As split rumors swirl, Jessica Simpson’s husband, Eric Johnson, was spotted without his ring.
Johnson, 45, was seen taking a walk in Los Angeles sans the jewelry on Tuesday, November 12, per images obtained by People. The outing came one day after Jessica’s sister, Ashlee Simpson, attempted to quiet chatter that her sister’s marriage was on the rocks.
While walking with her husband, Evan Ross, in Beverly Hills on Monday, November 11, Ashlee, 40, was asked by TMZ to address the speculation that Jessica, 44, and Johnson had split. After initially avoiding the question, she replied “No” when asked whether it was “true” that Jessica was getting a divorce.
TMZ pegged the separation rumors to Jessica’s most recent Instagram post, where she opened up about her return to music. “Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic,” Jessica captioned a series of photos of her. “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve 🎶 🎼 🤍🖤.”
Fans quickly began wondering whether her comment about things she “did not deserve” were in reference to Johnson. (The remark could have also been aimed at other hardships in her life, which she opened up about in her 2020 memoir, Open Book, including her marriage to Nick Lachey, struggles with body image and dependency on alcohol.)
“Is this j simp saying she’s single ?” one Instagram user wrote, while another added that they “called” it “a while ago” that the pair were separating.
Jessica and Johnson, who tied the knot in 2014, have yet to confirm or deny the speculation. Us Weekly has reached out for comment.
Earlier this year, fans speculated that Jessica and Johnson were headed for a divorce after she was spotted without her wedding ring in Instagram photos. Amid the rumors, the pair traveled to Cabo San Lucas with their kids: Maxwell Drew, 12, Ace Knute 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.
“2024 Spring Breakin’ with the fam was EPIC!” Jessica wrote via Instagram in April. “Thank you @tinasimpsonofficial for giving these kiddos memorable moments in Cabo that they will hold close to their precious hearts and cherish for a lifetime!”
Jessica’s mother, Tina Simpson, accompanied the family on the vacation. “It was a beautiful fun time,” Tina wrote in the comments section. “Next up? Italy? Greece? I love you all.”
Jessica and Johnson first crossed paths in 2010. After dating for six months, the couple got engaged.
“I don’t feel like our marriage has been long, but I feel like I’ve loved Eric my whole life,” Jessica exclusively told Us in April 2022. “I guess in the moment I met him, it felt like a marriage.”
