The decade-long marriage of singer and businesswoman Jessica Simpson and former NFL star Eric Johnson has come to an end, marking the culmination of a period of growing distance and underlying tensions. The couple, who share three children, officially confirmed their separation in November 2024, citing the prioritization of their children’s well-being as the driving force behind their decision. While the public announcement brought a sense of closure, rumors of a potential split had been circulating for months, fueled by a series of subtle yet telling clues.
The first hints of trouble emerged in the spring of 2024 when Jessica noticeably ceased sharing photos of Eric on her social media platforms. This departure from her usual practice of showcasing their seemingly idyllic family life raised eyebrows among fans who had grown accustomed to seeing the couple together. The omission became even more pronounced during significant family milestones, such as the children’s first day of school, where Eric was conspicuously absent from the celebratory photo. Furthermore, Jessica’s silence on their 10th wedding anniversary in June 2024 served as another indicator that their relationship was facing difficulties. The absence of her wedding ring earlier in the year only amplified the speculation surrounding the state of their marriage.
A cryptic Instagram post by Jessica in November 2024 further fueled the rumors. The post, which alluded to a personal comeback and an “apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve,” hinted at underlying issues within the relationship. The post’s timing coincided with photos surfacing online of Eric running errands in Los Angeles without his wedding ring, seemingly corroborating the narrative of a troubled marriage. These public signs of discord painted a picture of a couple navigating a difficult and private struggle behind the scenes.
Insiders close to the couple revealed that their problems predated the pandemic, suggesting a long-simmering tension beneath the surface of their public persona. Reports surfaced of Eric’s frequent nights out partying at bars, leaving Jessica alone at home, a stark contrast to her newly embraced sober lifestyle. These differing approaches to social life further highlighted the growing divide between the couple. The strain on their finances also added to the pressure, with reports of a substantial $22 million loan taken out against their lavish Los Angeles mansion, a property they briefly attempted to sell in 2023. These financial struggles, coupled with the personal differences, likely contributed to the increasing strain on their relationship.
Jessica and Eric’s love story began in 2010, culminating in a whirlwind engagement just five months later. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to the birth of their daughter Maxwell in 2012 and son Ace in 2013. They formalized their union with a fairytale wedding in Montecito, California, in 2014, surrounded by family, friends, and A-list celebrities. The arrival of their third child, Birdie, in 2019 seemed to complete their family picture. However, the years that followed brought challenges that ultimately tested the strength of their bond.
This marks Jessica’s second high-profile divorce, having previously been married to singer Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006. Their relationship, documented in the reality show “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica,” played out publicly, showcasing both the joys and struggles of their marriage. The show’s popularity catapulted them to stardom but also exposed the cracks in their relationship, ultimately ending around the time of their divorce. Eric, too, had a previous marriage to Keri D’Angelo from 2005 to 2010. As both Jessica and Eric embark on this new chapter, they carry the experience of previous relationships, hoping to navigate the complexities of separation and prioritize the well-being of their children.
