There have been recent rumors suggesting that Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s relationship may have hit a difficult phase. In November 2024, after Johnson was seen without his wedding ring, an insider shared with PEOPLE that the couple “very much live separate lives.”
The couple’s story began in 2010 when they first crossed paths and started dating. By 2014, they were married and had expanded their family, welcoming three children together. Simpson previously opened up in April 2022 about how their relationship had evolved, noting, “It’s about communicating and loving somebody.
We both have the same purpose and the same heart in what we’re doing together. And that’s important.” She went on to praise Johnson, calling him “such a good dad and a good man.” Looking back at their journey together, here’s a timeline of Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s relationship from the very beginning.
Jessica once called Eric “her dude” – a title that carried years of love and support
In May 2010, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson began their romantic relationship. Their romance remained a secret until July 2010, when a source confirmed to PEOPLE that they had been dating since May. At the time, Johnson was separated from his ex-wife Keri, and Simpson was also divorced from her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, since 2005.
Simpson recounted their first meeting in her 2020 memoir Open Book, describing how a mutual friend invited Johnson to a party at her house. “We connected on all levels,” Simpson wrote, adding that they were both ready for a committed relationship.
Their first public appearance together came in July 2010, when they were photographed sharing a kiss in Capri, Italy, while celebrating Simpson’s 30th birthday. By October 2010, Simpson was openly expressing her love for Johnson. She told PEOPLE, “As far as Eric and I go, we’re just best friends. He’s my dude! I love him.” She also added that their relationship felt “normal,” praising Johnson for his unwavering support.
That same month, Johnson’s divorce from Keri was finalized after they had separated a year earlier, ending a five-year marriage. November 2010 marked a milestone when the couple got engaged. Simpson later shared details of the proposal, revealing it had been planned for some time and that Johnson had discussed it with her family.
Simpson confirmed her pregnancy in October 2011 through a playful Halloween tweet. The announcement came after weeks of speculation about her baby bump, with Simpson posting a photo dressed as a mummy and holding her stomach, saying, “It’s true – I’m going to be a mummy!”
On May 1, 2012, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Maxwell Drew. Simpson shared the news with her fans on her website, expressing their excitement and gratitude for the love and support they had received. Maxwell’s name was inspired by Johnson’s middle name, while Drew came from Simpson’s mother’s maiden name.
Just seven months later, in December 2012, Simpson revealed she was expecting her second child, sharing a holiday-themed photo of Maxwell with the words “big sis.” She expressed her joy and excitement over expanding their family.
By January 2013, Simpson was discussing their plans for marriage during an interview with Jay Leno. She joked that their wedding kept being delayed due to her pregnancies but was optimistic that they would set a date soon.
On June 30, 2013, Simpson and Johnson welcomed their second child, a son named Ace Knute. Simpson expressed her excitement about having a son, remarking how special the experience was for her, having grown up without a brother.
Jessica and Eric’s journey began in 2010, and now whispers about their future spark curiosity
By June 2014, the couple celebrated their joint bachelorette and bachelor party, signaling that their wedding was near. They hosted a relaxed but joyful celebration with close friends and family. On July 5, 2014, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson married in an intimate ceremony at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. The couple expressed their happiness, surrounded by loved ones, including their children.
In 2018, Simpson spoke about possibly expanding their family, saying that while she desired another child, it would be a “bit of a miracle” to have more. She cheekily admitted that they “always practice.” In September 2018, Simpson and Johnson revealed they were expecting their third child. Simpson posted a photo of their kids holding balloons, later announcing that they were having a girl.
March 19, 2019, brought the arrival of their third child, a daughter named Birdie Mae. Simpson shared her joy on social media, introducing her newborn to her older siblings. In her 2020 memoir Open Book, Simpson discussed her decision to get sober and how Johnson supported her by also quitting alcohol. She reflected on the turning point when she realized she needed to make a change after a troubling Halloween incident.
Their relationship continued to thrive, and in May 2020, Simpson celebrated their 10th anniversary of dating, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post about how she had fallen “head over slippers in love” with Johnson. By December 2020, Simpson spoke to PEOPLE about the secret to a lasting marriage, stressing the importance of intimacy and kissing to maintain their bond.
In May 2021, as the couple celebrated 11 years together, Simpson shared another loving tribute to Johnson on Instagram, emphasizing how deeply their connection had grown. On their 7th wedding anniversary in 2021, Johnson expressed his admiration for Simpson in a heartfelt Instagram post, celebrating their joyous family life and his love for her.
For Johnson’s 42nd birthday in September 2021, Simpson posted a loving tribute, reflecting on how deeply their lives were intertwined and how grateful she was to have found him. Simpson continued to open up about their relationship in April 2022, sharing how they had grown together over the years.
She emphasized that communication and mutual respect had deepened their love, making their bond stronger than ever. In December 2022, Simpson posted festive family photos, showcasing their happiness as they celebrated the holiday season with their children.
