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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayJessica Simpson Shares Eric Johnson Relationship Update After Separation
Jessica Simpson is reflecting on the last time she started over.
Nearly 20 years after the “Irresistible” singer, now 44, filed for divorce from Nick Lachey, she shared insight into turning over a new leaf in its aftermath at just 25 years old. And for her, there are parallels to her ongoing separation from Eric Johnson.
“Oh my gosh, 25 years old,” Jessica mulled to her younger sister Ashlee Simpson Ross in a joint feature for The Cut published Feb. 20. “I was in a newfound freedom because I was going through a divorce. I was becoming myself all over again.”
Through the headline-making separation with the former 98 Degrees frontman—with whom Jessica starred in the monumental Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica reality show—the fashion designer emphasized that her nuclear family, including the “Pieces of Me” singer, remained her rock.
“We stayed close as a family, no matter our parents going through a divorce, no matter all of our divorces,” Jessica shared. “I probably faked it until I made it way more than most.”
Her relationship with Nick was certainly a pop culture fixture in the early aughts, and she admitted that she feels as though she is repeating history amid her separation with Eric—with whom she shares kids Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5.
“I discovered so much that wasn’t true about the life I was leading that led me to shed everything all over again,” she noted. “Here I am again like I was at 25, out here floating around in the atmosphere on my own.”
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
Indeed, the Dukes of Hazzard star confirmed her separation from the NFL alum in January, after 10 years of marriage. And while the journey has been difficult thus far, she maintained that Ashlee—who is married to Evan Ross—and her parents Tina Simpson and Joe Simpson, provided the foundation she needs to get through life’s difficulties.
“I know I’ve got my own back and it’s all in God’s hands when we surrender everything,” she continued. “That is our upbringing. Our faith is what always leads us back to our strength, for sure.”
Their romantic chapter may be over, but Jessica previously told People that Eric “will always be” a part of her life.
Keep reading for a timeline on their separation…
Instagram/Jessica Simpson
MIA on Social Media
Even before Jessica Simpson announced her separation from husband of 10 years Eric Johnson on Jan. 13, 2025, social media sleuths noticed he hadn't appeared on her Instagram feed in a long time.
While the "With You" singer had posted birthday and anniversary tributes to the former football player in the past, she didn't do so in 2024. Eric also wasn't included in the back-to-school snaps Jessica shared of their kids Maxwell Drew, Ace Knute and Birdie Mae in September.
In fact, the last time the NFL alum appeared in one of the fashion mogul's posts was last April, when she uploaded photos from their family's spring break trip to Cabo.
For his part, Eric used to have an Instagram account but deleted it a while ago—with Jessica previously noting "he ain’t an Instagram guy" and last tagging him in a 2022 post.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Footwear News via Getty Images
Cryptic Posts
However, followers had some questions about cryptic posts the "Irresistible" artist shared over the past few months—including one in which she appeared to tease new music.
"Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic," she wrote in a Nov. 11 Instagram post.
"This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve."
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
Ashlee Addresses the Rumors About Jessica and Eric
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Eric Spotted Without Wedding Ring
But the very next day, Eric was spotted in Los Angeles without his wedding band—as seen in photos obtained by the outlet.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Jessica Also Seen Without Her Ring
Similarly, Jessica has been photographed without her wedding ring, including during a November sighting at Los Angeles International Airport and a December trip to the movies as seen in photos and videos obtained by the Daily Mail.
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Real Estate Moves
While fans might not have picked up on this sign right away, it appears The Dukes of Hazzard actress quietly listed her home in Hidden Hills, Calif., for $17,900,000 on Jan. 11—just days before she announced her separation from the athlete.
Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images
Fewer Public Appearances
The last time Jessica and the Eric were photographed attending a public event together was in June 2023, when they went to the opening of Bernie Taupin's exhibit "Reflections" at the Choice Contemporary fine art gallery in Los Angeles.
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