Jessica Simpson

Jessica Ann Johnson (née Simpson; born July 10, 1980)

Aside from her musical pursuits, Simpson launched The Jessica Simpson Collection in 2005, a fashion-focused line with 34 product categories which has earned over US$1 billion in revenue. She also starred in the reality television series The Price of Beauty in 2010 and judged clothing designs on two seasons of Fashion Star from 2012 to 2013.

Life and career 1980–1998: Childhood and career beginnings Jessica Ann Simpson was born on July 10, 1980, in Abilene, Texas. She is the first child of Tina Ann Simpson (née Drew), a homemaker, and Joseph Simpson, a minister. Simpson's parents married in 1978 and divorced in 2013. Simpson has stated that she grew up in Dallas and Waco, but her parents now live in McGregor, Texas. Simpson has a younger sister, Ashlee. In her preteens she briefly attended Amelia Middle School while her father did outreach in Cincinnati, Ohio. After moving back to Texas 20 months later, she attended J. J. Pearce High School in Richardson during her teenage years, though she had to drop out in 1997 as her career began to take off; a year later she earned her GED via distance learning through Texas Tech High School.

Simpson is a practicing Christian. She was raised in a strict evangelical family, and was given a purity ring by her father, a Southern Baptist pastor, when she was twelve years old. She reflected later that in her home, "it was a sin if I felt anything sexual or did anything sexual". Jessica and her family moved frequently due to her father's job as a minister, though they remained in Texas for the most part; however, they did live in the Midwest for a few years.

As a child, she began singing in the church choir at her local Baptist church. When she was eleven, she dreamed of success as a singer while at a church retreat. Shortly after this, Simpson landed several auditions as Jessica was sent to numerous labels and producers. While at a Christmas party in 1998, Simpson met 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey, and the two began dating; Lachey claimed that he left the party and told his mother that he would marry Simpson someday. The single became a success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales exceeding one million copies in the country.

Simpson's debut studio album, Sweet Kisses, was released on November 23, 1999. The album sold 65,000 copies in its first week of release, debuting at number sixty-five on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. The album also saw success in several European countries. The following year, "Where You Are" was released as the second single from the album; Simpson's boyfriend Nick Lachey was featured on the track. Simpson went on to announce her plans to remain abstinent until marriage. "I Think I'm in Love with You" served as the album's third and final single and achieved success in the United States. The album sold over two million copies in the United States, earning a double platinum certification from the RIAA. Simpson embarked on the Heat It Up Tour with her boyfriend's band, 98 Degrees, as their opening act to promote Sweet Kisses throughout 2000.

Work on her second album began in 2000; during the recording of the album, Simpson adopted a more mature public image. In a July 2001, Simpson explained "I recorded [Sweet Kisses] when I was seventeen years old and I'm twenty-one [this month] so there is four years of growth involved." While working on the record, Simpson ended her relationship with Lachey to focus on furthering her career; however, the two reconciled romantically that September. The single became her second top twenty hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Simpson released her second studio album, Irresistible, on May 25, 2001. The album sold 127,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release, debuting at number six on the Billboard 200 chart. Though the album's first week sales nearly doubled those of her previous effort, Irresistible failed to match the success of her debut album; the record earned a gold certification from the RIAA for sales of 500,000 copies. On August 7, Simpson embarked on the DreamChaser Tour, a 15-date tour of North America.

2002–2005: Marriage to Nick Lachey and heightened success Simpson announced her engagement to Nick Lachey in February 2002, with the two holding their wedding ceremony on October 26 in Austin, Texas. Simpson also began working on her third studio album in 2002. On July 14, 2003, she released the album's lead single, "Sweetest Sin", but the song failed to achieve commercial success. Beginning in 2003, Simpson and Lachey began appearing in the MTV show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. The show premiered on August 19, 2003 and focused on the couple's marriage and the recording of Simpson's third studio album. The show became a pop culture phenomenon instantly, with Simpson's perceived "dumb blonde" antics on the show helping to make the couple a household name. The series was a ratings success for MTV and aired for three seasons until 2005. The album's opening numbers served as the lowest of Simpson's career at the time, and by December 2003 had sold over 565,000 copies in the United States. The single became a hit, reaching the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Mainstream Top 40 chart based on radio airplay. The re-release aided in album sales dramatically; In This Skin went on to sell three million copies in the United States. In 2004 "Take My Breath Away" and "Angels" were released as singles from the re-release.

Simpson and Lachey starred in the ABC special The Nick and Jessica Variety Hour in April, which featured guest appearances by celebrities such as Jewel and Mr. T, among others. That same month, with Randi Shinder, she launched the cosmetics line Jessica Simpson Dessert Beauty; all of the products in the line were edible. Simpson embarked on the North American Reality Tour beginning in June through October; the tour was a financial success. During this time, Simpson and her husband began making guest appearances on The Ashlee Simpson Show, chronicling the start of Jessica's sister's music career. Simpson's fourth studio album, a collection of Christmas-themed songs titled ReJoyce: The Christmas Album, was released on November 23, 2004. The album reached a peak of number fourteen on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. Also in 2004, Simpson filmed a pilot for a sitcom for ABC, which the network did not opt to pick up. In February 2005, Simpson and Shinder launched the Dessert Treats edible cosmetics line, similar to their prior line but targeted towards a younger audience. Following two lawsuits regarding copyright and accounting, both lines were discontinued.

