Jessica Simpson finds solace in Nashville after decade of public fat-shaming and personal struggles

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Jessica Simpson has made a bold move to Nashville, Tennessee, seeking a fresh start after years of public scrutiny and personal challenges.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer and fashion entrepreneur opened up about how relocating has provided her with much-needed space to heal and focus on her creativity.

Jessica Simpson reflects on navigating divorce and co-parenting

Speaking about her move, Simpson shared, “It’s been so amazing to remove myself from my life as it was.”

“Because it’s hard for me to be creative when I’m taking care of everybody. And it’s hard for me to convince myself that I needed to be selfish as a mother and as a business owner," she shared.

"I had to literally uproot myself," the singer revealed.

In January, Simpson publicly confirmed her separation from husband Eric Johnson, revealing that they had been living apart for some time.

While the timeline of their split remains undisclosed, Simpson emphasized that their three children remain the top priority.

“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” she said in a statement to People.

“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family," she added.

A source close to the couple previously noted that Simpson and Johnson “very much live separate lives.”

Simpson now divides her time between Los Angeles and Nashville as she works on new music while Johnson remains in LA with their children.

Jessica Simpson's struggle for success in music

Despite her fame, Simpson admits she never felt she could compete with pop icons Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during her early career.

“I was never going to win because I had someone like Britney and Christina ahead of me, who were selling so many more records,” Simpson said.

“I didn’t want to dance, I didn’t want to wear a head mic. But I agreed to do it because I worked for Sony, and I didn’t want to let them down, and I felt like I was constantly letting people down, even myself, probably because I wasn’t singing words I wrote," she added.

It was not until she began writing her own songs, following advice from her then-manager, that she finally hit number one with 'With You'.

“When I’ve had success in my life is when I’ve just been honest and real,” Simpson explained.

“I’ve never gotten a chance to do that in music until now,” she added.

Jessica Simpson reflects on battling public fat-shaming and PTSD

Jessica Simpson has been candid about her struggles with weight and body image.

In 2022, she revealed she had gained and lost 100 pounds multiple times in her life.

“I have gained and lost 100 lbs three times, so I never thought this moment could or would happen, but I’m finally spring breakin’ wearin’ a BIKINI!!!!!!” she wrote in an Instagram post.

However, she still grapples with the emotional toll of public scrutiny, particularly after the infamous 2009 “mom jean” incident.

“That was literal fat-shaming,” Simpson told Rolling Stone, admitting that the media frenzy surrounding her body image left her with lingering PTSD.