Jessica Simpson Shares Eric Johnson Relationship Update After Separation
The stage is irresistible to Jessica Simpson.
After a 15-year hiatus from performing, the “With You” singer—who confirmed her separation from husband Eric Johnson in January—delivered an energetic set March 12 at the Recording Academy's Austin Chapter Block Party during SXSW in Austin, Texas. And she celebrated her triumphant moment with a heartwarming message on social media.
“Last night, was my first performance in 15 years,” Jessica wrote on Instagram March 13 alongside clips of the performance. “It was an emotional coming back home to the best part of myself. Thank you for embracing me.”
During the gig, the 44-year-old debuted four new songs, including “Leave” and “Use My Heart Against Me,” as well as her versions of “Son of a Preacher Man” and “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” according to Rolling Stone. And afterwards, she teased that the comeback concert wasn’t merely a one-off.
“You know that I have so much to say, but this lucky voice gets to soar again tonight,” she concluded her caption. “I love y’all. More to come…”
Jessica—who shares kids Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5, with Eric—kicked her music comeback into high gear with the March 7 release of “Leave,” off her upcoming EP Nashville Canyon: Part 1. In the track, she describes a relationship gone sour after an apparent betrayal.
“What we had was magic / Now you’ve made it tragic,” the lyrics read. “Giving her what you gave to me / Now the well that you drank from’s empty.”
Instagram/Jessica Simpson
Following the song’s debut, Jessica explained that it was one of the last she wrote for her upcoming project—and one of the most difficult.
“‘Leave’ is a hard lyric for me to write,” she said in a YouTube video documenting the making of the song. “It was tapping into some stuff that was scary to tap into. But I needed to get it out.”
Indeed, the writing process proved to be a cathartic experience following the painful end of Jessica and Eric’s 10-year marriage.
“Through the deepest heartbreak of my life,” Jessica told sister Ashlee Simpson in a February interview for The Cut, “it was the most intense yet enlightening therapy I’ve ever been through.”
For a look at all the signs that pointed to Jessica and Eric’s 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
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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