Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are still navigating their separation, but that hasn’t stopped her from moving forward with her music career — and planning her move out of their family home.
“Jessica has been focusing on herself and wellbeing since the separation,” a source exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly, noting that the singer and designer is “doing better each day.”
The actress, 44, has a “very positive attitude” after her split from Johnson, 45, the insider says. While it’s been a “painful last year,” Simpson is ready to move on.
“She is house hunting in L.A. [and] figuring out where she will begin her new chapter with the kids,” the source tells Us, referring to her and Johnson’s three children, Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5.
Simpson, who confirmed her divorce in January after 10 years of marriage, is “doing her best to do it all with a positive mindset” and has been “taking things one step at a time,” the insider adds.
“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” Simpson told Us in a statement on January 13 after months of break up speculation. “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.”
While Simpson is currently working toward building a new life without Johnson, the source says, “There hasn’t been a lot of movement toward a divorce because they are still in the separation stage.”
Jessica Simpson Teases ‘Soundtrack to My Soul’ Amid Eric Johnson Split
Despite the lack of legal progress, Simpson is “trying her best to keep things as amicable as possible with Eric and protecting her kids,” the source shares with Us.
Through it all, Simpson has also been “working on new projects and embracing this period of change,” the insider says.
Part of her new season is releasing music for the first time in 15 years. (Simpson released her Happy Christmas album in 2010.)
“Her [new] album is coming very soon,” a second source tells Us, revealing that Simpson is “anxious and excited to release it to the world.”
Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson ‘Trying to Figure Out a Separation’: Sources
The “I Wanna Love You Forever” singer teased her return to the music business earlier this month, sharing a photo via Instagram in what appeared to be a recording session.
According to the insider, Simpson’s upcoming record will be “very emotional” and a “chance for her to tell more of her story, her struggles and the personal journey she has been going through.”
“The music is totally different from her pop classics, and she is excited for fans to hear it,” the source teases.
Jessica’s sister, Ashlee Simpson Ross, is just as thrilled for fans to see what her big sister has been working on.
Jessica Simpson Split: Why Eric Johnson ‘Is Not What She Needs,’ Per Source
“She has music coming, and [it’s] so exciting,” Ashlee, 40, exclusively told Us at the Hollywood Virgin Book Launch Party on February 5. “I’m so proud of her.”
Ashlee also gushed about her sister’s strength amid her ongoing divorce. “[She’s in] the best spirits,” the fellow musician said of Jessica.
Ashlee explained, “Look, we are strong little ladies. That’s a cool thing about life, [it’s] always growing and finding yourself, wherever that’s supposed to be.”
Watch the exclusive video above for more details on Jessica’s life amid her separation — and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now.
