The parents of celebrities Jessica and Ashlee Simpson have announced they will divorce.
Tina Simpson has filed divorce papers in Texas, intending to end her 34-year-marriage to Joe Simpson, who manages Jessica’s career. The Simpsons have two grandchildren.
In her filing, Tina Simpson said their marriage is over because of disagreements and personality conflicts. Speaking on behalf of the family, a representative said their divorce will be friendly and also requested privacy. Additionally, the representative said neither Joe nor Tina Simpson had engaged in a relationship outside the marriage and any report to the contrary is false.
Widely circulated rumors have been reported in the tabloid media alleging that the Simpsons are divorcing because Joe Simpson recently revealed that he is a homosexual. A tabloid report stated that Joe Simpson, who previously served as a Baptist minister, made that announcement to his family two months ago. He is alleged to have said that he would attempt to stay married but that he would no longer keep his preferences hidden.
The report said Tina Simpson’s divorce petition came after the news Joe Simpson allegedly shared with his family.
This continues a difficult stretch for Joe Simpson. Earlier this year, he was arrested on a pair of DUI charges after he reportedly failed a breathalyzer test. If found guilty of those offenses, he could spend up to six months in jail and also face three years of probation and a fine of $1,000.
Divorce is difficult at any age and any stage in life. It can be doubly difficult when adult children have reached celebrity status and their parents, by extension, become newsmakers, as well. The Simpsons have vowed civility toward each other and likely would hope the tabloids extend the same courtesy.
Source: Mirror, “Jessica Simpson’s parents to divorce – amid rumours that her dad is gay,” Stephanie Wood, Oct. 25, 2012