When you think of mid-2000s pop culture, Ashlee Simpson is usually the first person to come to mind. She was the girl with the edgy black hair, the "Autobiography" album on repeat in every car, and that infamous SNL moment. But if you haven’t checked in on her lately, the 2026 version of Ashlee is a far cry from the tabloid-heavy days of the early aughts. Actually, she’s become one half of one of the most stable, surprisingly low-key power couples in Hollywood.
Ashlee Simpson and husband Evan Ross have been married for over eleven years now. In "celebrity years," that’s basically a lifetime.
They didn't just survive the spotlight; they kind of thrived in it by doing things their own way. While other famous couples are busy dodging divorce rumors or staging "paparazzi walks," Ashlee and Evan are busy raising a blended family and, as of this year, judging reality competitions on Netflix. It’s a weirdly wholesome pivot for two people who grew up in the shadows of absolute legends—Jessica Simpson and Diana Ross.
The Night Everything Changed at a Birthday Party
It sounds like a cliché movie script. They met at a friend’s birthday party back in 2013. At the time, Ashlee was navigating life as a single mom after her divorce from Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz. Evan, the son of the iconic Diana Ross and a successful actor in his own right (you probably remember him from The Hunger Games or ATL), wasn't exactly looking for a whirlwind romance.
But it happened fast. Like, really fast.
They started dating in July 2013. By January 2014, they were engaged. By August of that same year, they were standing at the altar. People were skeptical. The internet was convinced it was a rebound or a "honeymoon phase" that would fizzle out once the reality of blending families set in.
Honestly? They proved everyone wrong.
The wedding itself was a bohemian fever dream at Diana Ross’s estate in Connecticut. Imagine dreamcatchers, vintage fabrics, and a crop-top lace wedding dress. Diana Ross didn't just host; she officiated the ceremony and sang "Endless Love." If that doesn't set a high bar for a marriage, nothing will.
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Growing Up in Public (And Staying Sane)
One reason they "get" each other is that they both know what it’s like to be "the sibling" or "the child of." Ashlee spent years being compared to her sister Jessica. Evan grew up with the most famous mother in music history.
There's a specific kind of pressure that comes with that. You’re always trying to carve out an identity while the world expects you to be a carbon copy of someone else.
Instead of letting that pressure break them, they used it as a bridge. They’ve been incredibly vocal about being "best friends" first. It sounds corny, but Ashlee recently mentioned that they call each other constantly throughout the day. Even when Evan was recently away filming in Arkansas, they were reportedly on the phone every two seconds. It’s that "obsessed with each other" energy that usually dies out after year three, yet here they are in 2026, still acting like newlyweds.
The Blended Family Dynamic
Building a life together meant more than just a marriage license; it meant merging two worlds for their kids. They currently share three children:
- Bronx Mowgli Wentz: Ashlee’s oldest son (with Pete Wentz), who is now 17 and reportedly a gifted guitarist.
- Jagger Snow Ross: Their first daughter together, born in 2015.
- Ziggy Blu Ross: Their youngest son, born in 2020.
What’s interesting is how they handle the co-parenting side of things. You don't see the drama. There are no messy Instagram captions aimed at exes. Instead, they’ve created this massive, artistic support system. Even Evan’s sisters, like Tracee Ellis Ross, are constantly in the mix. It feels less like a Hollywood "arrangement" and more like a genuine family unit.
Ashlee Simpson and Husband: The 2026 Comeback
If you think they’re just sitting at home, you’re wrong. 2026 is actually a massive year for them professionally.
Ashlee finally returned to the stage with her "I Am Me" residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. It was originally supposed to be a short run, but the demand was so high they had to add more dates through January. Evan has been her biggest cheerleader, often spotted in the wings or sneaking a kiss on stage during the show.
Beyond the music, they’ve just landed a high-profile gig as judges on Netflix's Is It Cake? season 10. They’re appearing alongside Casey Wilson and David Caspe, bringing their "cool parents" vibe to the screen. It’s a smart move—it keeps them in the public eye without the intrusive nature of their old 2018 reality show, Ashlee + Evan.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Relationship
The biggest misconception is that their marriage is easy because they have famous families and money. Sure, the resources help. But having Diana Ross as a mother-in-law probably comes with its own unique set of stresses!
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The real "secret" they swear by is radical honesty. They talk about everything. They also collaborate on everything—from their unisex clothing line with Zadig & Voltaire to their joint EP. Most couples would kill each other if they had to work together that much. For them, it seems to be the glue.
They also don't try to hide their pasts. Ashlee is proud of her Autobiography era, and Evan is proud of his acting roots. They allow each other to evolve. As Ashlee told People magazine, the key is meeting each other at whatever "level" they happen to be at that year. People change. Relationships only last if you’re willing to change with the person you’re with.
How to Apply the "Ross-Simpson" Philosophy to Your Own Life
You don't need a Las Vegas residency or a famous last name to make a relationship work, but you can definitely steal a few pages from their playbook:
- Prioritize the Friendship: If you aren't calling each other to share the boring details of your day, you might be losing that "best friend" connection they credit for their decade-plus success.
- Support the Side Hustle: Evan was in the front row for Ashlee’s rehearsals when he had never seen her do a full set before. Showing up for your partner’s passions—even if you've seen them a million times—matters.
- Embrace the Blended: If you're in a blended family, focus on the "team" aspect. The Ross-Simpson crew succeeds because they treat Bronx, Jagger, and Ziggy as one unit, regardless of the last name.
- Don't Fear the Pivot: They moved from reality TV to music to fashion to judging cake competitions. Don't be afraid to change the "brand" of your relationship as you get older.
The story of Ashlee Simpson and husband Evan Ross isn't a tabloid drama anymore. It’s a blueprint for how to actually stay together in a world that’s constantly waiting for you to fall apart.