Jessica Simpson is working through her breakup.
The “With You” hitmaker revealed that some of the songs on her upcoming EP Nashville Canyon: Part 1 were written during the breakdown of her 10-year marriage to Eric Johnson.
“Through the deepest heartbreak of my life,” Jessica told sister Ashlee Simpson in an interview published in The Cut Feb. 20, “it was the most intense yet enlightening therapy I’ve ever been through.”
The Dukes of Hazzard actress—who shares kids Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5, with Eric—went on to express her gratitude for her estranged husband’s support as she spent time in Nashville working on the five-song project.
“It is a gift,” Jessica gushed of being able to take time for herself to be creative. “Eric supported that gift. My kids supported that gift. We were out in Nashville for Maxwell’s 11th birthday, and she’s 12 now.”
The 44-year-old’s sentiments echo those that she’d previously expressed about her breakup.
“I’ve grown up so much. I can handle so much,” Jessica, who was previously married to Nick Lachey, reflected in an interview with People published one day earlier. “Maybe I’m just meant to love a lot of people in my life.”
“I don’t know why my heart gets tossed around but I’m one of the lucky ones,” she added. “At least I have my children and I still have Eric. He’s still very much a part of my life and will always be.”
And, while Jessica and Eric lived together with their kids at times in a rental home outside of Nashville while she worked on Nashville Canyon, the “I Think I’m in Love With You” singer viewed working on her new music as her own journey.
“Discovering this music is something I did on my own,” she explained. “Thank God I had Nashville, it was just a way of me owning myself and declaring it.”
Jessica confirmed speculation that she and Eric were heading for a breakup when she announced their split at the beginning of the year.
“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” she told E! News in a Jan. 13 statement. “Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them.”
“We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way,” the “Irresistible” singer added, “and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family.”
Keep reading for more on Jessica and Eric’s family…
Birthday Dad
Jessica Simpson rang in ex Eric Johnson‘s 44th birthday with their kids—Maxwell Drew, Ace Knute and Birdie Mae—on Sept. 15, 2023.
Nothing But Love
“My heart is so taken with this Man, I could hardly call it my own,” the fashion designer wrote in her birthday tribute to Eric. “We love youuuu.”
Valentine’s Style
“Whole Lotta Love,” Jessica wrote on Instagram as her daughter Birdie wore Claire’s heart-shaped sunglasses on Valentine’s Day 2023.
Spring Break
The family of five enjoyed a fun-in-the-sun getaway—and shared the pics to prove it!—in April 2022.
Easter Bunch
Jessica posted this selfie of herself with Eric and their kids on Easter Sunday 2021.
Happy Birthday, Birdie
The family celebrated Birdie Mae’s second birthday in 2021.
Birdie Is 2!
Jessica and Eric appeared with Birdie Mae at her second birthday party.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Fans can certainly see a resemblance between these two.
Fun in the Sun
These ladies had a blast during the family’s trip to Hawaii in 2019.
Johnson’s Kiddos
“Besties for life,” Jessica captioned this sweet snap of her two oldest kids.
Sibling Screams
Summer calls for screaming with your baby sister, duh!
Birthday Bunch
On her seventh birthday, Maxwell ate cake for breakfast and the whole family joined in.
Happy Easter
The family was decked out in their Sunday best for Easter 2019.
School Sibs
Private school uniforms never looked so cute!
Birdie’s Nest
Jessica celebrated her future-daughter Birdie’s baby shower in style with all the ladies in her life in January 2019.
Merry Christmas
“Church ready #THEJOHNSONS,” the singer wrote on her Instagram.
Parrotdise
The “I Wanna Love You Forever” singer knows how to throw a good birthday party. In June 2018, she posted a family pic from Ace’s fifth birthday to Instagram writing, “Baseball and Parrots- a five-year-old’s dream come true! #ACEKNUTE #5 #Parrotdise #GreenSox.”
Minnie Mouse Moms
In May 2018, the Simpson ladies took their daughters to Disneyland and it was filled with “Minnie” memories.
Let it Go!
While in New York, the family went to see Frozen on Broadway and they were all smiles.
The Greatest Showgirl
For Maxwell’s sixth birthday the family had a Greatest Showman themed bash and it looked amazing.
Pretty in Pink
The floral four smile for an Easter 2018 family portrait in color-coordinated pink suits and dresses. The singer and her little girl look absolutely adorable in their matching prints!
Lucky Duo
Jess’ two cuties look festive in green and gold as they smile for an adorable St. Patrick’s Day pic.
Country Halloween
No family does Halloween better than the Simpson-Johnson fam.
Totally Tropical
The tropical crew huddle together in a photo from Ace’s Moana-themed fourth birthday party, complete with two actors playing Moana and Maui from the popular film in July 2017.
Maxwell’s Mermaids
Mermaid magic was the theme of Maxwell’s fifth birthday…can you tell?
Fabulous Photoshoot
The fashion mogul goes behind-the-scenes to sneak a snap of her kids looking picture-perfect for their school photos.
Halloween Crew
Sandy and Danny had a lot to handle with their parrot and octopus kids on Halloween in 2016.
Excited Explorers
Jess blows a kiss to the camera as her little explorers pose with their mouths wide open during a family getaway. We can’t get enough of these travel buddies!
Adorable Aviators
The two mini-Simpsons cheese at the foot of an airplane with their Toy Story Woody doll. Mama Simpson posted a pic of the duo to Instagram writing, “Up Up and Away #maxidrew #aceknute.”
Cute Cuddles
The sibling lookalikes show off their pearly smiles as they hold each other in a tight hug. Jess shared the sibling love on Instagram, writing, “Brown-eyed man and blue-eyed lady #aceknute #maxidrew #siblinglove.”
