Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson have split after ten years of marriage.
At the age of 44, the singer disclosed that she and her partner, a former NFL player aged 45, are currently ‘living separately’ while they deal with ‘a painful situation in our marriage’, according to a statement given to ET.
She added that their top priority is their children and they are concentrating on what is best for them. The couple expressed gratitude for the love and support they have received and requested privacy during this family ordeal, as reported by People.
The pair share three children: daughter Maxwell, 12, son Ace, 11, and daughter Birdie, five.
The two got married in 2014 after a four-year courtship, and the singer, known for hits like Take My Breath Away, has been involved in various high-profile relationships in the past.
The star was last pictured wearing her wedding ring in 2023. Recently Simpson was spotted sans wedding ring once again in December, adding fuel to the rumors that her decade-long marriage to Johnson was on the rocks.
Jessica Simpson, 44, and her husband Eric Johnson, 45, have split after ten years of marriage; seen in 2015
The couple hasn’t been spotted together since Birdie’s kindergarten graduation back on June 7, and Jessica’s Instagram has been conspicuously Eric-free since their Easter celebration on April 9.
Less than a week prior the split announcement, Simpson shared a radiant selfie to her Instagram, with the caption: ‘Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth.’
Jessica also raised eyebrows by failing to give Eric a birthday shout-out on his 45th birthday on September 10, further igniting rumors of a marital rift.
Adding fuel to the fire, the former NFL star has also been spotted without his wedding ring in recent outings.
Jessica fueled the chatter with a cryptic social media post on November 11 that appeared to throw shade at someone close to her.
‘Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic,’ began the singer in her caption.
‘This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve.’
Her quote raised eyebrows as followers tried to guess who made her put up with ‘everything I did not deserve.’
The singer revealed she and the former NFL player ‘have been living separately’ as they navigate ‘a painful situation in our marriage’ in a statement to ET; seen in 2017
‘Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family,’ she also shared with People; seen with their kids in 2020 in NYC
The pair share three children: daughter Maxwell, 12, son Ace, 11, and daughter Birdie, five
The pair have both been spotted without their wedding rings, with Simpson last seen wearing hers in 2023; (L) seen without her ring in December; (R) Johnson seen sans ring in November
Reports of tension in the couple’s marriage have been circulating, with Life & Style claiming that Eric has grown weary of Jessica’s ‘crazy mood swings.’
‘Jessica feels like their marriage has lost its romance. Everyone’s wondering how long they can go on like this,’ the publication reported, citing an insider.
The outlet further alleged, ‘Eric has been doing his own thing for longer than anyone seems to know. He’s been very vocal about how difficult it is to live with someone so obsessed with surgery and so detached from reality most of the time.’
Simpson has been spending time in Nashville working on new music, while Johnson has been holding down the home front.
In November, it was reported the pair were living apart and ‘trying’ to come to terms.
Simpson’s sister Ashlee seemed to deny any knowledge of a rift between the clothing designer and the athlete, but a source told US Weekly the pair are ‘trying to figure out a separation without disrupting their kids’ lives as much as possible.’
Another source told the outlet the Come On Over singer is ‘heartbroken,’ adding, ‘[It was] not an easy decision for her.’
Despite reports that those close to the hitmaker have contacted divorce lawyers on her behalf in the last two months, insiders have told DailyMail.com that she was keen to avoid a permanent split for the sake of their children.
Less than a week prior the split announcement, Simpson shared a radiant selfie to her Instagram, with the caption: ‘Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth’
Jessica fueled chatter of a split between the pair with a cryptic social media post on November 11, as she talked about ‘putting up with everything I did not deserve’
Reports of tension in the couple’s marriage have been circulating, with Life & Style claiming that Eric has grown weary of Jessica’s ‘crazy mood swings’
An insider claimed the couple agreed that if they don’t make changes, their marriage will be over.
‘Jessica’s goals are to stay married and fix the relationship as it has become stale,’ a source said.
The singer, who recently celebrated being alcohol-free for seven years, has relied on Johnson, who’s been a ‘rock’ during her journey.
‘He has been there for her in her sobriety journey and has been able to deal with all her ups and downs. He has been her rock.’
At the time, insiders said the couple were desperate to make things work for the sake of their children and were not looking to make any ‘rash decisions’ over the holiday period.
‘They are both aware that things need to change if they are to make it work.’
‘They are stuck in a lull period and are both trying to figure out what could spark things to bring it back and whether that is more counseling or something else.’
‘They don’t want to make any rash decisions over the holidays,’ the source asserted.
The couple tied the knot back in 2014 after four years of dating
‘They have been going through a rough patch with each other,’ the source continued. ‘But she wants it to work out for her kids and she still loves him, and he loves her.’
The estranged pair first met through a mutual friend in 2010. They got engaged that November after six months of dating.
They welcomed their first two kids, Maxwell and Ace, in May 2012 and June 2013.
Their son and daughter served as ring bearer and flower girl at their wedding in 2014, which was attended by over 250 guests in Montecito, California.
Jessica later welcomed their daughter Birdie in 2019.
Simpson was previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006.
