History of Jessica Simpson in Timeline
Jessica Simpson is an American singer, actress, and businesswoman. She began her singing career in church choirs before signing with Columbia Records at age 17. Her debut album, "Sweet Kisses" (1999), was a commercial success, selling two million copies in the US and featuring the hit single "I Wanna Love You Forever." Simpson's second album, "Irresistible" (2001), showcased a more mature image and earned gold certification from the RIAA. Her third album, "In This Skin" (2003), solidified her success with three million copies sold in the US.
1978: Marriage of Jessica Simpson's Parents
Jessica Simpson's parents, Tina Ann Drew and Joseph Simpson, married in 1978.
July 10, 1980: Birth of Jessica Simpson
Jessica Ann Simpson was born on July 10, 1980, in Abilene, Texas.
1990: Jessica Simpson's "Mickey Mouse Club" Audition
At the age of twelve, Jessica Simpson auditioned for "The Mickey Mouse Club" in 1990. Although unsuccessful, she reached the semi-finals alongside future stars like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake.
1997: Signs Record Deal with Columbia Records and Faces Pressure from Music Executive
At the age of 17, Jessica Simpson signed a record deal with Columbia Records in 1997. However, she later revealed that she felt pressured by music executive Tommy Mottola to control her image and weight.
1997: Jessica Simpson Signs Record Deal, Drops Out of High School
At the age of seventeen, Jessica Simpson signed with Columbia Records in 1997. She dropped out of J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, the same year as her career began to take off.
1998: Signed with Columbia Records
In 1998, Jessica Simpson signed with Columbia Records, marking the beginning of her journey in the world of pop music.
1998: Recording Debut Album
Jessica Simpson began working on her debut album in 1998 under the guidance of Tommy Mottola at Columbia Records.
1998: Meeting Nick Lachey
Jessica Simpson met Nick Lachey, a singer from the band 98 Degrees, at a Christmas party in 1998. The two would go on to have a high-profile relationship and marriage.
1999: Emerges as a Teen Idol with Debut Album
Jessica Simpson's debut album, "Sweet Kisses," in 1999, catapulted her to teen idol status, with her music and image often compared to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
1999: Release of Debut Single "I Wanna Love You Forever"
Jessica Simpson's debut single, "I Wanna Love You Forever," was released on September 28, 1999, achieving commercial success and reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
1999: Release of Debut Album "Sweet Kisses"
Jessica Simpson released her debut studio album, "Sweet Kisses," on November 23, 1999. The album marked her introduction to the music industry and featured hit singles like "I Wanna Love You Forever."
1999: Release of Debut Album "Sweet Kisses"
Jessica Simpson released her debut studio album, "Sweet Kisses", on November 23, 1999. The album featured the hit single "I Wanna Love You Forever".
1999: Release of Debut Album "Sweet Kisses"
Jessica Simpson released her debut album, "Sweet Kisses," in 1999. The album, featuring the hit ballad "I Wanna Love You Forever," showcased her vocal prowess and established her as a prominent figure in the pop music scene.
August 2000: "Sweet Kisses" Reaches Number 25 on Billboard 200
Driven by the success of its singles, including "I Think I'm in Love with You", Jessica Simpson's album "Sweet Kisses" climbed to number twenty-five on the Billboard 200 chart in August 2000.
2000: Recording of Second Album and Image Shift
In 2000, Jessica Simpson started working on her second album with a focus on 'radio-friendly' and upbeat songs. She adopted a more mature public image, aiming to achieve the success of her peers. During this time, she ended her relationship with Nick Lachey to concentrate on her career, though they reconciled in September.
July 2001: Jessica Simpson's Perspective on Growth
In July 2001, Jessica Simpson spoke about the growth she experienced since recording her debut album 'Sweet Kisses.' She highlighted her maturity over the four years, from being seventeen to twenty-one years old.
2001: Release of Sophomore Album "Irresistible" and Shift in Musical Style
In 2001, Jessica Simpson released her second album, "Irresistible," which featured a more upbeat sound and provocative lyrics compared to her debut. During this time, she also incorporated more choreography and dancers into her live performances.
2001: Release of 'Irresistible' and Tours
In 2001, Jessica Simpson released her second studio album 'Irresistible,' which debuted at number six on the Billboard 200. Despite its successful launch, the album did not match her debut's success. She co-headlined the Total Request Live Tour but left to start her own DreamChaser Tour, which was eventually canceled due to the September 11 attacks.
