Jessica Simpson, after nearly two years of quietly separating from Eric Johnson, has opened up about the emotional journey behind their split, revealing how music helped her heal and declaring she’s finally ready—and excited—to find love again with someone genuine, confident, and, above all, a great kisser.

Pop star, fashion mogul, and mother of three, Jessica Simpson, is stepping into a bold new chapter—and she’s doing it with her trademark candor and confidence.

On the morning of July 23, 2025, the 45-year-old singer made a much-anticipated appearance on NBC’s Today show in New York City, where she opened up for the first time about life after her separation from ex-husband Eric Johnson.

Though the couple only publicly confirmed their split in January of this year, Simpson revealed during her live interview with co-host Jenna Bush Hager that the breakup actually happened much earlier.

“It’s been almost two years,” she said, speaking honestly about the emotional toll and transformation that followed the end of their 10-year marriage.

Simpson, who appeared energetic and glowing ahead of her performance on the Citi Concert Series stage at Rockefeller Plaza, didn’t shy away from the topic of dating.

When asked if she was interested in meeting someone new, the “Faded” singer responded with a laugh, “I’m slightly terrified, but I’m ready.

It’s on.” With that, Simpson declared herself single and “very into” the idea of being set up on a date.

While she admitted to feeling nervous about re-entering the dating world after more than a decade out of it, Simpson was crystal clear on what she’s looking for: authenticity, confidence without ego—and some serious kissing skills. “I don’t have a look or anything like that,” she explained.

“I just like for somebody to be individually who they are and exude confidence without the ego. It’s hard to find, but I feel like it’s out there.”

But one quality she’s absolutely not willing to compromise on? “A very good kisser,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “To me that’s the most intimate thing.

Grab my face and pull me in. Can you tell I need it?” she joked, earning laughs from the hosts and cheers from the audience gathered outside.

This appearance wasn’t just about her love life. Simpson also performed new material from her latest two-part album, Nashville Canyon, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2—projects she describes as deeply shaped by her personal upheaval.

“I thought I was going to be doing this inspirational type of record and it ended up leaning more towards, ‘How do I get through this moment?’” she shared.

“My whole life just completely changed while making this record, and it became something I never would have expected.”

Simpson admitted that during this painful period, music became her lifeline. “In the face of heartbreak, in the face of life completely changing, music saved my life,” she said.

Her new sound, rooted in Nashville storytelling and emotional rawness, reflects that journey of rediscovery.

The Texas-born singer and Johnson, a former NFL tight end, married in 2014 after four years of dating. The couple share three children: Maxwell Drew, 13, Ace Knute, 12, and Birdie Mae, 6.

Simpson made it clear that co-parenting remains a priority, but her personal growth and independence have become central to her identity.

“I don’t need someone to support me all the time,” she said. “The independence that I have right now—if I could have that and give to someone else—that’d be cool.”

Still, she’s unapologetically intense when it comes to love. “I’m very loyal. If I’m seeing someone, they’re gonna think I’m crazy,” she admitted with a smile.

“They’d be like, ‘Yo, we did not say this was just us.’ And I’m like, ‘But in my mind, we’re married.’”

It’s classic Jessica: funny, fiery, and fearless.

Beyond her music and dating life, Simpson has continued to build her billion-dollar fashion empire while maintaining a strong social media presence.

Just weeks ago, she celebrated her 45th birthday with a sultry Instagram post featuring her in a cherry-red bikini, proving she’s not just surviving her split—she’s thriving.

As the sun rose over New York City on July 23, the crowd at Rockefeller Plaza sang along to Simpson’s latest heartbreak anthems, while the star herself made one thing abundantly clear: she may have faced heartbreak, but she’s back—and she’s not looking for just any man.

He’ll have to be one of a kind. And yes, he better know how to kiss.