It was the Instagram post that launched a thousand tabloid theories. In late 2024, Jessica Simpson shared a photo of herself in a recording studio, looking ethereal but noticeably ringless. The caption talked about a "comeback" being an "apology" to herself for putting up with things she didn't deserve.
Fans immediately started panicking. Was the fashion mogul and "With You" singer really calling it quits with former NFL player Eric Johnson after ten years of marriage?
The short answer is yes: Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are separated and moving toward divorce.
After months of speculation and blurry paparazzi photos of the couple living separate lives, Jessica finally confirmed the news in January 2025. She described the situation as "painful" and admitted they had been living apart for a while. Now, a year later in 2026, the dust has settled a bit, but the reality of their split is still making headlines.
The Breaking Point: Why the Marriage Ended
People always want a "villain" in a celebrity breakup. Was there cheating? Was it the stress of her massive business empire? Honestly, it seems a lot more complicated—and a lot more boringly human—than a dramatic scandal.
According to various sources close to the family, the couple simply drifted into "separate lives." By the time 2024 rolled around, Jessica was spending massive amounts of time in Nashville working on her musical return. Eric was holding down the fort in Los Angeles where their kids go to school.
Distance isn't just about miles. It’s about the mental space you occupy. While Jessica was "unearthing her singular magic" in the studio, the connection that had sustained them for a decade started to fray. There were whispers of "trust issues" reported by Page Six, but neither has ever pointed a finger publicly.
A Decade of Marriage
They tied the knot in 2014 at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. It was a massive, lush affair. They already had two of their children, Maxwell and Ace, by then. For years, they seemed like the gold standard for Hollywood couples. Eric was the quiet, supportive anchor to Jessica’s high-energy public persona.
But marriage is a long game.
Jessica has been incredibly open about her journey with sobriety and self-discovery, especially in her memoir Open Book. As she evolved and found a new sense of independence, the dynamics of her marriage changed. Sometimes, you grow together; other times, you grow into different people entirely.
Living as a Single Mom at 45
Life doesn't always go according to the Pinterest board. Jessica has been very vocal about the fact that being a single mom of three at 45 was not in her original plan.
"Absolutely not," she told People late last year. "That was not how I planned it. But it's just a part of what destiny holds for me."
She’s currently balancing the needs of:
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- Maxwell Drew (13): Their eldest, who is reportedly eyeing an acting career—a point of contention between the parents.
- Ace Knute (12): The middle son who just celebrated a big pre-teen birthday.
- Birdie Mae (6): The youngest, who still keeps the household lively.
Navigating teen years and elementary school schedules while also disentangling a decade-long legal partnership is a lot for anyone. Even if you have a billion-dollar brand.
Is She Dating Again?
Naturally, as soon as the "separated" label was official, the world started asking who’s next.
There were even rumors that ABC was courting her to be the next Bachelorette. Can you imagine? The ratings would have been through the roof. But Jessica recently shut that down while walking through LAX. Her response was classic Jess: "I have options. I'm good."
She’s basically saying she doesn't need a reality show to find a man. She's been seen out and about, and in late 2025, she even joked about being into "younger men" during an interview. She’s enjoying the "confidence of an older woman" and having some fun after a very heavy couple of years.
The Eric Johnson Factor
What’s interesting—and kinda healthy—is that she and Eric aren't at war. They were spotted on a flight to Las Vegas together in August 2025. They spent Thanksgiving 2025 at her mom’s house.
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"He's my kids' father," she told reporters.
They are doing the "united front" thing. They show up for birthdays, they show up for school events. They might not be husband and wife anymore, but they are still a family unit. That’s a hard balance to strike when you're also trying to move on romantically.
The Divorce Settlement and the Home
One of the clearest signs that a marriage is "curtains" is the real estate. Their long-time family home in Los Angeles was put on the market shortly after the split announcement. Selling the "nest" is usually the final step in the legal decoupling process.
Because Jessica has such a massive net worth thanks to her retail empire, the financial side of a divorce is always a bit of a maze. Fortunately, they had a long history of supporting each other's ventures, so the public hasn't seen any nasty "money grabs" in the headlines yet.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a common misconception that this split was sudden. If you look back at the trail of "no wedding ring" sightings and cryptic Nashville posts, it’s clear this was a slow burn. They didn't wake up one Tuesday and decide to quit. It was a gradual realization that they were better off as co-parents than as partners.
It’s also not "Newlyweds" Part 2. When she divorced Nick Lachey, it was the end of a pop-culture era. This time, it feels more like a woman in her 40s choosing herself.
Looking Ahead
Jessica is currently focusing on three things:
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- Music: Her new songs like "Fade" are raw and clearly influenced by the heartbreak.
- Fashion: Her brand continues to be a juggernaut.
- Healing: She’s leaning into her sobriety and her "inner magic."
She’s not the "dumb blonde" the media tried to paint her as in 2003. She’s a savvy, resilient woman who is navigating a very public ending with a surprising amount of grace.
Next Steps for Following the Story
If you want to keep up with how the divorce proceedings are actually going, keep an eye on official court filings in Los Angeles County, as that’s where the final decree will eventually land. You can also follow Jessica’s verified Instagram for the most direct updates—she tends to "speak her truth" there long before her publicists send out a formal press release. Finally, check for her upcoming multi-part documentary, which is expected to cover this "new chapter" of her life in much more detail than a tabloid snippet ever could.