Jessica Simpson is embracing a new chapter following her separation from estranged husband Eric Johnson.
A source close to Simpson exclusively tells that her split with the 45-year-old former NFL player stems from their relationship no longer meeting her needs. “For Jessica, he is not what she needs,” the insider explains. “It’s just not working and hasn’t for a while.”
The source adds that Johnson, despite the split, remains a “great dad” to their three children: Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5. “She has the best kids, and they are healthy, and love is there,” the insider shares.
While Simpson, 44, is “happy and healthy,” her relationship with Johnson had been deteriorating for some time. “She isn’t going to worry about [what he is doing] and is doing her thing too,” the source says. “She has her own mind, money, and family support for whatever happens.”
After months of speculation surrounding their relationship, Simpson confirmed earlier this week that she and Johnson had ended their 10-year marriage.
On January 13, she released a statement: “Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage. 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.”
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson
The couple’s split rumors had been circulating since November 2024 when Simpson teased a personal comeback with new music, describing it as “an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve” in an Instagram post.
Following this, Johnson was seen without his wedding ring, prompting further speculation. Simpson’s sister, Ashlee Simpson, later denied any rumors when asked.
Amid the split rumors, sources shared with Us Weekly that the couple was “living separately” and working on figuring out their separation with minimal disruption to their children’s lives.
A source also revealed that Simpson was “heartbroken” by the situation, and the decision to separate was “not an easy one for her.”
As part of the post-split changes, it was confirmed that Simpson’s home is currently on the market for $17.9 million, a price reduced from the original listing of $22 million. Simpson purchased the property in 2013 for $11.5 million from Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne.
Although she initially listed the home in September 2023, she took it off the market in August 2024 but relisted it on January 11.
The listing came just days after wildfires spread across the Los Angeles area, prompting Simpson to evacuate her family. She shared on Instagram, “We stayed as long as we could” on January 9.
