Jessica Simpson “felt suffocated” by her marriage to former NFL player Eric Johnson in the lead-up to their split, according to a report.
The singer (44 years old) announced on Monday her separation from Johnson (45 years old) after 10 years of marriage.
Simpson revealed that the couple had been “living separately” for some time, but did not reveal the details of the separation.
It seems as if the duo's dynamic has been falling apart for some time, as a source told PEOPLE that their difference has become too much to work through.
“Their marital issues have felt suffocating for a while,” an insider told the outlet. “She needs to move on for her own well-being.”
The Post has reached out to Simpson's representatives for comment.
The former couple, who married in 2014 after four years of dating, have three children: Maxwell “Maxie” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.
Earlier this week, a source told the outlet that Simpson is “doing well” and focused on getting back to music.
The insider said that Simpson is “excited about her new album,” but noted that the breakup “wasn't something she took lightly.”
“They've already worked out a new schedule for the kids,” a source told People magazine, adding that they are “great parents.”
“The children will always come first. They are co-parenting. She is grateful for her children.”
The former fashion designer revealed the news of the separation in a statement to People magazine on Monday, describing the separation as a “painful situation.”
“Our children come first, and we are focused on what is best for them. We are grateful for all the love and support that comes our way, and we value privacy now as we work through this as a family,” she added.
The duo's marriage has been the subject of breakup rumors for months after eagle-eyed fans noticed that the former NFL pro, 45, has not appeared on Simpson's Instagram account since 2023.
Simpson fans also noticed that she hasn't worn her wedding ring since January 2024, and Johnson has followed suit in recent months.
News of the couple's decision to call it quits comes just months after they were reported to be living “separate lives.”
The duo began their romance in May 2010 when Johnson was still married to his first wife, Kerry D'Angelo. The couple finalized their divorce in October 2010.
Simpson was previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006.
Before that, she was romantically linked to John Mayer, Tony Romo, Billy Corgan, Adam Levine, and Johnny Knoxville.
