7 min read
Jessica Simpson has announced her separation from her husband Eric Johnson after a decade of marriage, confirming months of speculation.
The couple, who share three children, are now navigating a difficult transition as they prioritize their family.
Let’s take a closer look at their story and the signs that led to this announcement.
In an emotional statement to People, Jessica, 44, confirmed the separation from Eric, 45.
“Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” the singer said, adding that their children remain their top priority.
Jessica and Eric, who share Maxwell (12), Ace (11), and Birdie (5), are determined to provide a stable environment for their kids amid the upheaval.
Jessica and Eric’s romance began in 2010 when they met through a mutual friend.
The two quickly fell head over heels, becoming engaged just six months later.
Jessica described Eric as her soulmate, and their wedding in Montecito, California, in 2014 was a fairytale event attended by over 250 guests, with Maxwell and Ace playing special roles as flower girl and ring bearer.
Jessica often gushed about Eric’s unwavering support. In interviews, she described him as her “rock,” especially as she worked through her sobriety journey.
After celebrating seven years of being alcohol-free in November 2024, Jessica credited Eric for standing by her side through all her ups and downs.
“A true love will never make you question yourself or what’s real,” Jessica told People in a previous interview. “Thanks to my amazing soulmate, I am able to love passionately and without fear of being hurt.”

Over the past year, however, rumors of marital trouble began to circulate.
Jessica and Eric, once inseparable on social media, had noticeably distanced themselves online.
Eric had been absent from Jessica’s Instagram feed since Easter 2024, and the couple hadn’t been spotted together publicly since Birdie’s kindergarten graduation in June.
Jessica’s cryptic posts further fueled the speculation.
In November, she shared a caption hinting at emotional struggles: “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve.”
While she didn’t name names, fans couldn’t help but connect the dots to her marriage.
Even smaller details, like skipping a birthday shout-out for Eric’s 45th birthday in September, raised eyebrows.
Both Jessica and Eric were seen without their wedding rings in separate outings late last year, further sparking talk of a split.
Sources close to the couple revealed that their marriage had hit a rough patch.
Jessica reportedly felt the romance had dwindled, while Eric struggled with her mood swings and preoccupation with cosmetic surgery.
“He’s been vocal about how difficult it is to live with someone so obsessed with surgery and so detached from reality most of the time,” an insider claimed.
The separation, though painful, wasn’t a rushed decision.
In November, the pair was reportedly living apart to “figure out” their next steps while still prioritizing their kids’ well-being.
“They are stuck in a lull period,” a source explained, adding that counseling and open communication were on the table. “They don’t want to make any rash decisions over the holidays. Jessica still loves him, and he loves her, but they both know things need to change.”
Throughout the highs and lows of their marriage, Jessica has been deeply reflective.
Her social media often chronicles her personal growth, sobriety journey, and dedication to her music and family.
In recent months, Jessica spent much of her time in Nashville, reportedly working on new music.
In one Instagram post, she referred to her creative work as rediscovering her “singular magic.”
For fans, her words suggested she might be turning inward to focus on herself and her art during this turbulent period.
Still, Jessica remains committed to her role as a mother.
Friends close to the family say she and Eric are working hard to minimize the impact of their separation on their children.
“She wants to make this work for her kids,” a source shared. “Her children come first, and she still holds on to hope for their family.”

While Jessica has leaned into her work and family, Eric has taken a quieter approach.
The former NFL tight end, known for his low-key nature, has been a consistent figure in Jessica’s life, even as tensions rose.
Sources revealed that Eric had been “a rock” for Jessica throughout her sobriety journey, but the demands of parenting and emotional struggles had taken a toll on him as well.
Despite the issues, insiders close to Eric suggest that he isn’t ready to give up on their marriage either.
He’s reportedly open to continuing counseling and working on the relationship, though the challenges remain significant.
Jessica’s marriage to Eric was her second. She previously wed 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey in 2002.
Their high-profile union, famously chronicled in the reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, ended in divorce in 2006.
She also had a headline-grabbing relationship with John Mayer, marked by intense passion and turbulence.
Mayer famously described their connection as “sexual napalm” in an infamous 2010 interview.
With Eric, Jessica seemed to have found lasting love.
Their decade together was filled with tender moments and a shared devotion to their children, but even the strongest bonds face challenges.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Jessica Simpson | American singer, actress, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. |
| Eric Johnson | Former NFL tight end who played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. |
| Birthdates | Jessica: July 10, 1980 (44 years old). Eric: September 15, 1979 (45 years old). |
| Relationship Began | Met in 2010 through a mutual friend. |
| Engagement | November 2010, just six months after dating. |
| Wedding | July 2014 in Montecito, California, with over 250 guests. |
| Children | – Maxwell Drew (born May 1, 2012, 12 years old) – Ace Knute (born June 30, 2013, 11 years old) – Birdie Mae (born March 19, 2019, 5 years old) |
| Jessica’s Sobriety | Celebrated 7 years of being alcohol-free in November 2024 |
| Separation Announced | January 2025. Confirmed they are living apart but focusing on their children. |
| Jessica’s Career | Known for hit songs, a billion-dollar fashion empire, acting roles, and personal memoirs. |
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback about this page with us.
Whether it's praise for something good, or ideas to improve something that
isn't quite right, we're excited to hear from you.