Amy Earnhardt, wife of well-known race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, has revealed that she has carried a grudge against pop singer Jessica Simpson for almost twenty years. The revelation, centered on a claim that Simpson once expressed interest in Dale Earnhardt Jr, was discussed during a recent episode of the couple’s podcast “Bless Your ‘Hardt.”
Podcast Details Unfold the Decades-Old Dispute
During the February 5 episode of their show, Amy, who began dating Dale Earnhardt Jr in the late 2000s, recalled an incident at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. At that time, Jessica Simpson was also present at the racing venue. Amy shared that she had been eager to meet Simpson, noting they were both from Texas and close in age, but Dale Earnhardt Jr suggested that an introduction
“might not be a good idea”
due to an awkward situation.
The tension emerged after Amy was shown an interview clip in which Simpson, then in her late twenties, allegedly mentioned,
“she had a dream that she and Dale Jr. got married in a treehouse.”
The implication of romantic interest, whether playful or not, set the stage for Amy’s lingering irritation.
Amy Earnhardt’s Memories and Reaction
Amy reflected on her reaction to the situation at the time, expressing her frustration with a mix of humor and sincerity. She remembered jokingly warning Dale not to bring Simpson over, citing a strong feeling of protectiveness over their new relationship.
She was f***ing trying to fish my man!
– Amy Earnhardt, Wife of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Amy shared that her admiration for Simpson quickly faded following the incident. She went on to say she stopped buying Simpson’s line of shoes and handbags, highlighting the impact the moment had on her opinion and shopping habits. She humorously speculated that Simpson’s dream about Dale Earnhardt Jr conveniently fit with his interest in building a treehouse.
I had a dream! We’re meant to be together.
– Amy Earnhardt, Wife of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Context from Both Families and the Timeframe
The timeline of Amy’s memory dates back to 2008 or 2009, when she was just beginning her relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. The Earnhardts married in 2016 and are parents to daughters Isla, seven, and Nicole, five. Jessica Simpson, for her part, had gone through high-profile relationships around this period. She was married to Nick Lachey between 2002 and 2006, and around the time of Amy’s story, she was romantically tied with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Simpson would later marry former NFL player Eric Johnson, with whom she shares three children: Maxwell, Birdie, and Ace.
Dale Earnhardt Jr, well known in the racing world, and Amy, who hosts the family podcast, have continued to discuss personal moments publicly, offering fans a candid look into their lives. During the podcast, Dale himself noted that Simpson would likely dispute Amy’s interpretation of the story, suggesting the possibility of misunderstanding or exaggeration over the years.
Jessica Simpson’s Side and Later Developments
Jessica Simpson’s career and relationships have remained in the spotlight. She married Eric Johnson, a player who had stints with both the 49ers and the New Orleans Saints, after her previous marriage ended. Simpson and Johnson’s marriage came to an end in early 2025, as revealed when Simpson confirmed that the couple had been living apart and working through a challenging period in their lives. In a statement at the time, Simpson said,
“Eric and I have been living separately, navigating a painful situation in our marriage.”
Simpson has also discussed her professional comeback and personal struggles, sharing online that her return to music was deeply personal and served as an apology to herself for tolerating past difficulties. She and Johnson continue to co-parent their children as their family dynamics evolve.
Reflecting on the Ongoing Grudge
The anecdote shared by Amy Earnhardt highlights how minor interactions can create lasting impressions and shape personal dynamics, even years later. Although both Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jessica Simpson have had significant changes in their lives since the alleged incident, the playful but persistent grudge reveals the human side of public figures. The story, now out in the open, adds a layer to the public narratives of both the Earnhardt and Simpson families, offering fans insight into the challenges and humor found in their personal lives.
