Granucci have in 2026?
She has about $2 million. Even though she doesn’t live like a celebrity, she made good money from acting, modeling, and her past life with John Mellencamp.
How old is Victoria Granucci now?
Victoria was born on November 26, 1958, so she is 67 years old in 2026. Many people are shocked because they still remember her looking young in that music video!
What kind of jobs did Victoria Granucci do?
She used to be a model and actress, and she also did some writing. She was even in the movie Grease and some popular TV shows. Later, she worked at small places like diners.
Did Victoria Granucci get married again?
No, she didn’t marry again after John Mellencamp. But on Facebook, it says she’s in a relationship, though no one knows who the person is.
What is Victoria Granucci doing now in 2026?
She lives a quiet, peaceful life in South Carolina. She spends time with her kids and grandkids and stays away from fame. She enjoys a simple, happy life now.
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