Both Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson were spotted without their wedding rings recently, and rumors have been swirling that the estranged couple is headed for a split.
Jessica, 44, and Eric, 45, are reportedly “living separately right now,” according to an article published by Us Weekly on Friday, November 15.
“Jessica is heartbroken,” a separate insider told the outlet. “[It was] not an easy decision for her.”
The source added that the rumored separation “has been an incredibly difficult time for her.”
A third insider revealed that the former NFL star and Jessica are “trying to figure out a separation without disrupting their kids’ lives as much as possible” and are both “still figuring things out.”
In March, a source exclusively revealed to In Touch that Jessica’s behavior had sparked concerns.
“It’s worrying how she’s turned her back on the spotlight for this weird new life where she spends 95 percent of her time holed up at home and seems really zonked out when she ventures out in public every few months,” the insider said.
The following month, another source told In Touch that the “I Wanna Love You Forever” singer and Eric were having problems in their marriage and said that Eric “has had one foot out the door for a long time, because Jessica is high-maintenance and difficult to live with. He complains about it all the time.”
The insider also added that the photos Jessica shared portraying a happy family were really just “PR stunts.”
“[Eric] loves Jessica deep down and wants their marriage to work,” the source explained. “But it’s like she cares more about the public’s perception of her than her marriage. If she doesn’t start looking at the big picture, she may lose Eric.”
Over the next few months, fans noticed signs that Jessica and Eric’s relationship might be on the rocks. The “With You” artist was seen not wearing her wedding ring and she failed to post anything on social media about Eric’s birthday on September 5.
Instead, she reshared quotes on her Instagram Stories that hinted that all was not well.
“Forgiveness doesn’t change that person. Forgiveness changes you. Guess what forgiveness does not do?” a pastor said to a congregation in a video Jessica reshared on Instagram. “Forgiveness does not mean you forget. One of the most crazy theories is that you forgive and forget. You don’t forget, but you do have the opportunity to forgive every time you remember.”
On November 11, the Dukes of Hazzard star raised eyebrows with a cryptic post that seemingly hinted that she and Eric had gone their separate ways.
“Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic,” Jessica wrote via Instagram alongside a carousel of pictures of her home. “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve.”
The following day, TMZ reported that friends of Jessica had contacted a divorce lawyer for her. The outlet claimed that someone close to the “I Think I’m In Love With You” singer alleged that she wasn’t happy in her marriage, but it remains unclear if Jessica requested a meeting with the attorneys or not. However, she, herself, has not made contact with any divorce lawyers.
Later that same day, People published photos of Eric out for a walk in Los Angeles and he wasn’t wearing his wedding ring.