Jessica Simpson Shares the Painful Reality of Her Divorce from Former NFL Player Husband
Jessica Simpson is no stranger to the spotlight, having built a career spanning music, acting, and business. From her early days as a pop star to becoming a fashion mogul, her journey has been marked by both incredible triumphs and deeply personal struggles. One of the most significant and emotionally raw chapters of her life has been her tumultuous divorce from former NFL player Eric Johnson, a relationship that, despite its fairytale beginnings, ultimately unraveled.
In a recent candid interview, Simpson opened up about the painful reality of her divorce from Johnson, revealing the emotional toll it took on her, her family, and her sense of self-worth. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the complexities of her journey through heartbreak, healing, and rediscovery.
The Fairytale Beginning
Jessica Simpson’s relationship with Eric Johnson appeared to be one of those rare fairytale romances that seemed destined to last. They met in 2010, and by November 2010, they were engaged. Their connection was instant, and the couple seemed perfectly matched, with Simpson often sharing how she admired Johnson’s quiet demeanor, maturity, and commitment to family.
The couple got married in July 2014, and soon after, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Maxwell Drew. They went on to have two more children, Ace Knute and Birdie Mae, cementing their role as a tight-knit family. On the surface, it looked as though Simpson had found her happily ever after with Johnson, the man who was her support system during the ups and downs of her career.
But as Simpson candidly admits, appearances can be deceiving. Beneath the surface, the couple faced challenges that would eventually lead to their separation.
The Marriage Struggles
Despite the outward success of their marriage, Simpson reveals that it was far from perfect. “I’ve always been someone who gives 100 percent, and I did that with my marriage,” she said during the interview. However, she admits that the relationship was marked by emotional turmoil. As much as she wanted to make it work for the sake of her children and her family, Simpson began to realize that she and Johnson had grown apart in ways she couldn’t ignore.
Simpson describes how, over time, they became more distant. “I felt like I was putting in all the work,” she recalls, reflecting on the emotional exhaustion she felt from trying to make the marriage work despite the growing disconnect. She shares that Johnson, while supportive in many ways, was not able to provide her with the emotional intimacy and connection she needed. Their differing emotional needs, Simpson believes, made the marriage increasingly difficult to sustain.
One of the most difficult aspects of the relationship was the fact that Simpson felt like she was living in a constant state of uncertainty. “I didn’t know if I was loved. I didn’t know if I was enough,” she confessed. This doubt about her worth, particularly in her marriage, was a recurring theme in Simpson’s life, both during her marriage to Johnson and in her previous relationships.
Simpson acknowledges that, like many women in relationships, she often found herself questioning her worth and her place in the relationship. Her struggle with self-esteem would later become one of the defining themes of her personal growth after the divorce.
The Turning Point: Divorce
In 2020, after nearly six years of marriage, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson decided to separate. The decision came after years of personal reflection and introspection. For Simpson, the realization that her marriage was no longer sustainable was a painful one, but it was ultimately a decision she knew was necessary for her well-being and the well-being of her family.
“I was exhausted. I was trying to be everything for everybody, and I didn’t have anything left for myself,” she says of the final days of her marriage. She knew that staying in a relationship that wasn’t fulfilling wasn’t healthy for her or her children. “I had to choose me. I had to choose what was best for me and my happiness,” she shares.
Simpson emphasizes that, while the divorce was devastating, it was also a necessary step in her healing process. She confides that, for a long time, she felt like she had been holding onto a version of herself that no longer existed. Through the separation, she began to rediscover who she was beyond her role as a wife and mother.
Co-Parenting and Moving Forward
One of the hardest parts of the divorce process was navigating co-parenting with Johnson. Despite the emotional pain of the separation, Simpson reveals that the two of them worked hard to maintain a respectful and supportive relationship for the sake of their children. “We wanted to show our kids that we could still be a family, even if it looked different than before,” she says.
Simpson emphasizes that her priority throughout the divorce was to ensure that her children felt loved and supported, even amidst the changes. “I didn’t want them to feel like they were losing anything,” she explains. “I wanted them to know that both of their parents loved them and that we were always going to be there for them.”
Simpson also reflects on the importance of maintaining a sense of balance as a co-parent. While she and Johnson faced challenges, she remains grateful for the way they have both worked together to provide a stable and nurturing environment for their kids.
Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Following the divorce, Jessica Simpson embarked on a journey of self-discovery. The emotional toll of her marriage, coupled with the end of the relationship, forced Simpson to confront some deep-seated issues about her self-worth and identity. The reality of divorce was not just about the dissolution of a marriage; it was about re-establishing her sense of self outside of being a wife and mother.
“I had to do the work. I had to find my confidence again,” she says. Simpson began seeking therapy and focusing on her mental health, something she admits she had neglected for years. This commitment to self-care and healing was transformative for her, allowing her to reclaim her power and focus on what truly mattered to her.
Simpson also credits her close-knit group of friends and family with helping her through the tough times. Her support system played an essential role in her recovery, providing her with the strength to face each day and the encouragement to move forward.
In the years following her divorce, Simpson’s career has flourished. Her fashion empire continues to thrive, and she has found new purpose in her role as a mother and entrepreneur. However, it’s clear that the divorce was a turning point for Simpson—a moment when she was forced to reconcile with her past, learn from her experiences, and embrace a new chapter in her life.
Lessons Learned
Through the painful experience of her divorce, Jessica Simpson has learned some valuable lessons about love, self-worth, and the importance of putting herself first. “I had to learn how to love myself in a way I hadn’t before,” she reflects. “The journey wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.”
Simpson’s journey has also taught her the importance of setting boundaries and honoring her needs. “I’ve realized that it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to prioritize yourself,” she says. This lesson is something she hopes to pass on to her children as they grow up. She wants them to know that taking care of themselves and setting boundaries is an essential part of living a healthy and fulfilling life.
Simpson also shares that the end of her marriage has given her a deeper understanding of what true love is. She no longer believes in the fairytale version of love she once imagined but instead recognizes that love is about mutual respect, understanding, and personal growth. “Love is not about finding someone to complete you,” she says. “It’s about finding someone who supports you as you are, and who helps you become the best version of yourself.”
