Jessica Simpson’s life has played out like a Hollywood drama—full of love, fame, reinvention, and resilience. From her whirlwind romance with Nick Lachey to her decade-long marriage (and recent split) with Eric Johnson, her journey through relationships has been anything but ordinary. And let’s not forget her role as a mom to three adorable kids, who’ve stolen the spotlight almost as much as she has.
So, let’s break it all down—the fairy-tale weddings, the messy breakups, and the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
The First Love Story: Nick Lachey & the Reality TV Romance
Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey for Teen People magazine (2004) pic.twitter.com/r2ZMwIW0zt
— y2k (@y2kpopart) June 9, 2024
How It Started
Picture this: It’s 1998, and a young Jessica Simpson—fresh off her “I Wanna Love You Forever” debut—attends a Christmas party. There, she meets Nick Lachey, the dreamy frontman of 98 Degrees. Sparks fly, and soon, they’re the ultimate early-2000s power couple.
Four years later, in October 2002, they tied the knot in a lavish Texas wedding. The world was obsessed. And then… MTV came knocking.
You Might Like: Scottie Scheffler’s Wife and Children: Meet Meredith and Their Son Bennett
“Newlyweds” & the Downfall
Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica (2003–2005) turned them into reality TV royalty. Jessica’s “Is this chicken or fish?” moment became iconic, and their chemistry was undeniable. But behind the scenes? Not so perfect.
The show magnified their differences—Nick was the structured, responsible one; Jessica was the bubbly, sometimes clueless sweetheart. The pressure of fame, mismatched priorities, and rumors of infidelity (mostly unfounded but heavily speculated) took a toll.
By 2005, they announced their separation. The divorce was finalized in 2006, and just like that, America’s favorite couple was over.
Life After Nick
Jessica later admitted that the divorce crushed her. She threw herself into music (“A Public Affair” was basically a breakup album) and fashion (hello, billion-dollar empire). But love wasn’t done with her yet.
The Second Chapter: Eric Johnson & Building a Family
Eric turned 44 on Sept 15 and his family gave him all the love cells we have to celebrate his life. My heart is so taken with this Man, I could hardly call it my own….
We love youuuu
(he ain’t an Instagram guy, but I always think the more good wishes the better 😜) pic.twitter.com/c7CjyUFNdW— Jessica Simpson (@JessicaSimpson) September 19, 2023
From NFL to Forever (Well, Almost)
In 2010, Jessica started dating Eric Johnson, a former NFL tight end. He was fresh off his own divorce, but the two connected instantly. By November 2010, they were engaged.
Unlike her first marriage, Jessica kept this relationship more private. No reality show, no over-the-top PDA—just real, slow-building love.
The Wedding & the Kids
After four years together, they married in July 2014 in a romantic California ceremony. Their two oldest children, daughter Maxwell and son Ace, were already part of the family by then—and they even had roles in the wedding. (Maxi as flower girl? Adorable.)
Then came their second daughter Birdie Mae in 2019, completing their squad.
Also See: Joe Biden’s Net Worth: How Rich Is the Former US President in 2025?
Why They Worked (Until They Didn’t)
For years, Jessica gushed about her husband Eric being her rock. He supported her through sobriety (she’s been alcohol-free since 2017) and her business ventures. They seemed like the definition of #CoupleGoals.
But in early 2025, news broke: They were separating.
The Split: What Went Wrong?
Sources say trust issues and growing apart played a role. Jessica, now a powerhouse entrepreneur and best-selling author (Open Book was raw and revealing), was in a different place than when they first met.
Still, they’re committed to co-parenting. Their kids—Maxi, Ace, and Birdie—remain the priority.
Jessica Simpson as a Mom: The Realest Part of Her Story
Jessica Simpson and her kids 🥰 pic.twitter.com/Bsx5QmoSx4
— y2k (@y2kpopart) September 15, 2024
If there’s one role Jessica was born to play, it’s mom. She’s openly shared the highs and lows of parenting, from postpartum struggles to proud mama moments.
Meet the Mini Simpsons
-
Maxwell Drew (“Maxi”) – The oldest, born in 2012. She’s got Jessica’s sass and a BFF bond with North West (yep, Kim K’s daughter).
-
Ace Knute – The only boy, born in 2013. A total sports lover, just like his dad.
-
Birdie Mae – The baby of the family (born 2019), already showing off her vocal chops (no surprise there).
Jessica’s Instagram is basically a love letter to her children. She posts their silly moments, school milestones, and even the messy parts—because motherhood isn’t always glamorous.
Also Read: Scottie Scheffler: All About His Net Worth (2025) and Career Earnings
What’s Next for Jessica?
Jessica Simpson on American Idol last night pic.twitter.com/FJTxaA5HLd
— Steven Breech (@steviebreech) May 19, 2025
At 43, she’s entering a new era. Single (for now), thriving in business, and still belting out tunes when she feels like it.
Could there be new love in the future? Maybe. A comeback album? Fans hope so. But one thing’s certain: Jessica Simpson’s story is far from over.
And honestly? We’ll be here for every chapter.
Final Thought:
Love, fame, and family haven’t always been easy for Jessica, but she’s handled it all with honesty and humor. Whether she’s singing, designing, or just being Mom, she proves that reinvention is her superpower.
