Nick Lachey has opened up about his marriage to Jessica Simpson, which feels like ancient pop culture history at this point. For context, they were basically the It Couple of the early 2000s—kind of like Bennifer, but with more reality TV and fewer tabloid scandals (unless you count Jessica confusing tuna with chicken).
Let’s rewind. Nick, now 51, and Jessica, now 44, locked eyes at the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 1998. Yes, a parade. Nothing screams “romantic meet-cute” like marching bands and inflatable snowmen. They tied the knot in 2002, blessed us with the guilty pleasure masterpiece Newlyweds, and then—poof!—split in 2005.
Fast forward to now. Nick, co-host of Netflix’s The Ultimatum (because nothing says “life coach” like hosting reality TV chaos), dropped some rare gems about his divorce during season three. “I, too, was previously married, divorced, so I understand the hurt, the scars that exist from that,” Nick confessed, as viewers nodded sagely while munching popcorn.
But wait, there’s more! Nick got introspective and shared the life lesson he learned from the split: “Don’t let your past define your future.” Translation: Sure, your first marriage may flop like a boy band comeback, but your second attempt might just be platinum-certified.
Cue the heartwarming moment: Nick gushed about his wife, Vanessa Lachey, whom he married in 2011. “What I truly always wanted in my life, which was to have a beautiful marriage and a beautiful family, if I hadn’t retained my belief in that, I wouldn’t have ever realized the beautiful life I have with this woman.” Honestly, is it dusty in here, or are we just feeling things?
The Lacheys have built a picture-perfect family with their three kids—Camden (12), Brooklyn (9), and Phoenix (7). Meanwhile, Jessica has also found her happily ever after with hubby Eric Johnson. They’ve been married since 2014 and share three kiddos—Maxwell (12), Ace (11), and Birdie (5).
So, while Nick and Jessica may have gone their separate ways, their story reminds us all that sometimes, love is like the music industry—just because one act flops doesn’t mean the next one won’t be a chart-topper. Also, tuna is the chicken of the sea. Never forget.
