Jessica Simpson issues statement as she splits from husband Eric Johnson after 10 years of marriage

Jessica Simpson has issued a statement as she's now split from her husband, Eric Johnson, after 10 years of marriage.

Simpson, 44, and Eric, 45, first tied the knot back in July 2014 and share three children together; daughters Maxwell Drew, 12, and Birdie Mae, five, as well as their son Ace Knute, 11.

Former NFL star Johnson was reportedly seen without his wedding ring back in November of last year - which was around the time Simpson teased her 'comeback' to music with a pretty cryptic Instagram post.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have parted ways after 10 years of marriage (Instagram/@jessicasimpson)

Simpson's last original studio album, Do You Know, was released yonks back in 2008 - but it seems the post in question was hinting at her return once again.

She captioned the snap: "I can't wait for y'all to hear the soundtrack of my soul."

Simpson previously opened up about how she uses her fashion and style to help her get in the right 'vibe' for her long-awaited return to music.

"There's a rock and roll western vibe that runs through the pieces of this collection," she told People in the interview speaking of her clothing brand's new autumn/winter collection. "It is a celebration of how different forms of artistic expressions are woven together."

She continued: "If I dress the part of what I am feeling artistically I am better able to express myself in the words and music I am writing."

Explaining that involves 'lots of fringe, lots of turquoise, high heels and lots of slip dresses, short and long', Jessica shared: "I kind of created my own style based on the songs I am singing."

The former couple share three children together (Instagram/@jessicasimpson)

In another Instagram post, she added: "Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic.

"This comeback is personal. It’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve."

And now, just a few months later, Simpson has released a statement to PEOPLE on Monday (13 January), announcing that she and Johnson are parting ways.

The statement reads: "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."

It added: "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."

Simpson and Johnson first met through a mutual friend in 2010 and became engaged in November of that same year after only six months of dating.