Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have decided to part ways after a decade of marriage.
The couple, who married in July 2014, share three children: Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5. Their separation marks the end of a significant chapter in their lives.
The 44-year-old singer and actress revealed the news in a statement, emphasizing the challenges they are navigating. She stated, “Eric and I have been living separately, working through a painful situation in our marriage. Our priority remains our children, and we are focusing on their well-being. We are grateful for the love and support we’ve received and kindly request privacy as we move forward as a family.”
The announcement came shortly after Jessica Simpson shared a cheerful selfie on Instagram with the caption, “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth.😜” Johnson, meanwhile, was seen without his wedding ring in November. Around the same time, Simpson teased her music comeback with a cryptic Instagram post, hinting at a deeply personal project.
She captioned studio photos, “Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic. This comeback is personal. It’s an apology to myself for putting up with what I didn’t deserve.” These hints fueled speculation about their relationship.
An insider later confirmed the couple was leading separate lives. Simpson and Johnson first met through a mutual friend in 2010.
They became engaged after six months of dating and tied the knot in 2014 in Montecito, California, surrounded by over 250 guests. Their children played significant roles in the ceremony as ring bearer and flower girl.
Reflecting on their relationship, Simpson once shared, “A true love never makes you question yourself or what’s real. Thanks to my amazing soulmate, I’ve learned to love fearlessly.” This sentiment highlighted the profound connection they once shared.
In interviews, Simpson often expressed admiration for Johnson’s unwavering support. She described how he embraced her demanding career and understood her deeply. “I always felt like I was hard to love, that my schedule was too demanding,” she said. “But Eric knows my heart better than anyone.”
The couple’s relationship appeared effortless despite life’s challenges.
Simpson explained how they maintained romance, even while raising three children. For Johnson’s birthday in September 2023, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post, celebrating his role in their family.
“My heart is so taken with this man, I could hardly call it my own,” she wrote. Earlier in 2023, they took a couples getaway, sharing photos of their intimate moments. “I stole my lover for the weekend,” she captioned the pictures.
Communication was a cornerstone of their marriage, Simpson revealed in 2022. “As long as we communicate, our love deepens,” she noted. The star believed their relationship had grown stronger over time, even surpassing the bond they shared early on.
In 2021, Simpson acknowledged the complexities of marriage, stating, “Marriage is not easy. Every day brings challenges and blessings. Life is a journey, and overthinking can hold us back.” Despite their efforts to sustain their bond, the couple eventually decided to go their separate ways.
This marks the end of Simpson’s second marriage, following her divorce from Nick Lachey in 2005. While the decision to separate is undoubtedly painful, both Simpson and Johnson remain committed to co-parenting their children and finding peace in their new paths.