In a surprising revelation, Jessica Simpson, the multi – talented 44 – year – old singer and actress, and her 45 – year – old husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, are taking a step back from their decade – long marriage. Simpson has shared this exclusive news with PEOPLE, indicating that they are currently living separately while navigating a difficult phase in their relationship.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE, Simpson expressed, “Eric and I have been leading separate lives as we grapple with a painful situation within our marriage. Our children’s well – being is our top priority, and we are concentrating on making decisions that are in their best interests. We are truly grateful for all the love and support we’ve received, and we kindly request privacy as we work through this as a family.”
This announcement comes just days after Simpson, who has three children with Johnson, posted an upbeat selfie on Instagram, accompanied by a light – hearted message: “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth😜.”
Back in November, Johnson was seen without his wedding ring, which coincided with Simpson’s cryptic Instagram post hinting at her musical comeback. The post featured pictures of her in a recording studio, with the caption, “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 everything I did not deserve.”
A source close to the couple later informed PEOPLE that the “With You” singer and her husband had been leading rather separate lives.
Simpson and Johnson’s love story began in 2010 when they were introduced by a mutual friend. After a six – month courtship, they got engaged in November of that year. Four years of dating led to their grand wedding in July 2014. The couple tied the knot in Montecito, Calif., in front of over 250 guests, with their children, Maxwell “Maxi” Drew (now 12) and Ace Knute (now 11), serving as the flower girl and ring bearer respectively. Later, in 2019, they welcomed their daughter, Birdie Mae, who is now 5.
Over the years, Simpson has often spoken highly of her relationship with Johnson. In 2023, she told PEOPLE, “A true love will never make you question yourself or what’s real. Thanks to my amazing soulmate I am able to love passionately and without fear of being hurt.” She also opened up about how Johnson fully supported her career, saying, “I don’t find it hard to love anybody, but I have always thought that I was hard to love, that I was too much for people, or my schedule was too demanding. He knows my heart and understands my heart more than anyone I’ve ever met in my life.”
Simpson had also emphasized the ease of their relationship, stating that they always made an effort to “keep the romance alive, even with three kids.” For Johnson’s birthday in September 2023, she shared a series of heartwarming photos on Instagram from their family celebration, along with a loving caption: “My heart is so taken with this Man, I could hardly call it my own…. We love youuuu.”
Earlier in 2023, the couple even managed to steal some time away for a romantic getaway in March, which Simpson documented on Instagram, playfully writing that she “stole [her] lover” for the weekend. In 2022, Simpson highlighted the importance of communication in their marriage, saying, “I feel like every moment with us, we’re growing as long as we’re communicating, and our love is only deepening.”
However, as she mentioned in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE, their life together wasn’t without its share of challenges. “I think the takeaway is that it’s not easy and every day presents challenges and blessings. Life is a blessing to be lived, and the more we overthink things, the more we fall behind on our personal journey.”
Before her marriage to Johnson, Simpson was previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2005. As the couple now embarks on this new chapter of separation, all eyes are on how they will co – parent their children and navigate their individual paths while respecting each other’s privacy.