Simpson performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Indy 500 in 2005. Simpson launched The Jessica Simpson Collection in 2005, initially partnering with Tarrant Apparel Group to release the Princy and JS by Jessica Simpson clothing lines. The company has continued to grow throughout the years, and in 2014 was reported to earn $1 billion in annual sales. Simpson made her film debut as Daisy Duke in the film adaptation of The Dukes of Hazzard (2005). While the film was met with negative reviews from film critics generally, it grossed over $111 million worldwide. To promote the film, Simpson recorded "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'", a cover of the Nancy Sinatra song with additional lyrics. The song entered the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one Simpson's most successful singles to date. The music video, which featured Simpson in character as Daisy Duke, was controversial for featuring Simpson in "revealing" outfits and washing the General Lee car in her bikini. In November 2005, Simpson and Lachey announced they were separating. Simpson filed for divorce in December 2005, citing "irreconcilable differences." Their divorce was publicized worldwide and finalized on June 30, 2006.

2006–2009: A Public Affair, other movies, and Do You Know Simpson began working on her fifth studio album in 2005. On March 28, 2006, Simpson announced that she had signed a new record agreement with Epic Records and would be departing from Columbia Records after having been with the label for seven years. Simpson and stylist Ken Pavés launched a line of hair and beauty products on the Home Shopping Network in 2006. On June 29, 2006, Simpson released the single "A Public Affair". The song peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned a gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States. Simpson starred alongside Dane Cook and Dax Shepard in the comedy film Employee of the Month, released that October. The film received a negative critical reaction and failed to achieve commercial success. Simpson performed a cover of the Dolly Parton song "9 to 5" as a tribute to the artist at the Kennedy Center Awards in December 2006, though her performance was cut from the broadcast.

Simpson had an on-again, off-again relationship with singer-songwriter John Mayer from August 2006 to May 2007. Simpson described her relationship with Mayer in her 2020 memoir, Open Book. Even then-president George W. Bush commented on the pair's relationship, blaming Simpson implicitly for Romo's lackluster performances. Simpson and Romo ended their relationship in July 2009. Simpson also appeared alongside Luke Wilson in the film Blonde Ambition (2007); it had a limited release in Texas before being released on home media. Later, she starred in the direct-to-video film Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous (2008), portraying an actress who joins the military. The film received a negative reaction overwhelmingly upon its release. Simpson collaborated with Parlux Fragrances to launch her first scent, Fancy, in 2008. The fragrance received a positive commercial reaction.

Simpson began working on her sixth studio album, a country music inspired record, in 2007. Simpson claimed to have grown up around country music, and wanted to "give something back." She released "Come On Over" as the project's lead single on June 20, 2008. The song debuted at number forty-one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it the highest debut for an artist's first entry on that chart. Do You Know was released on September 9, 2008. The project sold 65,000 copies in its first week of release, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. The album has sold just over 200,000 copies in the United States as of 2012. Simpson opened for country music group Rascal Flatts on their Bob That Head Tour from January to March 2009.

2010–present: Motherhood, second marriage, and focus on business ventures

Simpson's VH1 documentary series, The Price of Beauty, began airing in March 2010. The series followed Simpson around the world, introducing viewers to the different perceptions of beauty in different cultures. The premiere episode attracted one million viewers. Simpson revealed that the series would return in 2011 with a format change, but these plans never came to fruition. On October 12, 2010, Epic Records released the compilation Playlist: The Very Best of Jessica Simpson, the final release of her three-album contract with the label. Simpson signed a new recording contract with eleveneleven and Primary Wave Music and released her Christmas-themed seventh studio album. Happy Christmas on November 22. It peaked at number 123 on the Billboard 200 chart. Simpson began dating retired NFL tight end Eric Johnson in May 2010 and married July 2014 in Montecito, California. The couple have three children: a daughter born in May 2012, a son born in June 2013, and a daughter born in March 2019. In January 2025, Simpson announced she and Johnson had separated.

In May 2012, Simpson appeared alongside Nicole Richie as a mentor on the NBC reality television series Fashion Star. The series revolved around a group of designers who competed each week to create clothing; each week, the judges eliminated one contestant. The series aired its second and final season in 2013. Following her first child's birth in 2012, Simpson launched a maternity clothing line that year. In August 2012, she released the perfume Vintage Bloom. She introduced a bedroom decor line including bedding and draperies offered in a romantic bohemian style, with floral patterns. In August 2014, Simpson released a signature fragrance named after her.

