She was the June Cleaver of popular culture circa 2003. The world tuned in to Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica to watch Jessica Simpson flex her housewife skills during her marriage to Nick Lachey. On the show, Jessica was portrayed as a cartoonish figure and her reality TV image translated into real life, too - for example, Hollywood often cast Jessica as a stereotypical "dumb blonde".
In the years since Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica became a hit, Jessica Simpson has set out to prove herself. She is no longer married to Nick and now has a loving family with Eric Johnson. She is definitely ready to show the world who the real Jessica Simpson is. Jessica is about to get quite candid, via her upcoming memoir, Open Book. The "Irresistible" singer already shared some juicy tidbits during the book's promotional tour...and we're 'shook'!
Here's what we know ahead of the book's release.
15 Jessica Simpson, Texas Actress
He was a highly-respected actor starring on a legendary TV show. She was a teen from Texas, who was ready to showcase her many talents to the world. All she needed was a mentor to guide her to the big leagues...and wide-open pastures.
Hearing the name of Jessica's one-time acting coach may come as a surprise...Chuck Norris helped improve her craft!
14 Justin Timberlake Locked Lips And Dashed
Jessica and Justin Timberlake were in the same "teen idol" class of late '90s pop stars, but their friendship dated back to the Mickey Mouse Club days. Although Jess didn't make an impression on Mickey, she certainly did on Justin... or so she thought!
The pair locked lips, but Jess later discovered it was all a bet between JT and fellow Mouseketeer, Ryan Gosling. Gross!
13 Past Interviews Make Jess Cringe
On a sadder note, Jessica's new memoir reveals somber stories, which Ms. Simpson only recently began discussing publicly. In 2017, Jess was interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres, and Jessica displayed some strange behavior that caused the world to worry, and to question whether it was more than an act.
Jessica recently revealed she has trouble rewatching the infamous interview. She candidly attributed her behavior to her issues with alcohol.
12 She Did This To Improve Her Self-Image
Growing up in the public eye has to be hard for any young girl, and Jessica was no exception.
The pressure of celebrity caused a young Jess to resort to a quick cosmetic trick. She shared with Jimmy Kimmel that she would "draw a six-pack [of abs] on with eye shadow" in order to compete with her fellow pop stars!
11 Jess Felt Love At First Sight For Nick
Once upon a time, way, way back in the days of boy band/pop starlet pairings, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were the "It" couple of our celebrity 'shipping' hearts.
The duo sang heartfelt duets to each other and later weathered public debates about Buffalo wings and tuna. Despite occasional arguments, Jessica knew that love was always there, even at the age of 19!
10 Papa Simpson Almost Walked Away On Her Wedding Day
It may be hard for reality TV fans to hear, but Jessica and Nick nearly didn't make it down the aisle, because Newlyweds almost wasn't.
It was not a business decision, but quite a personal one, which was almost made seconds before the ceremony on their wedding day. Jessica's father, Joe, tried to persuade his daughter not to marry Nick. Papa Simpson thought Jess was too young.
9 Her Online Presence Was For Show
This pic of Jess and her beautiful family is adorable at first glance, but she recently revealed that this photo was created exclusively for the 'Gram, and the actual story was much more unfiltered.
The heartbreaking truth was that she was not present in the moment due to her struggle with substance abuse, but the photo played a role in her decision to seek help.
8 She Flubbed A Song In Front Of This Crucial Figure
Flubbing a lyric or two happens to the best of pop stars. It's a split second faux-pas many might forget, but for Jessica, the experience was quite different!
Jess was invited to perform in front of the President-elect of the United States when the jitters got the best of her. Her mild lyrical slip-up didn't go unnoticed by President-elect, George W. Bush., but he was a good sport!
7 The Simpson-Lachey Marriage Was Rocky Off Camera
Nick and Jessica were tabloid darlings during their marriage, with countless headlines and publications trying to tell the world what reporters thought was the truth, but the splashy "details" were anything but.
When it came to getting creative and nurturing the business empire and public versions of themselves, the couple grew apart. According to USA Today, Jess described the duo being "crushed by the media."
6 John Mayer Intimidated Jess
He was a Romeo with a guitar! In the mid-'00s, many ladies were on the arm of John Mayer, making him a seemingly "sought-after" Hollywood hunk.
After Jessica and Nick's divorce was finalized, she thought she found love again in the arms of John, but the brief romance caused Jess to experience many doubts. She recently revealed John made her feel "embarrassed."
5 She Had A Crush On This Guy While Married
Jessica Simpson devotees - and followers of her career - are generally aware of the men who have stolen (and broken) her heart, but one entry in Jess's hypothetical burn book only surfaced fairly recently.
He was a co-star who suddenly became much more. Johnny Knoxville starred alongside Jess in Dukes Of Hazzard, and their relationship gradually morphed into a romance that had to be concealed!
4 Jess Didn't Like Her Hubby's Friends
When you have trouble bonding with your boy's "bros," could there be a deeper meaning?
The answer to this question was a "yes" for Jessica. Not much has been revealed about off-camera deets surrounding Nick and Jessica's life, but Jess has now let us know she wasn't having it with Nick's friends.
These so-called friends would take advantage of Nick's fame, leaving Jess feeling "gross."
3 She And John Wrote Lengthy Letters
Once the ring was off and Jess was finally single, she was free to explore the single life of a starlet! While her romance with John Mayer may have been brief and she felt like it was a "contest," Jess and John had no problem with communication.
Turns out, the songwriter was also good at penning love notes, which he and Jess regularly exchanged.
2 Jessica 'Resented' Nick
Watching the romantic opening to Newlyweds could surely melt the coldest of hearts and change the biggest skeptics' minds, but the series and its impact on her marriage was anything but romantic.
The constant interference from the press (and public) made Jess question the relationship. It brought up some intense feelings. She recently named "resentment" as one of those feelings.
You won't find Jess enjoying a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
1 Eric Johnson Supports Jess In This Way
Eighteen years after marrying Nick Lachey and experiencing multiple romances ending in heartbreak, Jess fell in love with Eric and he put a ring on her finger. He's been supporting her through thick and thin!
Jessica's recently revealed public struggles have brought to light the sweetly supportive way her husband helps her to live a healthy life. Eric has committed to living life substance-free with his bride!
References: YouTube, Paper Mag, USA Today, Yahoo, Bustle, Delish