History of Jessica Simpson in Timeline

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Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson is an American singer, actress, and fashion designer. She began her career after signing with Columbia Records at 17. Her debut album, 'Sweet Kisses' (1999), achieved double-platinum status, featuring the hit "I Wanna Love You Forever". Simpson transitioned to a more mature image with her second album, 'Irresistible' (2001), which earned gold certification. Her third album, 'In This Skin' (2003), sold three million copies in the U.S., solidifying her presence in the music industry.

1973: Signed with Proclaim Records

After being discovered and auditioning, Jessica Simpson signed with Proclaim Records after performing "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton. She then started working on her debut album.

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1978: Parents' Marriage

In 1978, Jessica Simpson's parents, Tina Ann Drew and Joseph Simpson, were married.

July 10, 1980: Jessica Simpson's Birth

On July 10, 1980, Jessica Ann Simpson was born in Abilene, Texas, to Tina Ann Simpson (née Drew) and Joseph Simpson.

1990: Auditioned for The Mickey Mouse Club

In 1990, at the age of twelve, Jessica Simpson auditioned for The Mickey Mouse Club, performing "Amazing Grace" and dancing to "Ice Ice Baby". She advanced to the semi-finals but was not selected for the show.

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1997: Dropped Out of High School

In 1997, Jessica Simpson dropped out of J. J. Pearce High School as her career began to take off.

1997: Signing with Columbia Records and Tommy Mottola's control

In 1997, Jessica Simpson signed her contract with Columbia Records where Tommy Mottola attempted to control her image and told her to "lose fifteen pounds".

1997: Signed with Columbia Records and Dropped Out of High School

In 1997, at the age of seventeen, Jessica Simpson signed with Columbia Records. Because her career was taking off, she had to drop out of J. J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas.

1998: Met Nick Lachey

In 1998, Jessica Simpson met 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey at a Christmas party, and they began dating.

1998: Signing with Columbia Records

In 1998, Jessica Simpson signed with Columbia Records, and began working on an album of pop music.

1998: Began Working on Debut Album

Jessica Simpson began working on her debut studio album in 1998.

September 28, 1999: Release of "I Wanna Love You Forever"

On September 28, 1999, Jessica Simpson released her debut single, "I Wanna Love You Forever". The song was a success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.

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November 23, 1999: Release of Debut Album Sweet Kisses

On November 23, 1999, Jessica Simpson's debut studio album, Sweet Kisses, was released. The album sold 65,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number sixty-five on the Billboard 200 chart.

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1999: Sweet Kisses album release

In 1999, Jessica Simpson released Sweet Kisses. The album explores themes of love and Simpson announced that she would remain abstinent until marriage.

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1999: Debut Album Sweet Kisses

In 1999, Jessica Simpson's debut album, Sweet Kisses, explored themes such as love and Simpson announced that she would remain abstinent until marriage.

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August 2000: Sweet Kisses Peak on Billboard 200

In August 2000, with the success of the album's third single, Sweet Kisses rose to a new peak of number twenty-five on the Billboard 200.

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2000: Began working on Second Album

Jessica Simpson began working on her second album in 2000. During the recording of the album, Simpson adopted a more mature public image.

April 2001: Release of "Irresistible" Single

In April 2001, Jessica Simpson released the title track of her second album, "Irresistible", as the lead single from the project. The single became her second top twenty hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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May 25, 2001: Release of Second Album Irresistible

On May 25, 2001, Jessica Simpson released her second studio album, Irresistible, which debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 127,000 copies in the United States during its first week.

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July 2001: Simpson's maturing image

In July 2001, Jessica Simpson began performing as a co-headliner on the Total Request Live Tour for the tour's first 14 dates, alongside artists such as Destiny's Child and Nelly. During this period, Simpson adopted a more mature public image.

2001: Release of Irresistible Album

In 2001, Jessica Simpson released her second album, Irresistible and went through a "carefully orchestrated sexy makeover".

