Jessica Simpson is reportedly growing closer to musician Thomas Eisenhood, 33, as she enters a new chapter following her separation from former NFL player Eric Johnson.
The 46-year-old singer has been dating Eisenhood throughout the year, with the relationship reportedly becoming more serious in recent months as the couple make plans for the holidays.
An insider told the Daily Mail that Simpson is enjoying a new phase of her life and is comfortable with the 13-year age difference between them.
The source said Eisenhood matches her energy and described Simpson as someone who remains active and rarely sits still.
The pair were seen together publicly in early October at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park, where they exchanged affectionate looks and took photographs together. However, they have largely kept their relationship private, with no public displays of affection through joint Instagram posts.
Musician’s Influence on Simpson’s Personal and Professional Life
Eisenhood, who comes from Nashville, is reportedly supporting Simpson’s renewed interest in music.
According to the insider, he treats her with traditional manners and has been helping her musically because of his experience and ability to develop melodies.
The source said the two share a connection through their musical backgrounds and sense of humour. Simpson reportedly calls him “saxy” because of his saxophone skills.
Eisenhood previously played baritone saxophone with New Orleans band Stoop Kids for 11 years before the group went on indefinite hiatus in 2023.
He has since worked as a sound engineer and tour manager in Nashville and has reportedly accompanied Simpson on some of her tours this year.
The insider also said Simpson’s sister, Ashlee Simpson, and her husband, Evan Ross, approve of the relationship. The families reportedly spend time together discussing music.
Simpson Returns to Music After Long Break
Simpson’s relationship comes as she works to rebuild her music career after a lengthy absence from performing and releasing new material.
She became a major pop star in the early 2000s, with her music career receiving additional attention through MTV’s reality series Newlyweds, which followed her marriage to singer Nick Lachey.
However, she went on to spend years away from releasing music, concentrating instead on her fashion business, which now sells exclusively through Walmart.
After a 17-year gap without releasing a single, Simpson returned with her independently released Nashville Canyon EPs, Parts 1 and 2, last year.
She discussed her decision to release music without the backing of a major record label while attending the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2025.
“It’s crazy to be here and to not have a record label and to be here representing myself for myself. It’s really empowering,” she said.
Singer Resumes Live Performances After 15-Year Absence
Simpson also returned to the stage after approximately 15 years away from live performances, beginning with an appearance at the Luck Reunion festival in Texas.
During the performance, she told the audience: “I am now a very single lady.”
Her return to touring has so far involved a limited number of appearances. Her 2026 summer tour consisted of seven dates, including performances at Hard Rock Live in Oklahoma and Yaamava’ Resort in California.
Her acting comeback was also limited to a guest appearance in Ryan Murphy’s Hulu legal drama All’s Fair. She spent six hours in prosthetics to portray a woman whose plastic surgery had gone wrong.
Simpson Opens Up About Insecurities and Years Away From Performing
The singer has previously spoken about the difficulties she experienced during her earlier years in the music industry.
While performing at Foxwoods casino last December, she admitted that she had never felt good enough as a pop star during the 2000s.
In June, she also reflected on the impact of spending 15 years away from live performances in a post on Instagram.
She said the absence had prevented her from fully expressing herself in ways that reflected her life.
Simpson credited her supporters with helping her regain confidence on stage, thanking them for making her feel loved and valued throughout her return to performing.
An insider told the Daily Mail that her renewed musical motivation had coincided with her relationship with Eisenhood, who reportedly makes her feel confident and inspired.
Separation From Eric Johnson and Family Life
Simpson confirmed in January 2025 that she and Eric Johnson had been living separately while dealing with difficulties in their marriage.
The former couple married in July 2014 after meeting in 2010 and share three children: Maxwell, 14, Ace, 13, and Birdie, seven.
At the time of announcing their separation, Simpson said their children remained their priority.
She later suggested that personal discoveries had contributed to the breakdown of the relationship, saying she had needed to ask difficult questions about matters at home and that her world had been turned upside down.
The former couple have continued to maintain a civil relationship for their children and reunited in June for Ace’s sixth-grade graduation.
Their divorce proceedings have yet to be finalised.
Simpson’s Previous Relationships and Upcoming Netflix Documentary
Simpson has previously been involved in several high-profile relationships.
She married 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey in 2002, with their marriage becoming the subject of MTV’s Newlyweds. They divorced in 2006.
She later dated singer John Mayer and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Her personal life is expected to feature in an upcoming Netflix documentary scheduled for release next year.
The streaming platform said Simpson had invited cameras back into her life to tell her story, marking her first major on-camera account since Newlyweds.
The documentary is expected to cover her personal experiences, including her separation from Johnson. An insider previously told InTouch that the breakup could feature prominently in the programme.
Sobriety and Personal Transformation
Simpson has also continued to maintain her sobriety after giving up alcohol on November 1, 2017.
She previously explained that she had reached a point where she no longer recognised herself and was afraid of the person she had become.
Her struggles with alcohol were detailed in her 2020 memoir, Open Book.
Last year, she marked eight years of sobriety in an Instagram post, writing: “Today I am clear.”
In June, she released Give It All Away, a song she described as a reflection of her ongoing personal journey. She also told fans that she remained a work in progress and was proud of her achievements.
Although she did not publicly mark her ninth sobriety anniversary this year, she has continued focusing on her personal and professional development.
New Appearance and Plans for More Touring
Simpson has recently attracted attention through changes to her appearance, including lingerie photographs promoting her fashion brand and a switch from her familiar blonde hairstyle to chocolate brunette hair.
An insider attributed the transformation to a detox routine, daily exercise and a strict skincare programme.
The source said Simpson was approaching 50 and wanted to maintain a youthful appearance.
The insider also said the singer now has greater control over her career decisions, having moved away from reality television and acting to concentrate on music.
She is reportedly planning more touring next year and intends to take Eisenhood with her as she continues performing for live audiences.
The Daily Mail said it had contacted Simpson’s representatives for comment.
