How Jessica Simpson Got Her Confidence Back After Eric Johnson Split

Jessica Simpson is on top of the world.

Six months after announcing her separation from husband Eric Johnson, the singer “has a new sense of confidence and is coming back into her own,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.

“She’s doing well since the split,” the insider says. “She’s a different person since she’s been out of the relationship.”

The 10-year marriage was “holding her down,” according to the source, who says Simpson, 45, “wasn’t happy for a long time” due to “trust and communication issues” that “just got bigger.”

Eric Johnson and Jessica Simpson Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Jessica Simpson Collection

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The insider shares that the Jessica Simpson Collection designer ultimately “realized she was holding the marriage together” for her and Johnson’s three children: Maxwell, 13, Ace, 12, and Birdie, 6. “It was an emotional roller-coaster,” the source adds.

Us confirmed Simpson and Johnson’s breakup in November 2024, two months before she issued a statement about “living separately” while “navigating a painful situation” in their union.

“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them,” she continued. “We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”

Jessica Simpson XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Now, Simpson — who has yet to file for divorce from the 45-year-old former NFL player — is focused on her next chapter, which doesn’t include dating.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson's Relationship Timeline

“She is loving being on her own, being able to do her thing and focus on creativity and music, which she felt like she lost in the relationship,” the insider tells Us, calling the pop star “healthier and happier than she has been in years.”

One positive that’s come from the split is Simpson’s return to music after a 15-year hiatus. She released her Nashville Canyon EP on March 21, with a second part set for September 5.

“She’s written a lot. She has had so much to pull from creatively,” the source notes. “It’s been good for her to have this time to work on music, which has always been her true love.”

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Simpson is also back on stage, having recently performed new tunes like “Fade” (in which she sings about broken promises) as well as greatest hits from the mid-2000s, including “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” and “With You,” on the Today show plaza.

“She feels whole again,” the insider says.

The Dukes of Hazzard actress was previously married to her Newlyweds costar Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2006.

Us Weekly has reached out to Simpson’s rep for comment.