Originally appeared on E! Online
Jessica Simpson is in awe of her tallest gift.
Indeed, the “With You” singer showed how much her and estranged husband Eric Johnson’s son, 12-year-old Ace, has grown up while sharing a glimpse into them spending quality time together.
“My 12yr old is much taller than mama,” Jessica wrote on her Feb. 6 Instagram Stories alongside a photo set to Ben E. King’s song “Stand By Me,” which sees Ace giving her a kiss on the forehead. She added, “Fun fact, he was born to this tune.”
True to the track’s theme, the All’s Fair actor has been standing next to her son as he hits new milestones. Last December, she offered a look at how Ace and his siblings Maxwell, 13, and Birdie, 6—who she also shares with the retired NFL player—celebrated their second Christmas in Nashville, where they relocated to from Los Angeles in 2023.
“Christmas time is here!” Jessica captioned her Instagram post that month, including a photo of them smiling in front of their decorated tree. “What the month of December brings to my kiddos has always been about the genuine feelings of love, excitement, hope, happiness, grace and pure JOY!”
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Then, five months earlier, she dedicated a touching tribute to Ace for his 12th birthday.
“You are the sun. You are the moon. You are the wishes of every shooting star,” the “Irresistible” star wrote alongside a collage of him walking around Six Flags. “You are the light. You are the way. You are the love that makes your Mama’s heart glow! There’s absolutely nothing you can’t do. You excel in every single thing without even tryin’.”
Still reflecting on his bright personality, she added, “You’re just that kid with a heart of gold that can do it ALL. Everything you do and all that you are makes me so very proud. I love you Ace the Great!”
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And as Jessica continues to honor her kids’ most special moments, she’s also working on her co-parenting relationship with Eric. Indeed, the former couple—who confirmed their separation in January 2025—have prioritized bonding with their kids throughout the year, a decision she’s proud they’ve committed to.
“No matter what, your kid is half the other person,” she explained to TMZ last November. “Always have respect in what you say around [your kids] so they can always have a good perspective on it. Unconditional love is important.”
Keep reading to see more sweet moments in Jessica’s family life…
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.
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. “We love youuuu.”
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.
Spring Break
The family of five enjoyed a fun-in-the-sun getaway—and shared the pics to prove it!—in April 2022.
Easter Bunch
Jessica posted this selfie of herself with Eric and their kids on Easter Sunday 2021.
Happy Birthday, Birdie
The family celebrated Birdie Mae’s second birthday in 2021.
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.
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.
Merry Christmas
“Church ready #THEJOHNSONS,” the singer wrote on her 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
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.
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