Ashlee Simpson Shares Personal Update on Jessica Simpson Amid Eric Johnson Breakup - E! Online
One month after Jessica Simpson announced her breakup with Eric Johnson, her sister Ashlee Simpson shared insight into how the “With You” singer has been handling the split.
Watch : Jessica Simpson Lists Home for $18 Million Amid Eric Johnson Breakup
Jessica Simpson is embracing her single era.
Nearly one month after the “With You” singer announced the end of her 10-year marriage with Eric Johnson, her sister Ashlee Simpson shared a hopeful update on how she’s been doing.
“She has music coming,” Ashlee told Us Weekly Feb. 5, “and I’m so proud of her.”
Indeed, she even went on to say that her older sister has been in “the best, best spirits.”
“We are strong little ladies,” the 40-year-old continued. “I think that’s a cool thing about life is just always growing and finding yourself, wherever that’s supposed to be.”
Jessica—who shares kids Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5, with the retired NFL player—first broke news of their split Jan. 13, though suspicions were already high after the two had been seen on multiple occasions without their wedding rings.
"Eric and I have been living separately,” Jessica, 44, told E! News in a statement at the time, “navigating a painful situation in our marriage.”
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Jessica Simpson's Family Album
But while they decided to part ways, the Dukes of Hazzard alum made it clear that her main focus was the wellbeing of their kids.
"Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them,” she continued. “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."
And as the pair works on finding a new normal, it seems that Jessica was also ready to say goodbye to the Hidden Hills mansion that she once shared with the former tight end. Indeed, the “I Wanna Love You Forever” singer listed her mansion, per property records viewed by E! News, for a whopping $17.9 million two days before she announced their split.
But luckily, throughout all the change, Jessica has a sturdy support system to lean on. Along with maintaining a close relationship with her sister, Jessica has recently expressed just how much she appreciates her mom Tina Ann Drew in a heartwarming birthday tribute.
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
"Your light is the brightest of all-assembled by the multitudes of your individual blessings that create iridescent and unique sparks," Jessica wrote in a Jan. 19 Instagram post, alongside a photo of the mother-daughter duo. "Not only does your glow make you shine, but there is an honesty within your heart that gives truth to divine ambition and a courageous certainty that represents how passion can lead to unparalleled greatness."
"There is no stopping YOU when you believe in something with all of your heart,” she continued. “I am so lucky to be something and someone you believe in. There’s nobody in this world I’d rather be loved by than you. I love to love you, make you proud, hug you and work alongside you each and every day for eternity!”
To look back at the signs that Jessica and Eric were headed for a split, keep reading…
Instagram/Jessica Simpson
MIA on Social Media
Even before Jessica Simpson announced her separation from husband of 10 years Eric Johnson on Jan. 13, 2025, social media sleuths noticed he hadn't appeared on her Instagram feed in a long time.
While the "With You" singer had posted birthday and anniversary tributes to the former football player in the past, she didn't do so in 2024. Eric also wasn't included in the back-to-school snaps Jessica shared of their kids Maxwell Drew, Ace Knute and Birdie Mae in September.
In fact, the last time the NFL alum appeared in one of the fashion mogul's posts was last April, when she uploaded photos from their family's spring break trip to Cabo.
For his part, Eric used to have an Instagram account but deleted it a while ago—with Jessica previously noting "he ain’t an Instagram guy" and last tagging him in a 2022 post.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Footwear News via Getty Images
Cryptic Posts
However, followers had some questions about cryptic posts the "Irresistible" artist shared over the past few months—including one in which she appeared to tease new music.
"Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic," she wrote in a Nov. 11 Instagram post."This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve."
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Janie's Fund
Ashlee Addresses the Rumors About Jessica and Eric
As rumors about Eric and Jessica continued to spread, her sister Ashlee Simpson weighed in on the speculation.
When asked Nov. 11 if there was any truth to the gossip, the "Pieces Of Me" singer simply told TMZ, "No."
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Eric Spotted Without Wedding Ring
But the very next day, Eric was spotted in Los Angeles without his wedding band—as seen in photos obtained by the outlet.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Jessica Also Seen Without Her Ring
Similarly, Jessica has been photographed without her wedding ring, including during a November sighting at Los Angeles International Airport and a December trip to the movies as seen in photos and videos obtained by the Daily Mail.
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Real Estate Moves
While fans might not have picked up on this sign right away, it appears The Dukes of Hazzard actress quietly listed her home in Hidden Hills, Calif., for $17,900,000 on Jan. 11—just days before she announced her separation from the athlete.
Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images
Fewer Public Appearances
The last time Jessica and the Eric were photographed attending a public event together was in June 2023, when they went to the opening of Bernie Taupin's exhibit "Reflections" at the Choice Contemporary fine art gallery in Los Angeles.
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