Jessica Simpson and her husband, Eric Johnson, have decided to separate after 10 years of marriage. The singer and actress, 44, and the former NFL player, 45, have been living apart for some time, navigating a difficult situation in their relationship. In a statement given to PEOPLE, Simpson shared that their children remain their top priority, and they are focused on doing what’s best for them during this challenging time. She also expressed gratitude for the love and support they’ve received and asked for privacy as they work through the separation as a family.
A source later told PEOPLE that Simpson and Johnson had been leading separate lives, adding to speculation that their relationship was struggling. The couple, who married in July 2014, share three children: daughters Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, and Birdie Mae, 5, and son Ace Knute, 11. They first met in 2010 through a mutual friend, got engaged after six months of dating, and welcomed their first two children before tying the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Montecito, California, with over 250 guests.
Throughout their marriage, Simpson often spoke about their strong connection and how Johnson embraced her career. In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, she credited Johnson for helping her love passionately and without fear of being hurt. She also opened up about her insecurities, revealing that she had always thought she was “too much” for people, but Johnson’s understanding of her heart made her feel loved and appreciated.
Simpson also shared how she and Johnson worked to maintain romance in their relationship, even with three kids in the mix. For Johnson’s birthday in September 2023, she posted sweet photos of their family celebration on Instagram, praising him with heartfelt words. Earlier in the year, they spent time together on a romantic getaway, where Simpson affectionately referred to him as her “lover.”
Despite the public display of affection, Simpson acknowledged that their relationship had its challenges. In a 2022 interview, she emphasized the importance of communication, saying it was a key factor in their marriage. She felt that as long as they continued to communicate, their love deepened, and they grew as a couple. However, in 2021, she admitted that their life together wasn’t always easy and that every day brought both challenges and blessings.
Now, after a decade of marriage, Simpson and Johnson are moving forward separately, focusing on co-parenting their children while they navigate this difficult time in their relationship.
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