From innocent pop princess to VH1 reality host, we look back at Simpson’s ups and downs. By Jocelyn Vena Jessica Simpson Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images A lot has happened to Jessica Simpson since she bounced on the scene with her 1999 debut album Sweet Kisses. While recording music, starring in movies and designing her own brand of clothing, Simpson has also been the constant subject of tabloid rumors and public debate over her image. And before we watch her return to reality TV on Monday night (March 15) with her show, “The Price of Beauty,” on VH1, MTV News decided to take a look back at the highs and lows of her career and personal life so far. November 23, 1999 : Simpson released her debut album, Sweet Kisses . Branded as a cleaner-cut pop star than cotemporaries Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, the 19-year-old didn’t roll around in the sand or get her Lolita on in schoolgirl uniforms. Simpson became the pop-star-next-door thanks to her ballad, “I Wanna Love You Forever,” followed by her duet with Nick Lachey “Where Are You.” The Evolution Of: Jessica Simpson 1999 : She began dating Lachey after touring with his band, 98 Degrees. They broke up after two years, only to reunite in late 2001. June 5, 2001 : Simpson released sophomore album Irresistible, which spawned only two singles, including the title track. October 26, 2002 : Simpson married Lachey, maintaining her good-girl image by sharing that she saved her virginity until her wedding day. Summer 2003 : The pair were one of the first celebrity couples to make a reality show out of their everyday lives with “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica.” Simpson became a household name after blithely pondering the nature of her Chicken of the Sea tuna. At the same time, Simpson finally sexed up her image for her album In This Skin, which featured a more grown-up sound than her previous efforts. She had hits with singles “With You” and “Take My Breath Away.” March 30, 2005 : Simpson and Lachey wrapped up their show. August 5, 2005 : She put on her short shorts to play the role of Daisy Duke in the big-screen adaptation of “Dukes of Hazzard,” alongside Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott. December 2005 : Simpson filed for divorce , which was finalized in late 2006. Her subsequent love life became a tabloid staple as she was linked to Dane Cook, Adam Levine, John Mayer and Tony Romo. August 2006- May 2007 : Simpson and Mayer dated on and off in a relationship closely chronicled by gossip pages. Mayer would later describe Simpson as “sexual napalm.” October 6, 2006 : Simpson released the comedy “Employee of the Month.” During filming, rumors persisted that she was dating co-star Dane Cook. November 2007-July 2009 : Simpson dated Dallas Cowboy Tony Romo for nearly two years. During their time together, she became known as a jinx for his team. It was eventually reported that Romo broke up with Simpson the night before her 29th birthday. December 2007 : Simpson’s movie “Blonde Ambition,” co-starring Luke Wilson, came out. February 3, 2009 : Simpson continued acting with the straight-to-DVD release of “Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous.” August 26, 2006 : Simpson released her album A Public Affair, and projected a fun, carefree attitude in the Brett Ratner-directed video for the single of the same name, featuring her roller-skating with her girlfriends. September 9, 2008 : A Texas girl at heart, Simpson attempted to cross over into country music with Do You Know. January- March 2009 : While touring with Rascal Flatts, Simpson received backlash for her reported weight gain. April 2009 : Simpson parted ways with record label Sony Nashville. Late 2009 : Inspired by the criticism she received for her appearance, Simpson began filming her reality show, “The Price of Beauty.” February- March 2010 : Simpson shared her reaction to Mayer’s Playboy quotes on a number of talk shows.. Most recently she told “The View” that she wouldn’t be giving him her napalm ever again. Meanwhile, she wouldn’t confirm or deny rumors she’s dating Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. March 15, 2010, at 10 p.m. : The premiere of “The Price of Beauty,” in which Simpson she travels the globe to find out what cultures outside of the U.S. consider beautiful. She has even recorded a new song for the show, with Corgan’s help. Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: Jessica Simpson Related Photos The Evolution Of: Jessica Simpson Related Artists Jessica Simpson
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Jessica Simpson’s Career (And Personal) Timeline
