This shocking news will leave you stunned and heartbroken.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson, who are the proud parents of three beautiful children—Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5—have officially announced their separation after a decade of marriage. Their journey together has been filled with ups and downs, and now they are taking this difficult step to prioritize their family.

“Eric and I have been living separately as we navigate a painful situation in our marriage,” Jessica shared with People in a heartfelt statement released on January 13. “Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for the love and support we have received during this challenging time and respectfully ask for privacy as we work through this as a family.” 

This announcement follows growing speculation that the couple had been living apart, as both Jessica and Eric were spotted on several occasions without their wedding rings, starting as early as October 7. Such sightings fueled rumors and concerns among fans and observers about the state of their relationship.

Despite Jessica’s sister, Ashlee Simpson, firmly denying any truth to the breakup rumors when asked by TMZ on November 11, speculation continued to swirl. This was particularly evident considering Eric’s noticeable absence from Jessica’s social media platforms, which had previously showcased their life together.

Since their wedding in 2014, Jessica—who was previously married to Nick Lachey—had often shared glimpses of their marriage on various social media channels. Her posts typically highlighted their love and family life, making the news of their separation even more shocking to fans.

In fact, just last September, for Eric’s 44th birthday, Jessica posted a touching tribute to the former NFL player, celebrating their life together. This makes their current situation even more poignant, as fans reflect on the love they once shared.