Nick Lachey is opening up about how his past high-profile marriage helped shape his perspective on lasting romance. During the Season 11 premiere of Netflix’s hit dating reality series Love Is Blind on October 14, 2026, the singer and television host drew directly from his own history to offer reassurance and advice to a contestant navigating the complexities of dating after a divorce.
The conversation unfolded when contestant Erika Ellis spoke candidly to the hosts, sharing that she had previously been married and struggled to figure out the right moment to disclose that history while dating. Addressing the contestant’s concerns, Lachey reflected on his own journey and explained why previous relationship experiences can ultimately serve as an advantage.
"Well, as some of you may know, I was previously married before I met my incredible wife," Nick shared during the premiere episode. "I would make the very unique argument that it gives you a leg up. Because you know from that experience what it is you truly want."
His wife and co-host, Vanessa Lachey, chimed in to support the sentiment, adding, "We all have messy pasts, all of us."
Looking Back at Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson’s History
Before building his life with Vanessa, Nick was famously married to pop singer Jessica Simpson. The pair began dating in 1998, tied the knot in 2002, and became a pop culture phenomenon through their MTV reality television series, Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. The show aired for three seasons from 2003 to 2005 across 40 episodes.
The couple called it quits in 2005. Simpson cited irreconcilable differences when she filed for divorce, according to reports from People magazine and USA Today. Their divorce was finalized in 2006. In her 2020 memoir, Open Book, Simpson reflected on the pressures of their young marriage, writing about wanting the public to see a fairy tale romance.
Moving Forward and Finding Lasting Happiness
Following their split, both stars moved on and built separate families. Nick began dating Vanessa in 2006, and the couple married in 2011. They now share three children together: sons Camden and Phoenix, and daughter Brooklyn. The pair currently co-host Netflix’s Love Is Blind, using their chemistry and combined experiences to guide new generations of singles through the emotional trials of the dating experiment.
Meanwhile, Simpson married Eric Johnson in 2014, with whom she shares three children: Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie, before their separation in 2025. Earlier this year, Nick and Jessica made headlines when they unexpectedly crossed paths during a six-and-a-half-hour commercial flight from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Reflecting on the cordial encounter months later on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Nick noted that it had been two decades since they last saw each other, describing the chance meeting as entirely respectful and fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson’s marriage?
Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson were married from October 2002 until they finalized their divorce in June 2006.
What reality show did Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson star in?
The couple starred in the hit MTV reality series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, which aired for three seasons between 2003 and 2005.
When did Nick and Vanessa Lachey get married?
Nick Lachey married Vanessa Lachey in 2011 after dating for five years, and the couple shares three children together.
What did Nick Lachey say about his first marriage on Love Is Blind?
During the Season 11 premiere of Love Is Blind on October 14, 2026, Nick told a contestant that going through a past divorce actually gives a person "a leg up" because it clarifies what someone truly wants in a relationship.
How many children do Nick and Vanessa Lachey have?
Nick and Vanessa Lachey share three children: sons Camden and Phoenix, and daughter Brooklyn.