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2001: Release of Second Album Irresistible

In 2001, Jessica Simpson released her second studio album, Irresistible, and its title track peaked within the top 20 of the charts. The album was later certified gold by the RIAA.

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2001: Sexy Makeover

In 2001, Jessica Simpson went through a "carefully orchestrated sexy makeover" while promoting her second album, Irresistible.

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February 2002: Engagement to Nick Lachey

In February 2002, Jessica Simpson announced her engagement to Nick Lachey.

2002: Begin work on third studio album

Jessica Simpson began working on her third studio album in 2002.

July 14, 2003: Release of "Sweetest Sin"

On July 14, 2003, Jessica Simpson released the lead single "Sweetest Sin" from her third album, but the song failed to achieve commercial success.

August 19, 2003: Premiere of Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica

On August 19, 2003, Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica premiered on MTV, featuring Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey's marriage and the recording of Simpson's third studio album. The show became a pop culture phenomenon.

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December 2003: Sales of In This Skin

By December 2003, Jessica Simpson's album In This Skin had sold over 565,000 copies in the United States.

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2003: Appeared on MTV's Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica

In 2003, Jessica Simpson began appearing on the MTV reality television series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica with her then-husband, Nick Lachey. The show aired until 2005.

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2003: In This Skin Release

In 2003, Jessica Simpson released In This Skin. AllMusic said it "stay[ed] within the contemporary dance-pop realm while inching toward the middle-of-the-road diva that she's always yearned to be."

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2003: Release of Third Album In This Skin

In 2003, Jessica Simpson's third studio album, In This Skin, was released. The album sold three million copies in the United States.

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2003: "Ditzy Blonde" Image

In 2003, upon Jessica Simpson's rise to stardom with the success of Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, media critics and the public perceived her as a "ditzy blonde" based on her antics and comments on the show.

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March 2004: Re-release of In This Skin

In March 2004, Jessica Simpson re-released her album In This Skin with new material, which significantly boosted album sales.

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April 2004: Divas Live 2004 Performance

In April 2004, Jessica Simpson performed in VH1's benefit concert Divas Live 2004 alongside other female artists to support the Save the Music Foundation.

May 2004: Benefit Concert for Skin Care Foundation

In May 2004, Jessica Simpson performed a benefit concert to aid the Skin Care Foundation.

November 23, 2004: Release of ReJoyce: The Christmas Album

On November 23, 2004, Jessica Simpson released her fourth studio album, ReJoyce: The Christmas Album. The album reached number fourteen on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA.

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2004: Endorsement of George W. Bush

In 2004, Jessica Simpson endorsed George W. Bush during his presidential campaign.

2004: Christmas Album Release

In 2004, Jessica Simpson released a Christmas-themed album.

2004: Released Christmas Album ReJoyce: The Christmas Album

In 2004, Jessica Simpson released her first Christmas album, ReJoyce: The Christmas Album, which was later certified gold.

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February 2005: Launched Dessert Treats Cosmetics Line

In February 2005, Jessica Simpson and Randi Shinder launched the Dessert Treats edible cosmetics line, targeted toward a younger audience. It was similar to their previous line, Dessert Beauty, but was later discontinued following lawsuits.

November 2005: Separation Announcement

In November 2005, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey announced they were separating.

December 2005: Filed for Divorce

In December 2005, Jessica Simpson filed for divorce from Nick Lachey, citing "irreconcilable differences."

2005: Launch of The Jessica Simpson Collection

In 2005, Jessica Simpson launched The Jessica Simpson Collection, a fashion-focused line with 34 product categories.

Jessica Simpson Fancy Fragrance Collection Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce
Jessica Simpson Fancy Fragrance Collection Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

2005: Film Debut in The Dukes of Hazzard

In 2005, Jessica Simpson made her film debut as Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard. She also recorded a cover of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" for the film's soundtrack.

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2005: "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" Release

In 2005, Jessica Simpson worked with elements of country music with the release of "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'", recorded for Simpson's feature film debut The Dukes of Hazzard.