2001: Undergoes Image Transformation for Second Album
Jessica Simpson adopted a sexier image while promoting her second album, "Irresistible," in 2001, a shift encouraged by her record label.
2001: Release of Sophomore Album "Irresistible"
Jessica Simpson released her second studio album, "Irresistible", in 2001. The album showcased a more mature image of Simpson and included the hit single of the same name.
February 2002: Engagement to Nick Lachey
In February 2002, Jessica Simpson announced her engagement to Nick Lachey. This marked a significant moment in her personal life and was widely covered by the media.
2002: Begins Working on Third Studio Album
Jessica Simpson began working on her third studio album in 2002, initially planning to collaborate with Missy Elliott as the primary producer.
August 19, 2003: Premiere of 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica'
On August 19, 2003, the reality show 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica' premiered on MTV. The show, focusing on Jessica Simpson's marriage to Nick Lachey, quickly became a pop culture phenomenon and a ratings success, running for three seasons.
December 2003: Release of 'With You'
In December 2003, Jessica Simpson released 'With You' as the second single from her album 'In This Skin.' The song became a hit, reaching the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Mainstream Top 40 chart.
2003: "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" Premieres, Leading to "Ditzy Blonde" Persona
The premiere of "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" in 2003 brought Jessica Simpson significant attention, but it also led to her being perceived as a "ditzy blonde" due to her on-screen persona.
2003: Release of "In This Skin" Album
Jessica Simpson released her third studio album, "In This Skin", in 2003. The album would go on to sell three million copies in the United States.
2003: "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" Premieres
Jessica Simpson's reality television series, "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica," which documented her life with then-husband Nick Lachey, premiered on MTV in 2003.
2003: Release of "In This Skin"
In 2003, Jessica Simpson released her third studio album, "In This Skin," which showcased a more mature sound and her growth as a singer-songwriter.
2003: Release of "In This Skin"
Jessica Simpson released her third studio album, "In This Skin," in 2003. This album proved to be a success, later becoming her best-selling album.
March 2004: Re-Release of 'In This Skin'
In March 2004, Jessica Simpson re-released her album 'In This Skin' with new material. This re-release significantly boosted sales, helping the album to eventually sell three million copies in the United States.
April 2004: Performs at VH1's "Divas Live 2004" Benefit Concert
In April 2004, Jessica Simpson lent her voice to a good cause by performing at VH1's "Divas Live 2004" benefit concert in support of the Save the Music Foundation.
May 2004: Performs at Benefit Concert for Skin Care Foundation
Continuing her philanthropic efforts, Jessica Simpson performed at a benefit concert in May 2004 to support the Skin Care Foundation.
2004: Release of 'ReJoyce: The Christmas Album' and Reality Tour
In 2004, Jessica Simpson released her fourth studio album 'ReJoyce: The Christmas Album,' which peaked at number fourteen on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. She also embarked on her Reality Tour across North America, which was a financial success.
2004: Release of Christmas Album
Jessica Simpson embraced the holiday spirit in 2004 by releasing a Christmas-themed album.
2004: Endorses George W. Bush for President
Jessica Simpson publicly endorsed George W. Bush during his 2004 presidential campaign.
2004: Release of First Christmas Album
Jessica Simpson released her first Christmas album, "ReJoyce: The Christmas Album," in 2004.
February 2005: Launch of Dessert Treats
In February 2005, Jessica Simpson and Randi Shinder launched the Dessert Treats edible cosmetics line. The line was similar to their previous cosmetics venture but targeted a younger audience. Both lines were eventually canceled due to lawsuits.
November 2005: Separation Announcement
In November 2005, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey announced their separation, marking the beginning of the end of their highly publicized marriage.
December 2005: Jessica Simpson Files for Divorce
In December 2005, Jessica Simpson officially filed for divorce from Nick Lachey, citing 'irreconcilable differences,' which led to a highly publicized separation.
2005: Start of Work on Fifth Studio Album
In 2005, Jessica Simpson began working on her fifth studio album, marking the start of a new phase in her music career.
2005: Launch of The Jessica Simpson Collection, Film Debut, and Release of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"
Jessica Simpson launched The Jessica Simpson Collection, her fashion line, in 2005. The same year, she made her film debut as Daisy Duke in "The Dukes of Hazzard" and released a cover of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" for the film's soundtrack.
2005: Ventures into Country Music with "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'"
Jessica Simpson explored country music in 2005 with the release of her rendition of "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," which was featured in her debut film, "The Dukes of Hazzard."
