Like most stars, Jessica Simpson lives the sought-after life many would envy.

She was first discovered by Columbia Records when she was sixteen, which “launched her career” with her hit songs “Sweet Kisses” and “I wanna Love You Forever” (Cinemaholic). Simpson entered the entertainment industry with her husband Nick Lachey, together starring in an MTV reality show, “Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica” (Vulture). Unfortunately the two divorced in 2006, though Simpson would remarry in 2014. Despite the breakup she went on to make her movie debut as she starred in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” later starring in four more movies. According to Showbiz, Simpson even began her own retail brand: The Jessica Simpson Collection. Her fashion line was carried by Macy’s, Dillards, and Nordstrom. 

Celebrity Net Worth reports that Simpson’s contributions to the music, entertainment, and fashion industry gives her a combined net worth of over $150 million. Simpson’s success, along with her three children and happy marriage to Eric Johnson, makes it seem as if she had the perfect life. However, the release of her new memoir reveals an entire past of hardship.

Simpson’s memoir, Open Book, provides an intimate description of trauma, insecurity and addiction. Readers learn that Simpson was sexually abused at the age of six when she stayed in the home of a family friend. She shares that the experience led her into addiction as she began self-medicating using alcohol and pills (CNN). 

The memoir frequently mentions Simpson’s “glittercup,” which was constantly filled to the brim with vodka and flavored Perrier. Simpson writes that “[she] relied on alcohol to mask [her] nerves,” drinking to combat tremors and anxiety. “I had started a spiral and I couldn’t catch up with myself,” Simpson explains, “… and that was with alcohol” (Open Book).

By the November of 2017, Simpson had overcome her alcohol addiction. She made the choice to become sober on Halloween, in a particularly bad drinking episode. According to Showbiz, Simpson was “‘freaked out’ at the possibility of her kids seeing her in such bad shape,” and she was unable to dress them in their Halloween costumes.

The morning after, Simpson was determined to give up drinking, if not for herself, then for her family. “I had to give [drinking] up,” Simpson said. “I’m not going to miss another day. I’m not going to miss another Halloween. I’m not going to miss another Christmas. I’m going to be present” (Open Book).

Upon hearing about Jessica Simpson, Bella Saucedo (9) says that “celebrities that try their hardest to improve… for those around them and for themselves are admirable. It isn’t easy but with… effort [celebrities] can truly make a change and motivate others that struggle.”