Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have officially announced their separation after a decade of marriage. The singer and fashion mogul, 44, confirmed the news on Monday in a statement to People magazine. She emphasized that their primary focus remains on their three children as they navigate this difficult transition. The couple, who married in July 2014, had been living separately prior to the announcement.
A Statement on Family and Privacy
In her official statement, Jessica Simpson addressed the “painful situation” in her marriage to Eric Johnson. “Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them,” Simpson stated. She expressed gratitude for the love and support they have received while asking for privacy for their family during this time.
The couple is committed to co-parenting their three children:
- Maxwell, age 12
- Ace, age 11
- Birdie, age 5
Simpson’s message makes it clear that the well-being of their kids is the top priority as they move forward.
Fan Speculation Grew from Social Media Clues
For months, fans have questioned the status of the couple’s relationship. The speculation intensified due to Simpson’s social media activity, where Johnson had been noticeably absent since mid-2023. Followers were quick to point out that she was no longer wearing her wedding ring in recent photos.
A picture posted in September 2024 showing Simpson with a bare ring finger drew numerous comments from fans assuming a split was imminent. The speculation was further fueled when Johnson was missing from a family photo celebrating their children’s first day of school. Simpson’s caption praised her kids but made no mention of her husband.
A Look Back at their Relationship Timeline
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s romance began in May 2010. At the time, Johnson, a retired NFL player, was still legally married to his first wife, Keri D’Angelo. Their divorce was finalized later that year, and Johnson and Simpson announced their engagement shortly after.
They tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in July 2014. Over the years, they built a family and often shared glimpses of their life together, but public appearances as a couple had become increasingly rare.
This Marks the Second Divorce for Both Stars
This is not the first time Jessica Simpson has gone through a public divorce. Her first marriage was to 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey, which ended in 2006. Their relationship was famously documented on the MTV reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica.
This will also be the second divorce for Eric Johnson, who officially split from Keri D’Angelo in 2010. While the exact reasons for their separation have not been revealed, friends and fans have shown an outpouring of support for Simpson, praising her strength and focus on her children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson married?
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson were married for 10 years. They tied the knot in July 2014 and announced their separation in late 2024.
Why did Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson separate?
The couple has not publicly shared the specific reasons for their separation. In her statement, Simpson referred to it as a “painful situation” and requested privacy for her family.
How many children do Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have?
They share three children together: a daughter named Maxwell Drew (12), a son named Ace Knute (11), and a daughter named Birdie Mae (5).
Who was Jessica Simpson married to before Eric Johnson?
Before her marriage to Eric Johnson, Jessica Simpson was married to singer Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006.
When did fans start speculating about the separation?
Fans began speculating about a potential split earlier in 2024 after noticing Eric Johnson’s absence from Jessica Simpson’s social media and seeing her without her wedding ring in recent posts.
