Jessica Simpson and husband Eric Johnson split after 10 years of marriage: "They lived apart"

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are in the process of separating after 10 years of marriage, in a situation that the 44-year-old actress and singer described as painful in her relationship with the former San Francisco 49ers player.

Jessica Simpson revealed exclusively to People magazine that they were already living apart, but that her decision is focused on what is best for their three children: Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, five.

"Eric and I have been living apart, going through a painful situation in our marriage... Our children are first and foremost and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all the love and support we have received and appreciate the privacy at this time as we work through this as a family," Simpson told PEOPLE.

Jessica Simpson puts on a brave face after split

After four years of dating, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson were married in July 2014, but in November the former New Orleans Saints tight end was seen without his wedding ring, while the 'With You' singer posted a sunny selfie on her Instagram account a week ago, which contained an optimistic and good-humored message: "Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth."

In her previous Instagram post, Jessica Simpson hinted four weeks ago that she already had new musical material ready: "I can't wait for you all to hear the soundtrack of my soul," which was the result of what a month earlier was taken as a hint about her comeback, when she showed photos in a recording studio.

"Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic... This comeback is personal, it's an apology to myself for putting up with everything I didn't deserve," Simpson wrote in the caption of a series of images in which she wore a sexy white dress with a black coat.