In a new public release, Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson have announced their intention to go their separate ways. The separation announcement was released on Monday, January 13, 2025, in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE. Johnson and Simpson’s separation comes a decade into their marriage.
In the statement made by Simpson, she said, “Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage. Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”
The couple’s separate announcement comes a week after Simpson’s January 8, 2025, Instagram post. In the post, which contained a sunny selfie of her smiling, Simpson took the opportunity to share a few words with her 6.3 million followers. Captioning her post, she wrote, “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth.”
What Caused Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson’s Divorce?
Following Simpson’s statement to PEOPLE on January 13, 2025, an anonymous source confirmed the reason behind the couple’s separation. Speaking with Page Six on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a source close to the couple revealed that they are facing problems with trust in their marriage.
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The source said, “Jess and Eric had trust issues. They were no longer on the same page, and it drove a wedge between them.” According to the source, following their difference, the couple had attempted to before formally ending their marriage; the couple had agreed in 2024 to live separately as a form of experiment.
However, the experiment had left Simpson wanting her independence, with the couple now placing their $18 million Hidden Hills home on the market. The couple first sparked breakup rumors in November 2024, when Johnson was spotted without his wedding band on.
In addition to Johnson’s lack of a wedding ring, Simpson also took to Instagram to announce what she described as a comeback to music. Sharing a picture of herself in the studio, Simpson wrote, “Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic.”
Speaking with an insider in November 2024, a source said, “She’s working on music and splits her time between Los Angeles and Nashville. Eric spends all of his time in L.A., where the kids go to school. Jess and Eric very much live separate lives.”
How Did Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson’s Relationship Start?
Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson originally met in May 2010 via a mutual acquaintance. According to the couple, Johnson had been invited to a party at Simpson’s home by their mutual acquaintance. Following their meeting, Johnson and Simpson began dating in November 2010, six months after their first meeting.
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Recounting their first meeting in her 2020 memoir, “Open Book,” Johnson said, “We connected on all levels. The real deal was what we were both ready for.” At the time of their meeting, Johnson was still married to his ex-wife, Keri D’Angelo, although they have been separated since October 2009.
Despite getting together in November 2010, the couple did not publicly announce their romance until July 2011. The confirmation came after Johnson and Simpson were spotted sharing a kiss in Italy to commemorate her 30th birthday. Following their engagement in 2010, the two got married in July 2014.
Speaking about their relationship in 2023, Simpson told PEOPLE, “A true love will never make you question yourself or what’s real. Thanks to my amazing soulmate, I am able to love passionately and without fear of being hurt.”
Do Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson Have Kids Together?
Over the course of their 15-year relationship, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson welcomed three children together. Following their decision to take their relationship public, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child in October 2011. Subsequently, in May 2012, Simpson and Johnson welcomed their first daughter, Maxwell “Maxi” Drew.
Following the birth of their first child, the couple announced that they were expecting their second child together in December 2012. In June 2013, Simpson and Johnson welcomed their second child, a boy called Ace Knute. According to the couple, their son’s middle name, Knute, was in remembrance of Johnson’s Swedish grandparents.
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Subsequently, in September 2018, Simpson announced that she was expecting her third child with Johnson. Taking to Instagram, Simpson shared a picture of Maxwell and Ace playing with pink balloons. Captioning her post, she wrote, “With this new girl, our family will grow to five members. We are very happy to share this priceless gift of life.
In March 2019, Simpson and Johnson welcomed their third child and second daughter, Birdie Mae. Following their decision to part ways in 2025, the couple has announced that their children remain their priority despite their individual differences.
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