This article was written by divorce attorney Lisa Robinson as part of her series on celebrity divorce and separation issues.
Singer, actress, and fashion designer Jessica Simpson has been in the public limelight for years. She has been a successful faith-based and pop singer, has dated famous performers and athletes, and on top of all that, she was one of the first reality tv show mega stars. And even with all that, she has also faced her fair share of challenges. Jessica Simpson’s divorce from singer and reality show host Nick Lachey and now her separation from NFL player Eric Johnson may be heart breaking, but provide strong lessons that have not only helped her persevere but may help you as you move through your relationships as well.
She and her first husband, Nick Lachey, a pop star from the boy band 98 Degrees, also had a mega-hit MTV show together: Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. The show highlighted their navigation through being newlyweds, and also developed Simpson’s brand as the loveable “ditzy blonde”, making her iconic during that era.
Despite some professional disappointments along the way, Jessica pressed onward. She made it through the many stages of auditioning for Disney’s Mouseketeers’ Club only to not survive the last round of auditions. Her songs and albums have never topped the charts, but she has recorded and released 8 albums, selling more than 6 million units. How many people can say the same for themselves?
Critics were harsh to her regardless. At the time of her peak, they noted that she and her first husband Nick always seemed to be a step behind and walking in the shadows of the then hot power couple Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Undoubtedly this put pressure on them as a couple and may have caused them to rush into things without more caution.
The First Divorce
When Jessica and Nick wed in February 2002, Nick was the bigger star. However, during their marriage, Jessica’s career and stardom grew by leaps and bounds. She had roles in successful movies, sang at huge sporting events, and toured with major acts. She also began her work with hair care and beauty products and fashion. Her net worth jumped to over $100 million. Her creative empire today is estimated to be worth a billion dollars. Despite her rising star, the couple divorced just 4 years later in 2006.
Any Simpson follower knows how involved her father was in her career and life. He claimed that he did not advise Jessica to sign a pre-nup when she married Nick because Nick had more wealth and fame at the time.
The pain of Jessica Simpson’s first divorce and financial settlement was greatly explored in her autobiography, which she finally settled. Even after years of business dealings and important decisions, she mentions often that the biggest financial mistake she has ever made was not having a pre-nup in her first marriage to Nick Lachey.
Non-celebrities may be asking, “What is the point here? How could any of this have anything to do with my marriage?” Well, in her darkest hours, her net worth exploded and she learned to have a pre-nup in her next marriage.
The Importance of a Pre-Nup
Jessica is finding herself back in a similar situation, but hopefully with a different outcome. She went on to re-marry (as did Nick), and has been married to former NFL player Eric Johnson of the San Fransico 49’ers and the New Orleans Saints for the last decade. They have 3 children, but recently separated in early 2025. A public separation statement was made on January 13, 2025, noting that their focus was on their children but that their marriage was ending.
The first lesson in this is to have a pre-nup. Jessica Simpson’s second divorce (should there be no reconciliation) will likely be far less tumultuous for her. While her husband is thought to be worth $10 million, estimates put Simpson at $200 million. Since divorce entitles spouses to a 50-50 split unless otherwise agreed upon, this was very clearly an important lesson learned for her.
Other Lessons Learned
There are other lessons to take from this split. Second marriages are more likely to end in divorce compared to first marriages. Psychology Today has tracked such data and shares that first marriages have a 43% chance of divorce; second marriages have a 67% chance of divorce; and third marriages have a 73% chance of divorce. This mental health publication also explains that we carry our heartaches from failed marriages into our next relationships and there is evidence to support that perhaps too many folks do jump into a rebound marriage.
Another divorce related lesson from Jessica: she listed her $18 million mansion for sale just a few days before announcing her separation. With her massive net worth, it is likely that she could afford to keep it. But, often in divorce, the family home does get sold. Perhaps the separating couple needs to be more economical. Maybe it is easier for a family to move on with a new home. There can be too many painful memories associated with a former dwelling.
Regardless of wealth or fame level, we are all human. Divorce and separation are painful for anyone. Being heavily scrutinized isn’t easy. However, thanks to her openness, Jessica has shared many lessons you can learn from without going through the same turmoil.
If you are concerned about a pre-nuptial agreement or impending divorce, contact us or call us at 919-787-6668. Our attorneys have 30 years of experience and are here to help.