2005: End of Newlyweds Series

In 2005, the MTV show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica concluded after three seasons.

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March 28, 2006: Record Agreement with Epic Records

On March 28, 2006, Jessica Simpson announced that she had signed a new record agreement with Epic Records, departing from Columbia Records after seven years with the label.

June 29, 2006: Release of "A Public Affair"

On June 29, 2006, Jessica Simpson released the single "A Public Affair." The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA. This upbeat breakup song was released the day before her divorce from Nick Lachey was finalized.

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June 30, 2006: Divorce Finalized

On June 30, 2006, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey's divorce was finalized.

August 2006: Relationship with John Mayer

In August 2006, Jessica Simpson began an on-again, off-again relationship with singer-songwriter John Mayer.

August 26, 2006: Release of A Public Affair Album

On August 26, 2006, Jessica Simpson released her fifth studio album, "A Public Affair", which debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, selling 101,000 copies in its first week.

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December 2006: Kennedy Center Awards Performance

In December 2006, Jessica Simpson performed a cover of Dolly Parton's song "9 to 5" as a tribute at the Kennedy Center Awards. However, her performance was cut from the broadcast.

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2006: Pizza Hut Commercials during Super Bowl

In 2006, Jessica Simpson appeared as Daisy Duke in several television commercials for Pizza Hut airing during the Super Bowl.

2006: Cancellation of Republican Fundraiser Appearance

In 2006, Jessica Simpson canceled an appearance at a Republican fundraiser because she felt it was not "appropriate".

2006: "Push Your Tush" Release

In 2006, Jessica Simpson continued to experiment with country music on the song "Push Your Tush".

2006: Release of Album A Public Affair and Appearance in Employee of the Month

In 2006, Jessica Simpson released her fifth studio album, A Public Affair, and appeared in the romantic comedy film Employee of the Month.

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March 2007: Donation to Elim Orphanage

In March 2007, Jessica Simpson donated a new Chrysler minivan to the Elim orphanage in Nuevo Laredo.

November 2007: Relationship with Tony Romo

In November 2007, Jessica Simpson began dating Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, a relationship that some Cowboys fans considered controversial and blamed her for Romo's poor performance.

2007: Pizza Hut Commercials during Super Bowl

In 2007, Jessica Simpson appeared as Daisy Duke in several television commercials for Pizza Hut airing during the Super Bowl.

June 20, 2008: Release of "Come On Over"

On June 20, 2008, Jessica Simpson released "Come On Over" as the lead single from her country music inspired album. The song debuted at number forty-one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

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September 9, 2008: Release of Do You Know

On September 9, 2008, Jessica Simpson's country album, Do You Know, was released, selling 65,000 copies in its first week and debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 chart.

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2008: Fancy Fragrance Launch

In 2008, Jessica Simpson collaborated with Parlux Fragrances to launch her first scent, Fancy. The fragrance received a positive commercial reaction.

Fancy by Jessica Simpson 100ml 3.4oz EDP Spray , Red
Fancy by Jessica Simpson 100ml 3.4oz EDP Spray , Red

2008: Do You Know Release

In 2008, Jessica Simpson recorded a country music album titled Do You Know. She was inspired by artists such as Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Martina McBride.

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2008: Release of Country Album Do You Know

In 2008, Jessica Simpson released her sixth studio album, Do You Know, marking her move into the country music genre.

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March 2009: Bob That Head Tour

From January to March 2009, Jessica Simpson opened for the country music group Rascal Flatts on their Bob That Head Tour.

July 2009: End of Relationship with Tony Romo

In July 2009, Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo ended their relationship.

2009: Weight Gain Scrutiny

Following her weight gain in 2009, the media intensely scrutinized Jessica Simpson, building off the "gold standard" created by her portrayal of Daisy Duke.

