When the news broke back in 2012 that Joe and Tina Simpson were calling it quits after 34 years of marriage, it wasn't just another Hollywood divorce. It felt like an earthquake. People were obsessed. They were the "perfect" Texas family—a former youth pastor and his supportive wife who managed the meteoric rise of their daughters, Jessica and Ashlee.
Then came the headlines. The National Enquirer dropped a bombshell, claiming the real reason for the split was that Joe Simpson had come out to his family.
The Spark That Started the Fire
It's wild how one report can follow someone for over a decade. The original claim was specific: Joe allegedly gathered the family and told them he had feelings for men. But here’s the thing—his team shut that down immediately. A family representative told People magazine at the time that the allegations were "completely false" and that there was "no third party involved."
Joe himself didn't stay quiet either. He took to Twitter (now X) and called the rumors "ridiculous."
Is Joe Simpson Gay? Separating Fact from Tabloid Fiction
If you’re looking for a definitive "yes" or "no" from the man himself, you won't find it. To this day, Joe Simpson has never publicly identified as gay. Despite the relentless speculation, he has consistently maintained that his personal life is just that—personal.
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Honestly, the rumors were fueled by a mix of things. First, there was his dramatic career pivot. He went from being a Baptist minister and talent manager to a high-fashion photographer. He started hanging out with young male models, specifically Jonathan Keith and Bryce Chandler Hill.
- Bryce Chandler Hill: In 2012, tabloids claimed Joe was in a serious relationship with Hill, who was in his 20s at the time. Hill eventually tweeted that the story was a "complete fabrication."
- Jonathan Keith: Years later, Joe was frequently spotted with Keith. Again, Joe insisted it was a professional relationship. He even brought Keith as his "plus one" to Jessica’s wedding to Eric Johnson, which definitely raised some eyebrows.
What Jessica Simpson Has Actually Said
Jessica’s 2020 memoir, Open Book, is probably the most honest look we’ve ever gotten into the Simpson family dynamic. She didn't use the word "gay" to describe her father, but she definitely touched on the tension. She wrote about the "betrayal" her mother felt and how she had to learn to "accept her father for who he was as he worked it out in real-time."
That's a heavy phrase. "Working it out in real-time."
It suggests a man in transition, though whether that transition was about his sexuality or just his identity after leaving the ministry and his marriage is up for debate. Jessica has been fiercely protective of him, once calling a joke Nick Lachey made about her father’s sexuality "low."
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Why These Rumors Won't Die
The public loves a "secret life" narrative, especially when it involves a former man of the cloth. We’ve seen it a thousand times. But Joe’s life since the divorce hasn’t been a series of "gotcha" moments. It’s been about survival and reinvention.
In 2016, Joe was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was a wake-up call that seemed to bring the family closer together. He went through surgery and radiation, and by 2017, he was in remission. Throughout that battle, the focus shifted from his dating life to his health and his art.
He’s spent the last few years leaning into his photography business. He shoots for magazines like C’est Prune and Candid. He seems... happier? Or at least more at peace with his public image. He’s often seen at family events, including his 65th birthday in 2023, where he posed for photos with both Tina and his daughters.
The Complexity of Identity
Basically, the "is Joe Simpson gay" question ignores the nuance of real life. A person can leave a 34-year marriage, change their career, and change their circle of friends without it being a "coming out" story. Or, it could be exactly that, and he just doesn't want to share it with the world.
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There’s also the "Texas preacher" factor. Growing up in a strict religious environment, as Joe did, creates a specific kind of pressure. If he were exploring his identity, doing so under the glare of the paparazzi while your daughters are global superstars is basically a nightmare scenario.
Where Things Stand in 2026
Joe Simpson remains a figure of mystery to many, but he’s active and healthy. He continues to work in the fashion industry and remains a fixture in his grandchildren's lives.
If you're following this story, the best way to stay informed is to look at his own work and the rare, respectful comments from his daughters. Avoid the bottom-tier tabloids that recycle the same 2012 quotes every six months.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check out Joe’s official photography portfolio to see the work he’s actually doing today. If you want the deepest insight into the family’s history, Jessica’s Open Book remains the most reliable source for understanding the emotional fallout of that era without the tabloid sensationalism.