Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson‘s separation didn’t come as a shock to some fans.
Simpson, 44, confirmed their decision to part ways in a statement on Monday, January 13, which read, “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.”
A source confirmed to Us Weekly in November 2024 that Simpson and Johnson were “living separately” at the moment.
Meanwhile, a second insider revealed that Simpson and Johnson planned to spend the holidays as a family, adding, “Jessica and Eric plan on being all together for the holidays with the kids. It’s all about the kids and family. They don’t hate each other.”
Simpson and Johnson, 45, who share kids Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5, started dating in 2010 following their respective divorces from Nick Lachey and Keri D’Angelo. After six months together, Johnson proposed and they tied the knot in 2014.
Simpson previously opened up about her evolving dynamic with Johnson, exclusively telling Us in April 2022, “I don’t feel like our marriage has been long, but I feel like I’ve loved Eric my whole life. I guess the moment I met him, it felt like a marriage. We rarely fight. If we do, it’s more conversational, and it’s not like, ‘He’s right or she’s right.’ It’s not about winning.”
The singer gushed over her partnership with Johnson. “In terms of my marriage to Eric, I have never felt more myself or more free,” Simpson shared with Us in February 2020. “Eric and I have a true mind, body [and] soul connection. Some of the things he loves most about me are my flaws. I am most certainly in this marriage and this life with Eric by my side with free will!”
Keep scrolling for signs that Simpson and Johnson were heading for a split:
Not Wearing Their Rings
Simpson raised eyebrows in late 2023 when she was spotted without her wedding ring in several Instagram photos. The duo briefly quieted split speculation in April 2024 when they went on a family trip but by the end of the year, Simpson and Johnson were once again making public appearances without their respective wedding bands.
In November 2024, a third insider confirmed to Us that Simpson and Johnson were “trying to figure out a separation without disrupting their kids’ lives as much as possible.”
“They are both really committed to the wellbeing of the kids and trying to figure out what’s best for them,” the source added while a four insider said Simpson was “heartbroken” and it wasn’t an “easy decision” to make.
Spending Time in Nashville and Return to Music
After taking a break from her music career, Simpson teased a “comeback” in November 2024 with photos of her in a recording studio.
“Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic,” she captioned an Instagram post at the time. “This comeback is personal. It’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve.”
As Simpson continued to spend more time in Nashville (while her family is based in California), she teased a candid glimpse into her life, writing via social media, “I can’t wait for y’all to hear the soundtrack of my soul 💿.”
Ashlee Dodges the Question
Jessica’s sister, Ashlee Simpson Ross, had an awkward response when asked about the rumors by TMZ in November 2024. Seemingly trying to get out of the situation, the “Pieces of Me” singer mumbled “no” before opting not to answer any more questions about the speculation.
Lack of Social Media Posts
While Johnson isn’t active on social media, Simpson often shares highlights from her life. Her last post that prominently featured Johnson was posted in September 2023. (Simpson and Johnson’s last public outing was in summer 2024.)
“Eric turned 44 on Sept 15 and his family gave him all the love cells we have to celebrate his life. My heart is so taken with this Man, I could hardly call it my own,” she wrote. “We love youuuu. (he ain’t an Instagram guy, but I always think the more good wishes the better 😜).”
