All the Signs Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson Were Having Trouble — and Nearing a Split

Mar. 15, 2025

WhenJessica Simpsonand former NFL playerEric Johnsonannounced they were going their separate ways, it wasn’t a complete surprise.

In November 2024, after Johnson, 45, was spotted without his wedding ring, a source told PEOPLE that the couple “very much live separate lives.” On Monday, Jan. 13, the pop star officiallyannounced the couple’s split.

“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” Jessica, 44, said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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.”

After initially meeting in 2010, Johnson and the “A Public Affair” musician tied the knot in 2014. They’ve since welcomedthree children: Maxwell Drew, Ace Knute and Birdie Mae.

Below, see the signs that the pair were headed for a split.

Not Wearing Their Wedding Bands

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson in June 2023.Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images

Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images

In November 2024, Johnson was photographed walking around Los Angeles sans wedding band amid rumors of a rift in his marriage to Jessica. However, even before that, speculation about the state of their relationship grew after fans noticed the “With You” artist hadn’t been wearing her own rings for many months.

“Hasn’t posted a pic of her husband in a year,” one social media userwroteof Jessica on Sept. 23. Another social media useradded, “She reminds me of a newly single girl in her latest posts 🤷🏻‍♀️”

Another fannoticed she wasn’t wearing a band: “Where is the wedding ring ???Ugh dang it. Another one bites the dust 😢”

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Simpson’s Return to Music and Life in Nashville

Jessica Simpson in February 2024.Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

In November 2024, Jessica sharedan Instagram postfeaturing a series of snaps in a recording studio wearing a white dress, black furry coat and black knee-high boots.

“Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic,” she captioned the post, adding that her upcoming music “comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve 🎶 🎼 🤍🖤”

The following month, she shared another sultry image of herself on her Instagram Story, sporting a black blazer and black cowboy boots.

“I can’t wait for y’all to hear the soundtrack of my soul,” she wrote on top of the image, adding a single CD emoji to the text.

Ashlee Simpson Shuts Down Speculation on Her Sister’s Marriage

Jessica and Ashlee Simpson in April 2015.Amanda Edwards/Getty

During an outing to the restaurant Mr. Chow in Los Angeles In November 2024,TMZaskedAshlee Simpson, 40, to address rumors that her sister’s marriage was on the rocks — and she responded with a simple, direct answer.

“No,” she bluntly told TMZ while walking with her husband,Evan Ross, though it’s unclear which question she was in fact replying to.

Few Social Media Posts Together

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson in May 2017.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Jessica hasn’t posted a photo featuring Johnson prominently since September 2023, when shededicated a post to him for his 44th birthday.

“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,” she wrote at the time. “We love youuuu. (he ain’t an Instagram guy, but I always think the more good wishes the better 😜).”

Since then, Jessica has largely posted solo shots, selfies and photos of her spending time with her kids.

source: people.com