Simpson confirmed in 2015 that she would begin working on a new album and said that she was working with Linda Perry on the project. In August 2015, Simpson was a host on the HSN channel while promoting her products. Simpson launched her Warm Up brand of workout clothing, available at retailers in the United States. She expanded the brand in August 2016 to include trainers. In the book, she discussed her marriage to Nick Lachey, her relationship with musician John Mayer, sexual abuse she experienced during her childhood, dependence on alcohol and prescription drugs, and body image issues. Six new songs were released as part of the book, marking her first release of music since Happy Christmas in 2010.

In February 2025, Simpson returned to music with "Use My Heart Against Me". Her debut extended play, Nashville Canyon, Part 1 released on March 21, 2025. Part 2 came in September that year.

Musical style Simpson has listed Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin and Sade as influences on her music. She attempted to launch her career as a Christian music singer, and at one point completed a self-titled album of Christian music. The music on her debut album consisted of pop ballads primarily, with the intention of showcasing Simpson's vocals. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine opined that the album "position[ed] her as the teen Celine Dion". The work drew comparisons to Mariah Carey. Songs such as "Irresistible" and "A Little Bit" had more provocative lyrics in comparison to her previous release, with Simpson citing the age difference between the recording of the two albums as the main reason.

Simpson began working on her third studio album in 2002 initially, on which rapper Missy Elliott would serve as the primary producer. The record later took on a new direction, which her then-husband Nick Lachey described as "organic" in comparison to her two prior albums. Simpson also began co-writing songs for the record, something she had been nervous to do in the past. She continued to experiment with the genre on the song "Push Your Tush" (2006). Numerous songs on her fifth studio album feature elements of dance and disco music, including "A Public Affair" and her cover of "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)". Inspired by artists such as Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Martina McBride, Simpson recorded a country music album titled Do You Know (2008). Throughout her career, Simpson has delved into other genres as well, releasing Christmas-themed albums in 2004 and 2010, respectively.

Public image

Simpson came to prominence as a teen idol in the late 1990s and the media described her as Columbia Records's "blond response to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera", who had achieved recent success with their respective debut albums. Her debut album, Sweet Kisses (1999) mostly explores themes such as love, She went through a "carefully orchestrated sexy makeover" while she promoted her second album, Irresistible (2001).

Upon Simpson's rise to stardom with the success of Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica in 2003, media critics and the public perceived her as a "ditzy blonde" based on her antics and comments on the show. The Washington Posts Emily Yahr called her "one of our first reality TV stars, before anyone could absorb the psychological damage it could cause." Simpson's portrayal of Daisy Duke furthered her sex symbol image, and she portrayed the character in her "These Boots Are Made For Walkin" music video, which presents "footage of Simpson writhing suggestively against a suds-soaked motor vehicle." The scene was parodied in Pink's "Stupid Girls" music video. Simpson also appeared as Daisy Duke in several television commercials for Pizza Hut airing during the Super Bowl in 2006 and 2007. Simpson claimed that the "[Daisy Duke] role created a "gold standard" that she would be judged by in the years that followed", Despite this reputation, Simpson insisted in 2000, that she remained a virgin until her 2002 marriage to Nick Lachey, telling People in 2000, "My virginity is something I stand strong in".

Simpson endorsed George W. Bush during his presidential campaign in 2004, though she canceled an appearance at a 2006 Republican fundraiser as she felt it was not "appropriate". Simpson praised former First Lady Michelle Obama during her husband's time in office, stating, "She's such an incredible woman, and she's with such a powerful man...Everything she does she exudes confidence."

In April 2004, Simpson performed in VH1's benefit concert Divas Live 2004 alongside Ashanti, Cyndi Lauper, Gladys Knight, Joss Stone and Patti LaBelle to support the Save the Music Foundation. In May 2004, Simpson did a benefit concert to aid the Skin Care Foundation. In March 2007, Simpson donated a new Chrysler minivan to the Elim orphanage in Nuevo Laredo. Simpson is Soles4Souls's Ambassador and participated in autographing shoes to donate the money from communities across the United States. Simpson also works with Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Despite distancing herself from the strict Southern Baptist religion of her parents, Simpson continues to practise the Christian faith, saying, "not one thing has ever made me question God. I have a great relationship with God. I can talk to him, get mad at him, frustrated with him. But, ultimately, my faith is what defines me." In early 2020, at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Simpson shared several verses of the Bible with her followers, including Psalm 34 and Proverbs 3:6, and called on people to join her in praying for leaders around the world.

Filmography

Films

Television

Discography

Sweet Kisses (1999) Irresistible (2001) In This Skin (2003) ReJoyce: The Christmas Album (2004) A Public Affair (2006) Do You Know (2008) Happy Christmas (2010)

Tours

Headlining DreamChaser Tour (2001) Reality Tour (2004) Nashville Canyon (2024-2025)

Co-headlining Total Request Live Tour (with various artists) (2001)

Opening act Livin' la Vida Loca Tour (Ricky Martin) (1999) Heat It Up Tour (98 Degrees) (2000) Bob That Head Tour (Rascal Flatts) (2009)