March 2010: Premiere of The Price of Beauty

In March 2010, Jessica Simpson's VH1 documentary series, The Price of Beauty, began airing, attracting one million viewers for the premiere episode. The series explored different perceptions of beauty around the world.

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May 2010: Relationship with Eric Johnson

In May 2010, Jessica Simpson began dating retired NFL tight end Eric Johnson.

October 12, 2010: Playlist: The Very Best of Jessica Simpson Release

On October 12, 2010, Epic Records released the compilation "Playlist: The Very Best of Jessica Simpson", which was the final release of her three-album contract with the label.

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2010: Christmas Album Release

In 2010, Jessica Simpson released a Christmas-themed album.

2010: Release of Christmas Album Happy Christmas

In 2010, Jessica Simpson released her second Christmas album titled Happy Christmas.

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2010: Starred in The Price of Beauty

In 2010, Jessica Simpson starred in the reality television series The Price of Beauty.

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May 2012: Birth of Daughter

In May 2012, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson had their first child, a daughter.

May 2012: Fashion Star Appearance

In May 2012, Jessica Simpson appeared as a mentor alongside Nicole Richie on the NBC reality television series Fashion Star.

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August 2012: Vintage Bloom Perfume Release

In August 2012, Jessica Simpson released the perfume Vintage Bloom.

Jessica Simpson Vintage Bloom Perfume By JESSICA SIMPSON 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray FOR WOMEN [Gift]
Jessica Simpson Vintage Bloom Perfume By JESSICA SIMPSON 3.4 oz Eau De Parfum Spray FOR WOMEN [Gift]

2012: Judged Clothing Designs on Fashion Star

In 2012, Jessica Simpson began judging clothing designs on two seasons of Fashion Star.

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June 2013: Birth of Son

In June 2013, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson welcomed their second child, a son.

2013: Continued Judging on Fashion Star

In 2013, Jessica Simpson continued judging clothing designs on Fashion Star for the show's second season.

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2013: Parents' Divorce

In 2013, Jessica Simpson's parents divorced.

July 2014: Marriage to Eric Johnson

In July 2014, Jessica Simpson married Eric Johnson in Montecito, California.

August 2014: Signature Fragrance Release

In August 2014, Jessica Simpson released a signature fragrance named after her.

2014: The Jessica Simpson Collection Annual Sales

In 2014, it was reported that The Jessica Simpson Collection earned $1 billion in annual sales.

Jessica Simpson Fancy Fragrance Collection Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce
Jessica Simpson Fancy Fragrance Collection Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

August 2015: HSN Host and Workout Clothing Line

In August 2015, Jessica Simpson hosted on the HSN channel to promote her products and launched her Warm Up brand of workout clothing, available at retailers in the United States.

August 2016: Warm Up Brand Expansion

In August 2016, Jessica Simpson expanded her Warm Up brand to include trainers.

March 2019: Birth of Second Daughter

In March 2019, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson had their third child, another daughter.

February 2, 2020: Release of Open Book Memoir

On February 2, 2020, Jessica Simpson released her memoir Open Book, which topped The New York Times Best Seller list, selling over 59,000 copies in its first week.

Open Book: A Memoir
Open Book: A Memoir

2020: Open Book Memoir

In 2020, Jessica Simpson described her relationship with John Mayer in her memoir, Open Book.

Open Book: A Memoir
Open Book: A Memoir

2020: Reflections on Reality TV in Open Book

In 2020, Jessica Simpson reflected on her time in the show Newlyweds in her memoir Open Book, expressing concerns about performing her identity on social media and living a healthy life through the lens of reality TV.

Open Book: A Memoir
Open Book: A Memoir

January 2025: Separation Announcement

In January 2025, Jessica Simpson announced that she and Eric Johnson had separated.

February 2025: "Use My Heart Against Me" release

In February 2025, Jessica Simpson returned to music with the release of "Use My Heart Against Me".

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March 21, 2025: Nashville Canyon, Part 1 release

On March 21, 2025, Jessica Simpson released her debut extended play, Nashville Canyon, Part 1.