Jessica Simpson has dramatically transformed her life, shedding 100 pounds and reigniting a sense of youthfulness that she claims made her feel “21 again.” This journey of self-discovery and transformation appears to have occurred amidst a significant personal upheaval, as reports indicate that her marriage to Eric Johnson has come to an end.
An insider revealed to Page Six that Simpson’s impressive weight loss has unlocked new aspects of her personality that had previously been stifled. The source noted, “She suddenly felt 21 again — though when she was that age, she was bound to responsibilities as a married TV star.” This comment harks back to her early days with ex-husband Nick Lachey on their reality series, “Newlyweds,” which aired in the early 2000s.
The 44-year-old singer and actress has faced ongoing challenges with her body image, which trace back to her teenage years. At just 17, music mogul Tommy Mottola suggested she drop 15 pounds, prompting Simpson to resort to diet pills. Over the past two decades, she struggled with her weight, often relying on extreme diets and intense workouts to maintain a slender figure. However, since 2021, she committed to a healthier approach, emphasizing willpower over shortcuts like the diabetes medication Ozempic, which she publicly denied using.
Despite her renewed confidence, the split from Johnson, 45, has been complicated. Sources indicate that Johnson has been emotionally absent from the marriage for some time, and infidelity has been speculated on both sides. The couple, who has three children together, separated in September 2024, a situation Simpson addressed in a statement, emphasizing their focus on co-parenting and the well-being of their kids.
“Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” she shared in a recent statement to People. “We are grateful for all the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”
Fans first suspected problems in their relationship when the couple had not posted together on social media for over a year. Simpson’s close circle has raised concerns about her emotional state during this turbulent time, but they affirm that she has remained sober since making the decision to stop drinking in 2017.
Amidst the heartbreak, this transformation and life change have sparked Simpson’s creativity. The pop star is reportedly working on new music, her first in over a decade, drawing inspiration from her experiences with heartbreak and resilience. She has been journaling, and some of those entries are evolving into songs, showcasing a reflective and artistic side during this challenging phase of her life.
