Jessica Simpson wants to have Eric Johnson in her life forever.
The "Irresistible" singer shared an update on where she stands with her estranged husband just over a month after announcing that they'd broken up after 10 years of marriage.
"I’ve grown up so much. I can handle so much," Jessica reflected in an interview with People published Feb. 19. "Maybe I’m just meant to love a lot of people in my life."
"I don’t know why my heart gets tossed around but I’m one of the lucky ones," she added. "At least I have my children and I still have Eric. He’s still very much a part of my life and will always be."
The former couple—who share kids Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5—are still coparenting and even lived together for some time at a rental home just outside Nashville while Jessica recorded her upcoming EP, Nashville Canyon: Part 1, due out March 21.
"Discovering this music is something I did on my own," she said of the five-song project. "Thank God I had Nashville, it was just a way of me owning myself and declaring it."
"I am a woman now and I can do what I want and to have freedom in music," Jessica added of her new music. "I think that’s what you’re going to feel in Nashville Canyon."
The 44-year-old's insights come after little sister Ashlee Simpson said that she was "so proud" of Jessica's personal and professional growth and shared that she's in the "best spirits" following her breakup.
"We are strong little ladies," the "Pieces of Me" singer told Us Weekly earlier this month. "I think that’s a cool thing about life is just always growing and finding yourself, wherever that’s supposed to be."
Jessica confirmed speculation that she and Eric had gone their separate ways back in January.
"Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," she told E! News in a Jan. 13 statement. "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," the "With You" singer added, "and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."
Keep reading for more on Jessica and Eric's relationship...
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.
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."
Ashlee Addresses the Rumors About Jessica and Eric
As rumors about Eric and Jessica continued to spread, her sister Ashlee Simpson weighed in on the speculation.
When asked Nov. 11 if there was any truth to the gossip, the "Pieces Of Me" singer simply told TMZ, "No."
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.
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.
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.
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.