Co-parenting is off to a good start for Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson, who recently announced their divorce after 10 years of marriage. Insiders share that the exes have already made this big first step in their co-parenting journey with kids Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5 — and it reveals where their priorities lie.
An insider told PEOPLE on Tuesday that Simpson and Johnson have been “separated for a while,” and are focused on their kids. “They have already figured out a new schedule for the kids,” the source continued, adding that Johnson and Simpson are “both great parents.”
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“The kids will always come first. They are co-parenting,” the insider went on. “Jess is doing okay. She’s grateful for her kids.”
Figuring out a new schedule — like who’s going to drop off and pick up the kids from school, who will take them to extracurricular activities, who has custody on holidays and weekends, and more — is one of the most challenging parts of splitting up, so it’s good to see Simpson and Johnson have already worked out some of these details.
The Open Book author and former NFL player husband began dating in 2010 and were married in July 2014. Simpson announced the divorce news in a statement to PEOPLE this week, explaining, “Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage. 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 told Page Six on Tuesday that Simpson and Johnson’s split was the result of “trust issues.” “Jess and Eric had trust issues. They were no longer on the same page, and it drove a wedge between them,” the insider said.
According to Page Six’s source, the former couple had been living apart last year “as a trial of sorts.” “Jess thought it would help if they spent some time apart,” the source continued, “but it only made her realize she enjoyed her independence.”
The ”With You” singer shared a family photo with herself and her three kids in September, writing a heartfelt note to mark their first day of school. “Maxwell, Ace and Birdie y’all make your Mom beam with smiles and grace !” she wrote on Instagram. “Keep on showin’ up for yourselves with each step of the way through this new school year! I’m so very proud of y’all for individually shining your light so that in return others feel the glow. 🤍”
Last week, Simpson posted a sunny selfie from the car on Instagram, captioning it, “Life is short. SMILE while you still have teeth😜.”
Going through a divorce is never easy, but we love seeing how Simpson and Johnson are putting their own differences aside to focus on co-parenting their young kids during this trying time.
These celebrity exes are getting co-parenting right.
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