Jack & Diane Jack & Diane "Jack & Diane" is a 1982 hit rock song written and performed by American singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, then performing as "John Cougar." It appears on Mellencamp's album "American Fool". It was chosen by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as one of the Songs of the Century. The single spent four weeks at number one on the "Billboard" Hot 100 in 1982, and is Mellencamp's most successful hit single. According to Mellencamp, "Jack & Diane" was based on the 1962 Tennessee Williams film "Sweet Bird of Youth". He said of recording the song: "'Jack & Diane'
Diane Sugden Midgley) tells the congregation about Diane's illness. After the ceremony, Val tells Rodney that he has fathered her son, Paul. Horrified by Val's selfishness, Diane disowns her and is given the all-clear early in the New Year. Diane struggles to cope with Jack's children, at the detriment to her health. In 2006, she becomes a victim of the Kings River Showhome explosion, but makes a full recovery (albeit with a "Live for the Moment" outlook on life). Diane falls for Billy Hopwood (David Crellin) and they begin an emotional affair. She and Jack try to work through their problems but