Why Jessica Simpson Is Feeling “Lighter and Brighter” After Eric Johnson Breakup
Jessica Simpson, who announced her breakup with husband Eric Johnson in January, exclusively told E! News she’s feeling “lighter and brighter” after performing on American Idol May 18.
Watch : Jessica Simpson, Jeremy Renner Spark Romance Rumors With Flirty Exchange
Jessica Simpson is putting herself first.
The “With You” singer, who confirmed her separation from husband Eric Johnson in January, continued her musical comeback with a performance on the American Idol season 23 finale May 18, where she described her return to the stage as being part of a much larger personal transformation.
“I feel so in step with my purpose, so aligned in the middle of a lot of stuff,” she told E! News in an exclusive interview after the Idol finale. “I feel lighter and brighter than I ever have and I can only say that some spiritual realm is protecting me.”
According to the 44-year-old—who shares kids Maxwell, 13, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 6, with Eric—her newfound aura comes partly from following her own instincts.
“I grew up as a preacher's daughter,” she continued. “I'm obedient, I did what the record label told me to do and I had a job to do. Now, the job that I'm doing is for myself and that's to be vulnerable, raw and do the music that I want to do.” (For more from the American Idol finale, tune into E! News tonight, May 19 at 11 p.m.)
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Jessica Simpson Performs on Stage for First Time in 15 Years Following Eric Johnson Split
Jessica added, “There is nothing more fulfilling.”
The Newlyweds alum released her latest EP Nashville Canyon, Pt. 1 in March, noting that making music again has proven to be a therapeutic process.
Disney/Stewart Cook
“No matter what we go through in life, I feel like music heals,” she shared. “The fact that I'm able to make it is even more healing.”
Following the end of her 10-year marriage to Eric, Jessica—who was previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006—reignited romance rumors with Jeremy Renner after the two were first linked in 2010. In addition to exchanging messages with the Avengers star on social media, the singer fueled the speculation with a heartfelt endorsement of his new book.
“I’m so deeply proud of my dear friend and perspective motivator, @jeremyrenner for releasing his memoir, My Next Breath, with the world,” she wrote in an Instagram Stories post May 6. “If the vulnerability and truth within his audiobook doesn’t make you cry or inspire you to live your live to the fullest, you are not human!”
For a look at Jessica and Eric’s relationship timeline, keep reading.
--Reporting by Nikki Novak
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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