Jessica Simpson Recalls Her Upbringing As 'A Preacher's Daughter' In Texas

Jessica Simpson is opening up about growing up as a preacher's daughter in Texas, recalling a childhood shaped by modest means and strong faith. 

The singer's reflections come weeks after she shared that her sense of style has evolved, as she no longer dresses for attention but for herself. 

Jessica Simpson's parents, Joe and Tina Ann Simpson, divorced in 2012 after over three decades of marriage. 

Jessica is sharing the real reason her fashion and beauty empire is focused on affordability: growing up without much money. While promoting the launch of her first new fragrance in five years, Mystic Canyon, the star explained that her roots as a preacher's daughter taught her the value of a dollar.

Jessica revealed, "I'm a preacher's daughter. My dad made $30,000 a year." This upbringing meant she understood what it was like to shop on a budget. "I know what it's like to go to discount stores and really search for something great," she stated.

The entrepreneur is focused on making sure her products, from clothing to her new perfume, are accessible to the "everywoman." And sure enough, the newly released fragrance, Mystic Canyon, reflects this mission, selling for as little as $35 for the 30mL size.

Speaking to Business Of Fashion, Jessica explained that her experience shaped the core philosophy of her successful company, Jessica Simpson Collection. She knew that if her company offered quality products at prices regular people could afford, they would find success.

Long before they managed her career, Jessica's parents had a fast-moving romance rooted in the church. Joe, a Baptist minister working to pay for college, met Tina at her church in McGregor, Texas, when she was just 17.

PEOPLE reported that Jessica's 2020 memoir, "Open Book," reveals their surprising start. Joe had to seek the pastor's permission to date Tina, who then needed her mother's and the youth committee chairwoman's approval.

Despite the slow start, the couple married quickly in August 1978. Tina was 18, and Joe was 20. Nearly two years later, a surprise pregnancy led to the birth of Jessica.

Four years after that, her sister Ashlee was born. The couple, who were at the center of their daughters' public lives for years, divorced in 2012 after 34 years of marriage.

As a dedicated parent and successful business owner, Jessica has found that her confidence is no longer tied to what she wears. The fashion mogul recently opened up about how her style choices have changed over the years.

The Blast notes that the 45-year-old used to pick outfits, hoping for attention or compliments from others. "My younger self used to dress for guys, or for other girls to compliment me," she shared. Now, she simply wears what she likes.

She embraces this new, more authentic approach, feeling completely confident in everything from a simple tank top and shorts to a men's suit jacket, which she finds "sexy."

Most importantly, the businesswoman always considers her children, Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie. She wants to ensure her personal style never embarrasses them, confirming that their opinion also matters.

Jessica is not shy about her commitment to affordable fashion. Although she highlighted this recently, it is a mission she has preached before. While celebrating the 20th anniversary of her hugely successful Jessica Simpson Collection, she launched a special capsule, Jessica Simpson 2.0

At the time, she emphasized her aim to keep growing her brand while maintaining its core focus on being relatable and inexpensive. 

The "Employee of the Month" star sees the new collection as a personal triumph. "The collection is a celebration of my life and every single thing that happened to me," she shared.

She also acknowledged the progress over the years and said she "definitely" would not have achieved her current success without the brand's enduring popularity.

A month before making a series of personal revelations, Jessica dished on an old, awkward relationship moment. While performing at the 2025 Women Who Rock Benefit Concert in Pittsburgh, the mother of three roasted her ex-boyfriend, former NFL quarterback Tony Romo.

The Blast noted that fan videos captured the moment she told the audience Tony needed her to sign paperwork to sell a boat. But he did not call her directly; he contacted her mother, who was reportedly confused by the unexpected call.

It turns out the boat was the $100,000 speedboat Jessica had gifted Tony for his 28th birthday back in 2009. After she signed over the title, Tony sent his "thanks," which turned out to be a box of plastic cups. Jessica recalled her thought at that moment was, "'Wow, I'm glad we didn't work out.'"

With Jessica Simpson's latest launch, curiosity builds around what's next she has in store.