Jessica Simpson’s first ex-husband is singer and television personality Nick Lachey, whom she was married to from 2002 to 2006. The former couple became one of the most recognizable celebrity duos of the early 2000s thanks to their hit MTV reality series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica.
Following her divorce from Lachey, Simpson later married former NFL tight end Eric Johnson in 2014. Although they are still legally married, the couple announced their separation in 2025 after a decade together.
Here’s a closer look at Jessica Simpson’s relationship history and where both marriages stand today.
Nick Lachey Is Jessica Simpson’s Ex-Husband
Jessica Simpson married Nick Lachey, lead singer of the pop group 98 Degrees, on October 26, 2002.
At the time, they were among the most talked-about celebrity couples in entertainment. Their romance attracted enormous media attention, and they soon became television stars after launching MTV’s reality series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica.
The show followed their everyday married life and became a major ratings success, introducing fans to the couple’s humorous personalities and behind-the-scenes relationship.
For many viewers, the series remains one of the defining celebrity reality shows of the early 2000s.
Their Marriage Ended in Divorce
Despite their popularity, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey’s marriage eventually came to an end.
After months of speculation about problems in their relationship, Simpson filed for divorce in December 2005, citing irreconcilable differences.
Their divorce was finalized in June 2006, ending nearly four years of marriage.
Following the split, both Simpson and Lachey continued their successful careers while largely avoiding public disputes about their relationship.
Over time, each moved forward with new relationships and separate family lives.
The Impact of Newlyweds
Although the marriage ended, Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica remains one of the most memorable reality television series of its era.
The MTV program gave audiences an unusually candid look at celebrity married life and helped expand Jessica Simpson’s career beyond music into television, fashion, and business.
The show’s popularity also significantly raised Nick Lachey’s public profile outside his music career.
Years after its conclusion, Newlyweds continues to be referenced as one of reality television’s most influential celebrity series.
Jessica Simpson’s Marriage to Eric Johnson
Several years after divorcing Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson found love with former NFL player Eric Johnson.
The couple became engaged in 2010 and married on July 5, 2014, after welcoming two of their children together.
During their marriage, Simpson and Johnson built a family that includes three children:
- Maxwell Drew Johnson
- Ace Knute Johnson
- Birdie Mae Johnson
Their relationship remained relatively private compared to Simpson’s highly publicized first marriage.
Separation from Eric Johnson
In January 2025, Jessica Simpson confirmed that she and Eric Johnson had separated after approximately ten years of marriage.
Although they ended their relationship, reports indicated that both remained committed to co-parenting their three children.
The former couple reportedly moved into separate homes located near one another, allowing them to maintain a stable family environment while sharing parenting responsibilities.
As of 2026, Simpson and Johnson have publicly described their focus as supporting their children while navigating life after separation.
No official announcement confirming a finalized divorce has been made.
Jessica Simpson’s Life After Separation
Following her separation from Eric Johnson, Jessica Simpson has continued to focus on her music career, fashion empire, and family.
In early 2026, several entertainment outlets reported that she had begun dating Nashville-based musician Thomas Eisenhood.
While Simpson has remained relatively private regarding her personal life, reports suggest she has embraced a new chapter following the end of her long-term relationship with Johnson.
She continues balancing professional projects with raising her three children.
Jessica Simpson’s Relationship Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Married Nick Lachey |
| 2003 | Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica premiered on MTV |
| 2005 | Filed for divorce from Nick Lachey |
| 2006 | Divorce from Nick Lachey finalized |
| 2010 | Became engaged to Eric Johnson |
| 2014 | Married Eric Johnson |
| 2012–2019 | Welcomed three children: Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie |
| 2025 | Announced separation from Eric Johnson |
| 2026 | Reportedly began dating musician Thomas Eisenhood |
Who Is Jessica Simpson’s Ex-Husband Today?
When people search for “Jessica Simpson ex-husband,” they are generally referring to Nick Lachey, as he is the only former spouse from whom she is officially divorced.
Lachey later married television personality Vanessa Lachey, and the couple have built a family together while continuing successful careers in television.
Jessica Simpson, meanwhile, went on to establish one of the most successful celebrity fashion brands in the United States, in addition to continuing her work as a singer, author, and entrepreneur.
Although her marriage to Eric Johnson has ended in separation, he is not currently considered her ex-husband because no finalized divorce has been publicly announced.
Jessica Simpson’s personal life has evolved considerably since her highly publicized marriage to Nick Lachey more than two decades ago.
Her first marriage introduced her to millions of television viewers, while her second marriage with Eric Johnson centered on family life and raising three children.
Today, Nick Lachey remains Jessica Simpson’s only official ex-husband, while her separation from Eric Johnson marks the latest chapter in her personal journey.
Despite the changes in her relationships, Simpson continues to be recognized as a successful entertainer, entrepreneur, and devoted mother whose career has extended far beyond the reality television fame that first introduced many fans to her life.
