Jessica Simpson, 44, discusses her heartbreak following her split from Eric Johnson after 10 years of marriage while promoting her upcoming EP “Nashville Canyon, Part 1.” During a performance in Texas, she revealed her emotional journey in Nashville, stating, “I found out that my world had been turned upside down.” Embracing her single status, she channeled her feelings into her new music, including the breakup anthem “Leave.” The couple, who share three children, began dating in 2010 and married in 2014. Simpson emphasized the importance of vulnerability in her songwriting and the supportive role Johnson played in her creative process.
Jessica Simpson is sharing her emotional journey through heartbreak.
The 44-year-old singer opened up about the creation of her upcoming EP “Nashville Canyon, Part 1,” inspired by her recent separation from Eric Johnson after a decade of marriage.
While performing in Texas on Wednesday, Simpson reflected, “I was out in Nashville with an open heart, in a very intuitive state, asking myself some very personal questions about my home life,” according to a TikTok clip. “I discovered that my world was turned upside down, and life had changed drastically.”
Jessica Simpson performs a surprise set during Luck Reunion at Luck Ranch on March 13, 2025. Getty Images for Shock Ink
She added, “I am officially a single lady.”
Simpson emphasized that she poured her feelings into her new EP, scheduled for release later this month.
“Opening our hearts can make us vulnerable, leading to heartache,” she expressed during the concert. “Sometimes we might forget how long we’ve been hurting, but through writing and singing, we connect with ourselves and discover the answers we seek.”
Jessica Simpson on stage. Getty Images for Shock Ink
Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson. jessicasimpson/Instagram
Simpson’s recent performance marked her first live concert in 15 years, held at the Recording Academy’s Austin Chapter Block Party during SXSW.
The pop icon revealed her new songs: “Use My Heart Against Me,” “Sunday Lover,” and the break-up anthem “Leave.”
Simpson and Johnson, aged 45, began dating in 2010 and were married in 2014, sharing three children: Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5.
Jessica Simpson performs a surprise set during Luck Reunion 2025 at Luck Ranch on March 13, 2025 in Spicewood, Texas. Getty Images for Shock Ink
In January, the former athlete and actress announced their separation.
“Eric and I are living apart as we navigate a difficult phase in our marriage,” Simpson told People magazine at the time.
“Our children’s well-being comes first, and we are prioritizing what’s best for them. We appreciate the love and support from everyone and ask for privacy as we work through this as a family.”
Following the separation, the “Dukes of Hazzard” star has dedicated herself to music as a source of healing.
Jessica Simpson. Getty Images for Shock Ink
Despite the split, Simpson acknowledged Johnson’s encouragement, which allowed her to work on her EP in Nashville.
“It truly is a blessing,” Simpson noted. “Eric has supported my passion for music. My kids have been behind me too. We were in Nashville celebrating Maxwell’s 11th birthday, and she’s 12 now.”
Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson and their kids. jessicasimpson/Instagram
Earlier this month, Simpson released her new single “Leave,” which alludes to a relationship’s end due to infidelity.
In the track, she sings, “What we had was magic/ Now you’ve made it tragic/ Giving her what you gave to me/ Now the well that you drank from’s empty.”
“Your weakness made me lonely/ Unholy matrimony/ Did you do to her what you did to me?/ Was she on her knees?”
Later in the song, Simpson declares her desire for independence.
Jessica Simpson in March. jessicasimpson/Instagram
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson backstage at the 2010 Rockefeller Center tree lighting. WireImage
“We’re not repeating this/ I, I want you to leave/ I don’t even want to breathe the same air as you/I’d rather die/ Than let you occupy my thoughts while she’s on your mind/ I am stronger alone/ So I’m letting you go.”
In a YouTube video behind the scenes, Simpson discussed the challenges of writing this song.
“’Leave’ was a challenging lyric to write,” she admitted. “It brought up feelings I was afraid to confront. However, I felt it was necessary to express them.”
Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson. jessicasimpson/Instagram
“After composing the lyrics and melodies, I realized that it’s not about showing off,” Simpson reflected. “There’s incredible strength in subtlety. That was one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in this entire journey: music is about communication, not just volume.”
“Nashville Canyon, Part 1” is set to be released on March 21st.