Jessica Simpson Reveals Ex Eric Johnson Encouraged Her to Create New Music
Jessica Simpson has made a triumphant return to the music scene, supported by her family, including her estranged husband, Eric Johnson.
“It is a gift. Eric supported that gift. My kids supported that gift,” Jessica, 44, expressed during an interview with her sister, Ashlee Simpson, featured in an article from The Cut on Thursday, February 20.
Instead of recording her latest project in Los Angeles, Jessica felt inspired to head to Nashville following a visit to the city for her daughter Maxwell’s 11th birthday. (Jessica shares Maxwell, now 12, with Johnson, 45, alongside Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5.)
“Instead of singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ she wanted me to play Hank Williams’ ‘I Saw the Light’ when she woke up,” Jessica recounted. “I experienced all these memories from making my first record at 14, which was a gospel album, there. I was reminded of writing In This Skin, crafting ‘With You,’ and other songs that truly represent me.”
While performing her daughter’s preferred birthday song, Jessica remarked that she “saw the light” to create her upcoming EP, Nashville Canyon, Part 1, in Tennessee. “I started looking at real estate that day,” she revealed.
Previously, in November 2024, Jessica hinted at her new music amid speculation regarding her marriage status. “This comeback is personal; it’s an apology to myself for enduring everything I didn’t deserve,” she shared along with Instagram posts from her “Nashville music room.”
That same month, sources confirmed to Us Weekly that Jessica and Johnson were “living separately” while “attempting to figure out a separation.” Insiders noted that the couple intended to spend the holidays together with their children.
In January, Jessica officially announced that she and Johnson had ended their 10-year marriage. “Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” she stated in a message to Us. “Our children come first, and we are concentrating on what’s best for them. We appreciate all the love and support we’ve received and ask for privacy as we work through this as a family.”
A later source informed Us that “trust issues stemming from their marital breakdown,” contributed to the separation, adding that while Jessica is “sad” about the split, she “understands the need to make a difficult choice.”
Earlier this month, Jessica announced that the first track from her new EP, “Use My Heart Against Me,” is set to release on Friday, February 21. “’Secretly anticipatin’ That you’re takin’ me with you,’” she captioned her Instagram announcement. “Y’all head on over to JessicaSimpson.com/music to pre-save my first new tune, sneak a peek into my eyes’ mind, and get a first look at what these soul vibes are feelin’ like 💫.”
Jessica has also shared her thoughts on her current relationship with Johnson amid their ongoing separation. “I’ve matured so much. I can handle a lot. Maybe I’m just destined to love many people in my life,” she told People in an interview published on Wednesday, February 19. “I don’t know why my heart gets tossed around, but I’m one of the lucky ones. At least I have my children, and Eric is still very much a part of my life and always will be.”
