Jessica Simpson’s weight loss reportedly sparked a transformation in her personality before her split from husband Eric Johnson, according to insiders. Published on January 18, 2025, the news follows the couple’s announcement about the end of their decade-long marriage, with Simpson revealing they have been living apart while dealing with challenges in their relationship.
Simpson, 44, first met Johnson in 2010 and described it as “the best meeting of my life.” Following her tumultuous marriage to Nick Lachey, it seemed she had found a stable partnership. However, this week, Simpson and Johnson disclosed their separation, with the singer candidly stating, “Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage.”
Both members of the couple, who share three children, have reportedly already consulted divorce lawyers, and their Hidden Hills estate is on the market for $17.9 million. A family source indicated the split was anticipated, with concerns raised about Simpson being “in a bad place.”
Insiders have also expressed worry regarding Simpson’s absence from school events, which once saw her actively participating. Despite quietude from representatives, the couple was noticeably seen without their wedding rings, highlighting the growing distance between them.
Throughout her career, Simpson has been transparent about her struggles with substance abuse stemming from a difficult childhood, which included experiences of trauma. Recently, she flaunted her significant weight loss, attributing it to “willpower” rather than drastic measures like starvation or extreme workouts, which were common in her past.
A source noted that this newfound body confidence has allowed Simpson to feel youthful again, akin to being 21, but without the constraints of her previous marriage. “She started to want to sow her wild oats in a way she never could,” said the insider, while reinforcing that Simpson has remained sober since 2017.
Johnson, believed to have emotionally disconnected from the marriage, was reportedly aware of the potential for infidelity on both sides. The couple’s troubled dynamic is evident, and they face scrutiny amid their marital breakdown.
Despite stepping back from her music and acting career, Simpson has ventured into fashion and opened up about her life in her memoir, “Open Book.” In it, she shares details of past trauma and the toll of public scrutiny over her weight and appearance, particularly during her formative years in the industry.
In 2021, Simpson made strides towards self-acceptance by discarding her scale, focusing instead on feeling good and embracing different clothing sizes. Yet, she continues to face public speculation about her journey, reaffirming her commitment to self-care.
The challenges she has faced were compounded by personal family dynamics, including a strained relationship with her father. Looking forward, Simpson is currently in the studio working on new music, promising fans a powerful return as she navigates this phase of her life. “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve,” she shared.
As Simpson moves on, she emphasizes the importance of her well-being, urging the need for change amid feelings of suffocation within her marriage. With Johnson also expressing a desire for resolution, both appear to be seeking a healthier future apart.