After a decade of marriage, Jessica Simpson and her husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, have announced their separation.
Simpson, 44, shared the news with PEOPLE exclusively, revealing that the couple has been living separately as they navigate a “painful situation” in their marriage.
Simpson’s statement emphasized that their children, whom they share together, remain their top priority.
“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them,” she said, while requesting privacy during this difficult time. The couple has three children: daughters Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Birdie Mae, 5, and son Ace Knute, 11.
The news of their separation comes just days after Simpson posted a cheerful selfie on Instagram, seemingly in high spirits. In her post, she reminded followers, “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth,” while also promoting a positive outlook on life.
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However, recent reports indicated that the couple had been living separate lives for some time.
In November 2024, Johnson was spotted without his wedding ring, and Simpson hinted at a personal transformation with a cryptic post about her music comeback.
Simpson also opened up about her journey and self-reflection, saying, “This comeback is personal. It’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve.”
Simpson and Johnson met in 2010 through a mutual friend and became engaged in November of that year. They married in July 2014, after welcoming two children together.
Simpson had spoken in previous years about their strong relationship and how Johnson embraced her career and personality, even with the challenges of balancing family and work life.
The separation marks a new chapter for the couple, who had often shared their affectionate moments and family life publicly.
Simpson, who has been open about her personal growth in recent years, continues to prioritize her children during this difficult time.
