Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s 10-year marriage was filled with underlying issues long before the couple officially separated, exclusive sources have revealed. 

The couple, who announced their split on Monday, had been facing deep-rooted struggles that led to their separation. 

According to insiders close to the pair, trust issues played a major role in the deterioration of their relationship.

“Jess and Eric had trust issues,” a source close to Simpson and Johnson told Page Six. 

“They were no longer on the same page, and it drove a wedge between them.” 

This ongoing tension between the couple ultimately led them to part ways, with Simpson confirming that they had been living separately as they navigated what she described as a “painful situation.”

In a public statement shared with the media, Simpson, 44, acknowledged the difficult nature of their separation and emphasized the importance of prioritizing their children. “Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” she said. “Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them.” The couple shares three children: Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5. Simpson expressed gratitude for the love and support they had received, while also requesting privacy as they work through this challenging time as a family.

The decision to live apart was not sudden. Sources close to the family revealed that Simpson and Johnson had actually tried living separately for a period of time last year as a trial before officially confirming their separation. “Jess thought it would help if they spent some time apart,” an insider shared. “But it only made her realize she enjoyed her independence.”

This time apart, initially hoped to bring clarity to their relationship, ultimately solidified Simpson’s realization that she was happier on her own. The couple’s decision to separate became a defining moment, as Simpson embraced the space to focus on her personal well-being and newfound independence.

Simpson, who is also a successful fashion designer and entrepreneur, is said to be handling the separation “well, all things considered.” Despite the challenges, the insider mentioned that she is coping with the situation in a healthy way, though she has “good days and bad days.” Simpson, who has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, recently celebrated seven years of sobriety, which may have contributed to her resilience during this tumultuous time.

The separation between Simpson and Johnson, both 45, marks the end of a decade-long relationship that was often in the public eye. The couple first tied the knot in 2014, and throughout their marriage, they were frequently seen as a seemingly happy family, with their three children often featured in social media posts. However, cracks in the relationship began to show in November 2024, when Simpson shared a cryptic post on Instagram hinting at personal struggles.

In the post, Simpson referred to her upcoming return to music as “an apology to [herself] for putting up with everything [she] did not deserve.” Fans speculated that the message was a subtle reference to her marital difficulties, and this post became one of the first indicators that things were not well between the couple.

As Simpson and Johnson navigate their new paths separately, they are also in the process of selling their luxurious Hidden Hills home in California, valued at $18 million. This move symbolizes a fresh start for both, as they shift their focus to their individual lives while keeping their children’s best interests at the forefront.

Simpson has remained active on social media, continuing to share glimpses of her personal journey as she moves forward. Despite the sadness surrounding her separation from Johnson, she has been resilient in her pursuit of independence and self-care. As she continues to heal, Simpson remains dedicated to her children, who are her top priority.

With the couple’s divorce not yet finalized, the coming months will reveal how they navigate their co-parenting arrangement. For now, Simpson is focused on rebuilding her life, embracing the opportunity for growth, and supporting her family through this difficult transition.

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