Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson Separate After 10 Years of Marriage

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are separating after 10 years of marriage, the singer and actress confirmed in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on January 13, 2025. The couple, who share three children, have been living apart while navigating a “painful situation” in their relationship.

“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” Simpson, 44, said in her statement. “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.”

The announcement comes less than a week after Simpson posted a cheerful selfie on social media, captioning it, “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth😜.” Speculation about the couple’s split began in November 2024 when Johnson was photographed without his wedding ring, and Simpson hinted at a personal “comeback” in a cryptic post about her music career.

Simpson and Johnson, a former NFL player, married in July 2014 after four years of dating. They share three children: daughters Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, and Birdie Mae, 5, and son Ace Knute, 11. The couple first met through a mutual friend in 2010 and tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Montecito, Calif., attended by over 250 guests.

In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Simpson reflected on their relationship, calling Johnson her “amazing soulmate” and saying, “Thanks to him, I am able to love passionately and without fear of being hurt.” She also shared how their bond had deepened over the years, describing their connection as “easy” and emphasizing their efforts to maintain romance despite the challenges of parenting.

However, recent months have hinted at trouble in their marriage. In November 2024, Simpson teased her return to music, posting photos from a recording studio with the caption, “This comeback is personal. It’s an apology to myself.” Fans speculated that the post alluded to difficulties in her personal life.

Simpson was previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006. She and Johnson have not yet filed for divorce, and sources close to the couple say they are prioritizing their children’s well-being during this transition.