Jessica Simpson and her husband, Eric Johnson, have formally separated after a decade of marriage.
In a statement provided to People on Monday, the 44-year-old singer disclosed, “Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” referencing her relationship with the former NFL player, aged 45.
“Our children remain our top priority, and we are focused on determining what is best for them,” Simpson stated, further expressing gratitude for the support they have received. “We appreciate privacy during this time as we work through these challenges as a family,” she concluded.
The couple shares three children: Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5.
The Take My Breath Away singer—known for her history of high-profile relationships—and the retired NFL tight end were married in 2014 after four years of dating.
Simpson was last seen wearing her wedding ring in 2023. However, she was recently photographed without it in December, further intensifying speculation about the state of her decade-long marriage to Johnson.
The couple has not been seen together publicly since their daughter Birdie’s kindergarten graduation on June 7. Jessica’s Instagram account has also notably been devoid of any mention of Eric since their Easter celebration on April 9.
Less than a week before announcing the separation, Simpson posted a cheerful selfie on Instagram with the caption: “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth.” The absence of a birthday message for Eric on his 45th birthday, September 10, further fueled rumors of marital tension.
Eric has also been spotted without his wedding ring in recent appearances, adding to speculation about their relationship status.
On November 11, Jessica shared a cryptic Instagram post that appeared to allude to personal struggles, stating: “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.”
The post sparked considerable speculation among followers, with many questioning whom the singer was referencing in her pointed remarks about enduring what she “did not deserve.”
Reports of tension in Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s marriage have been circulating, with Life & Style alleging that Eric has grown frustrated with Jessica’s “crazy mood swings.”
The publication, citing an insider, claimed: “Jessica feels like their marriage has lost its romance. Everyone’s wondering how long they can go on like this.”
Further allegations suggest that Eric has been “doing his own thing” for longer than many realized and has reportedly expressed frustration about living with someone “obsessed with surgery and detached from reality most of the time.”
While Simpson has been spending time in Nashville working on new music, Johnson has remained at home. In November, reports surfaced indicating the pair were living separately and attempting to come to terms with their differences.
Simpson’s sister, Ashlee, has publicly denied knowledge of any rift, but sources told US Weekly that the couple is working on a separation plan that minimizes disruption to their children’s lives. One insider described Jessica as “heartbroken,” stating that the decision to separate was “not an easy one for her.”
Despite reports that her close contacts have sought legal counsel on her behalf in recent months, sources revealed to Newsafro.com that Simpson was reluctant to pursue a permanent split, prioritizing the well-being of their children.#newsafro_