2005: End of 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica'
In 2005, the reality show 'Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica' ended after three successful seasons, capturing the public's attention and making Jessica Simpson a household name.
March 2006: Parting Ways with Columbia Records
In March 2006, Jessica Simpson parted ways with Columbia Records, the label she had been with since the start of her career, and signed a new contract with Epic Records.
June 30, 2006: Finalization of Divorce from Nick Lachey
On June 30, 2006, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey's divorce was finalized, citing 'irreconcilable differences.' The divorce was highly publicized globally.
August 2006: Start of Relationship with John Mayer
Jessica Simpson began dating singer-songwriter John Mayer in August 2006. The relationship was on-and-off and later described in her 2020 memoir, "Open Book."
December 2006: Kennedy Center Honors Performance and Career Challenges
In December 2006, Jessica Simpson faced criticism for forgetting the lyrics to "9 to 5" during a Dolly Parton tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors. This performance, coupled with the underperformance of her album "A Public Affair" and film "Employee of the Month," marked a downturn in her career.
2006: Release of "A Public Affair" Album and Appearance in "Employee of the Month"
Jessica Simpson released her fifth studio album, "A Public Affair," and starred in the romantic comedy film "Employee of the Month" in 2006.
2006: Stars in Pizza Hut Commercials as Daisy Duke
Jessica Simpson's sex symbol status was further cemented in 2006 when she appeared as Daisy Duke in a series of Pizza Hut commercials that aired during the Super Bowl.
2006: Continues Country Music Exploration with "Push Your Tush"
Jessica Simpson continued to experiment with country music in 2006 with the release of her song "Push Your Tush."
2006: Cancels Appearance at Republican Fundraiser
Jessica Simpson canceled a planned appearance at a Republican fundraiser in 2006, stating that she felt it was not an appropriate event for her to attend.
March 2007: Donates Vehicle to Elim Orphanage
In March 2007, Jessica Simpson made a generous donation of a new Chrysler minivan to the Elim orphanage in Nuevo Laredo.
May 2007: End of Relationship with John Mayer
Jessica Simpson and John Mayer ended their relationship in May 2007.
November 2007: Start of Relationship with Tony Romo and Release of "Blonde Ambition"
Jessica Simpson began dating Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in November 2007. This high-profile relationship drew significant attention and controversy, with some fans blaming Simpson for Romo's performance on the field. This same year, Simpson also appeared in the film "Blonde Ambition," which had a limited theatrical release.
2007: Reprises Daisy Duke Role for Super Bowl Pizza Hut Commercials
Jessica Simpson reprised her role as Daisy Duke for another round of Pizza Hut commercials that aired during the 2007 Super Bowl.
2007: Beginning Work on Sixth Studio Album
Jessica Simpson started working on her sixth studio album in 2007, opting to experiment with a country music sound.
2008: Foray into Country Music with "Do You Know"
Jessica Simpson released her sixth studio album, "Do You Know," in 2008. The album marked her venture into the country music genre.
2008: Release of "Come On Over" and "Do You Know"
Jessica Simpson released "Come On Over" on June 20, 2008, as the lead single from her upcoming country album. The song performed well, debuting at number forty-one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The album "Do You Know" followed later that year, released on September 9, 2008.
2008: Release of "Pray Out Loud"
Jessica Simpson explored her Christian faith through music in 2008 with the release of her song "Pray Out Loud."
2008: Release of Country Album "Do You Know"
Inspired by prominent female country artists, Jessica Simpson released her first full-fledged country album, "Do You Know," in 2008.
2008: Release of "Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous" and Launch of "Fancy" Fragrance
In 2008, Jessica Simpson starred in the direct-to-video film "Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous," which received largely negative reviews. However, the same year, she found success with the launch of her first fragrance, "Fancy," in collaboration with Parlux Fragrances.
March 2009: Conclusion of "Bob That Head Tour" and Negative Reception to Country Music Transition
Jessica Simpson faced criticism and even booing from audiences during her attempt to transition into country music, most notably during her performance at the Country Thunder Festival in Wisconsin. This criticism marked a challenging period in her career after concluding her opening act for the Rascal Flatts "Bob That Head Tour."
July 2009: End of Relationship with Tony Romo
Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo ended their relationship in July 2009.
2009: Faces Media Scrutiny over Weight Gain
Jessica Simpson faced intense media scrutiny and criticism following weight gain in 2009, highlighting the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry.
March 2010: Premiere of "The Price of Beauty"
Jessica Simpson's VH1 documentary series, "The Price of Beauty," premiered in March 2010, exploring diverse perceptions of beauty across cultures. While the premiere drew a significant viewership, plans for a second season with format changes did not materialize.
