You’ve seen the headlines. Maybe you caught a blurry paparazzi shot of her at LAX or saw a cryptic Instagram caption about "finding herself" again. It’s the question that keeps popping up in group chats and search bars alike: is Jessica Simpson still married?
Honestly, the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no" because, well, Hollywood is weird.
Technically, as of January 2026, Jessica Simpson is legally single in the eyes of the public, but the ink on her final divorce papers from Eric Johnson has been a topic of massive speculation. In January 2025—almost exactly a year ago—the couple dropped the bombshell. They announced they were "living separately" and "navigating a painful situation."
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For a couple that made it ten years, which is basically a century in celebrity time, it was a gut punch to fans.
The Current Status: It’s Complicated (For Real)
Right now, Jessica and Eric are separated. They are not living together. They are not "together" in the romantic sense.
Wait. Let’s back up.
If you’re looking for a marriage certificate that’s still active and healthy, you won't find it here. Last year, Jessica made it very clear that she was embracing a new chapter. She even joked with reporters recently about "having options" when asked if she’d ever do The Bachelorette. Her answer? "I'm good."
She’s basically enjoying the "cougar" life. She told Extra back in October that she was actually into younger men for a minute. "Younger guys kinda like the confidence of an older woman," she said. She’s 45 now and, frankly, she looks like she’s having the time of her life after a decade of the domestic grind.
But here is the twist.
Even though they split in early 2025, they haven't been in a massive rush to finalize everything in court. There were reports just last month that they are in "no rush" to file the final divorce papers because their priority is the kids. They still do Thanksgiving together. They still show up for birthdays.
Why Did Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson Split?
People love to guess. Was it money? Was it the "curse" of reality TV (even though they weren't on a show)?
The truth is a bit more nuanced.
- The Trust Factor: Insiders have hinted at "trust issues" that cropped up over the last few years.
- The Career Shift: Jessica has been spending a ton of time in Nashville lately. She’s working on a massive musical comeback. Eric, the former NFL player, is mostly an L.A. guy.
- The "Apology": Jessica posted on Instagram that her new music is an "apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve."
That last one? Ouch. It suggests that while things looked perfect on the outside—the beautiful kids, the billion-dollar fashion empire—there was some heavy lifting going on behind the scenes that finally just got too heavy to carry.
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Looking Back at the Nick Lachey Years
You can’t talk about Jessica's marriage to Eric without mentioning the Newlyweds era. We all remember the "Chicken of the Sea" moment. It was iconic. It was also, according to Nick Lachey, "scarring."
Her first marriage to Nick (2002–2006) was a fishbowl. Everything was filmed. When that ended, it was a messy, public disaster that cost her millions because she didn't have a prenup. She famously called that marriage her "biggest money mistake."
By the time she met Eric Johnson in 2010, she was a different person. She was a mogul. She was more guarded. Eric seemed like the "stable" choice. He was a retired athlete, quiet, and seemingly obsessed with her. They stayed together much longer than she and Nick did, which is why this 2025 split felt so final for her.
What’s Next for Jessica?
If you're wondering if she’s going to get back with Eric, don't hold your breath.
While they were spotted on a flight together in August 2025 and sparked some "reconciliation" rumors, sources close to her say that was strictly for the kids. They have three of them: Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie.
Jessica is currently focused on:
- Her Documentary: A multi-part series about her life and business.
- New Music: She’s been in the studio constantly, reclaiming that "Nashville magic."
- Independence: She’s talked a lot recently about not needing someone to "support her all the time."
Basically, she’s in her "I can buy myself flowers" era.
The Bottom Line
Is Jessica Simpson still married? Legally, they are separated as they navigate the end of a 10-year marriage. They are no longer a couple.
She’s single, she’s dating (allegedly younger guys), and she’s not looking for a rose on a reality show. She’s also not erasing Eric from her life. He’s the father of her children, and she’s been very vocal about maintaining respect for that bond so the kids don't suffer.
If you want to keep up with the latest, keep an eye on her Nashville recording sessions. That’s where the real tea is usually hidden—in the lyrics.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Lyrics: Jessica’s upcoming album is expected to be her most "raw" yet, specifically addressing the split.
- Follow the Business: The Jessica Simpson Collection is still thriving, proving she hasn't let personal drama distract from her empire.
- Watch for the Doc: Her upcoming documentary will likely be the first time we get the "full" story of what happened in 2025.