Jessica Simpson Marks Eight Years Sober, Returns to Music

On Nov. 1, Jessica Simpson marked eight years of sobriety in an Instagram post saying alcohol “silenced my intuition, blocked my dreams,” and credited faith and “surrender” for renewed strength. She has said she quit drinking around 2017, as described in her memoir, and that sobriety allowed her to confront self-sabotage and reconnect with her intuition, creativity and emotions. Simpson credited sobriety with removing creative fears and making it easier to access herself artistically and regain control of her voice. She has returned to music, performing live for the first time in about 15 years and debuting new songs and EPs. Simpson — who announced her separation from husband Eric Johnson earlier this year after 11 years of marriage — and media coverage have emphasized the spiritual framing of her recovery and the personal and professional benefits she attributes to getting sober. She has also been open about how alcohol at times interfered with her mental health and role as a mother.