May 2010: Start of Relationship and Engagement to Eric Johnson
Jessica Simpson began dating retired NFL tight end Eric Johnson in May 2010. The couple announced their engagement later that year in November.
2010: Release of Second Christmas Album
Jessica Simpson spread holiday cheer again in 2010 with the release of her second Christmas album.
2010: Star on "The Price of Beauty"
Jessica Simpson starred in the reality television series "The Price of Beauty" in 2010.
2010: Release of "Happy Christmas"
Jessica Simpson's seventh studio album, "Happy Christmas," was released in 2010. This marked her last album release until the release of new music with her memoir, "Open Book," in 2020.
2011: Plans for "The Price of Beauty" Second Season Canceled
Although initially announced, plans for a second season of Jessica Simpson's documentary series, "The Price of Beauty," were canceled in 2011.
2011: Confirmation of First Pregnancy and Mentoring on "Fashion Star"
Jessica Simpson confirmed her first pregnancy on Halloween of 2011. This same year she appeared alongside Nicole Richie as a mentor on the NBC reality television series, "Fashion Star."
May 1, 2012: Birth of Daughter, Maxwell Drew Johnson
Jessica Simpson gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Maxwell Drew "Maxie" Johnson, on May 1, 2012.
September 2012: Weight Watchers Partnership and First Commercial
Jessica Simpson signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Weight Watchers in 2012, aiming to lose weight post-pregnancy. Her first commercial for the company aired in September 2012.
December 2012: Announcement of Second Pregnancy
Jessica Simpson announced she was expecting her second child with Eric Johnson in December 2012.
2012: Judge on "Fashion Star"
Jessica Simpson joined the judging panel of the fashion design competition show "Fashion Star" in 2012.
2012: Commercial Performance of "Do You Know"
By 2012, "Do You Know" had sold over 200,000 copies in the United States, marking a moderate commercial performance.
June 30, 2013: Birth of Son, Ace Knute Johnson
Jessica Simpson welcomed her second child with Eric Johnson, a son named Ace Knute Johnson, on June 30, 2013.
2013: Discussions for Semi-Autobiographical Comedy Series
In 2013, Jessica Simpson explored the possibility of starring in a semi-autobiographical comedy series with NBC, although the project ultimately did not come to fruition.
2013: Final Season on "Fashion Star"
Jessica Simpson continued her role as a judge on "Fashion Star" for its final season in 2013.
2013: Divorce of Jessica Simpson's Parents
Jessica Simpson's parents divorced in 2013.
July 2014: Marriage to Eric Johnson
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson married in July 2014 in Montecito, California.
August 2014: Expansion of Home Decor Line with Signature Fragrance
In August 2014, Jessica Simpson expanded her bedroom decor line to include a signature fragrance, adding to her growing business ventures.
2014: Jessica Simpson Collection Reaches $1 Billion in Sales
In 2014, Jessica Simpson's fashion line, The Jessica Simpson Collection, was reported to earn $1 billion in annual sales, marking a significant triumph in her career.
August 2015: HSN Host and Launch of Warm Up Workout Clothing
Jessica Simpson hosted on the HSN channel to promote her products in August 2015. The sales event proved to be a success. She also launched her Warm Up brand of workout clothing, expanding her presence in the fashion industry.
August 2016: Expansion of Warm Up Brand
In August 2016, Jessica Simpson expanded her Warm Up brand to include trainers, indicating a focus on developing this aspect of her business.
September 2018: Announcement of Third Pregnancy
Jessica Simpson announced her third pregnancy in September 2018.
March 19, 2019: Birth of Daughter, Birdie Mae Johnson
Jessica Simpson gave birth to her third child with Eric Johnson, a daughter named Birdie Mae Johnson, on March 19, 2019.
February 2, 2020: Release of Memoir "Open Book"
On February 2, 2020, Jessica Simpson released her memoir "Open Book." The book, which delved into personal struggles and triumphs, became a New York Times Best Seller, exceeding 59,000 copies sold across platforms in its first week.
2020: Release of Memoir "Open Book"
In 2020, Jessica Simpson released her memoir, "Open Book," where she shared insights into her personal life, including her relationship with John Mayer.
2020: Reflects on Reality TV Experience in Memoir "Open Book"
In her 2020 memoir, "Open Book," Jessica Simpson reflected on her time on reality television, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a genuine identity while constantly being filmed.