Nick Lachey Details Run-In With Ex Jessica Simpson on Flight 20 Years After Divorce
Jessica Simpson finds setting the record straight irresistible.
The “Take My Breath Away” singer addressed recent claims made by her ex-husband Nick Lachey, who detailed their unexpected run-in on a flight to Hawaii and recounted how she sat in first class as her three kids—Maxwell, 14, Ace, 12 and Birdie, 7—flew in a “separate class of service” with their dad Eric Johnson.
“My mom bought those tickets,” Jessica clarified in a May 20 interview published by Page Six. “It was my mom’s treat for us to go to Hawaii.”
The 45-year-old added that had she purchased the tickets, her children would “of course” be seated with her.
Nick, 52—who was married to Jessica from 2002 to 2006—recounted on a May 13 appearance of Watch What Happens Live how he crossed paths with Jessica two decades after their divorce.
“We haven’t seen each other in those 20 years and then spent six and a half hours on a flight to Hawaii together,” he told host Andy Cohen. “But when I say spent—in the same vicinity.”
The 98 Degrees member continued, “Everyone was very, very cordial, very respectful.”
After all, Nick was also flying with his wife Vanessa Lachey—whom he married in 2011—as well as their kids Camden, 13, Brooklyn, 11 and Phoenix, 9.
“It was strangely OK,” he shared. “It was honestly fine.”
Photo by SGranitz/WireImage
For her part, Jessica is familiar with keeping things positive after a relationship ends. Following her separation from Eric in January 2025, the pair spent the Thanksgiving holiday together with their loved ones. Co-parenting, as Jessica told TMZ of the family affair, is an essential part of providing their kids with “unconditional love.”
“No matter what, your kid is half the other person,” Jessica said. “Always have respect in what you say around [your kids] so they can always have a good perspective on it.”
For a closer look at Jessica’s family, read on.
Instagram/Jessica Simpson
Birthday Dad
Jessica Simpson rang in ex Eric Johnson‘s 44th birthday with their kids—Maxwell Drew, Ace Knute and Birdie Mae—on Sept. 15, 2023.
Instagram/Jessica Simpson
Nothing But Love
“My heart is so taken with this Man, I could hardly call it my own,” the fashion designer wrote in her birthday tribute to Eric at the time. “We love youuuu.”
Jessica Simpson/Instagram
The Sweetest
Jessica celebrated her daughter Birdie’s 7th birthday in March 2026, writing on Instagram, “She’s one of the funniest people on earth who dramatically goes to the extremes of her feels.”
Spring Break
The family of five enjoyed a fun-in-the-sun getaway—and shared the pics to prove it!—in April 2022.
Valentine’s Style
“Whole Lotta Love,” Jessica wrote on Instagram as her daughter Birdie wore Claire’s heart-shaped sunglasses on Valentine’s Day 2023.
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Easter Bunch
Jessica posted this selfie of herself with Eric and their kids on Easter Sunday 2021.
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Happy Birthday, Birdie
The family celebrated Birdie Mae’s second birthday in 2021.
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Birdie Is 2!
Jessica and Eric appeared with Birdie Mae at her second birthday party.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Fans can certainly see a resemblance between these two.
Fun in the Sun
These ladies had a blast during the family’s trip to Hawaii in 2019.
Johnson’s Kiddos
“Besties for life,” Jessica captioned this sweet snap of her two oldest kids.
Sibling Screams
Summer calls for screaming with your baby sister, duh!
Birthday Bunch
On her seventh birthday, Maxwell ate cake for breakfast and the whole family joined in.
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Happy Easter
The family was decked out in their Sunday best for Easter 2019.
School Sibs
Private school uniforms never looked so cute!
Birdie’s Nest
Jessica celebrated her future-daughter Birdie’s baby shower in style with all the ladies in her life in January 2019.
Instagram / Jessica Simpson
Merry Christmas
“Church ready #THEJOHNSONS,” the singer wrote on her Instagram.
Jessica Simpson/Instagram
Parrotdise
The “I Wanna Love You Forever” singer knows how to throw a good birthday party. In June 2018, she posted a family pic from Ace’s fifth birthday to Instagram writing, “Baseball and Parrots- a five-year-old’s dream come true! #ACEKNUTE #5 #Parrotdise #GreenSox.”
Minnie Mouse Moms
In May 2018, the Simpson ladies took their daughters to Disneyland and it was filled with “Minnie” memories.
Let it Go!
While in New York, the family went to see Frozen on Broadway and they were all smiles.
The Greatest Showgirl
For Maxwell’s sixth birthday the family had a Greatest Showman themed bash and it looked amazing.
Pretty in Pink
The floral four smile for an Easter 2018 family portrait in color-coordinated pink suits and dresses. The singer and her little girl look absolutely adorable in their matching prints!
Lucky Duo
Jess’ two cuties look festive in green and gold as they smile for an adorable St. Patrick’s Day pic.
Country Halloween
No family does Halloween better than the Simpson-Johnson fam.
Totally Tropical
The tropical crew huddle together in a photo from Ace’s Moana-themed fourth birthday party, complete with two actors playing Moana and Maui from the popular film in July 2017.
Maxwell’s Mermaids
Mermaid magic was the theme of Maxwell’s fifth birthday…can you tell?
Fabulous Photoshoot
The fashion mogul goes behind-the-scenes to sneak a snap of her kids looking picture-perfect for their school photos.
Halloween Crew
Sandy and Danny had a lot to handle with their parrot and octopus kids on Halloween in 2016.
Excited Explorers
Jess blows a kiss to the camera as her little explorers pose with their mouths wide open during a family getaway. We can’t get enough of these travel buddies!
Adorable Aviators
The two mini-Simpsons cheese at the foot of an airplane with their Toy Story Woody doll. Mama Simpson posted a pic of the duo to Instagram writing, “Up Up and Away #maxidrew #aceknute.”
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