Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson’s 10-year long marriage ends amid separation

Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson are splitting after 10 years of marriage, the actress revealed to PEOPLE in a statement. The couple aims to priotitise their children during this tough and asked for privacy while ‘navigating a painful situtation’. 

The news comes amid speculations of tension between the couple as Johnson was seen without his wedding ring in November and Simpson posted cryptic messages on Instagram about “putting up with everything [she] did not deserve”. A source also alleged that the couple “very much live separate lives.”

After a mutual friend introduced them in 2010, the actress and former NFL player dated for four years before tying the knot in July 2014. They welcomed their first two children, daughter Maxwell and son  Ace, in May 2012 and June 2013, respectively. The two served as the ring bearer and flower girl at their parents’ wedding in Montecito, California in front of 250 wedding guests.

Speaking about their relationship in the past, Simpson stated that communication was the focus of their marriage and despite it, they continue to face challenges.

“I feel like every moment with us, we’re growing as long as we’re communicating, and our love is only deepening,” she said, continuing that, “I think the takeaway is that it’s not easy and everyday presents challenges and blessings”.

Simpson was previously married to Nick Lachey from 2002 to 2005.