Ashlee Simpson doesn’t just have a music icon as a mother-in-law, she has a true supporter in Diana Ross. “She’s got my back no matter what,” Simpson said of the legendary singer. “And her Vegas shows are fabulous.”
Married to Evan Ross since 2014, Simpson has become a part of one of entertainment’s most iconic families. With her own return to the stage, launching her ‘I Am Me’ Las Vegas residency at the Venetian Resort’s Voltaire nightclub, she knew exactly who to turn to for advice.
“I mean, Mama D always has the best advice,” Simpson told the publication. “I think her best advice is staying true to yourself, staying true to your instincts.”
Diana Ross, 81, has dazzled audiences in Las Vegas for decades, including performances at the very venue where Simpson is now headlining. That full-circle moment hasn’t been lost on the ‘Pieces of Me’ singer, who is stepping back into the spotlight after nearly two decades away from full solo sets.
© George PimentelHer family moments:
Simpson’s return isn’t just about reliving past hits, but it’s about sharing them with a new audience, starting with her 10-year-old daughter, Jagger.
“She’s always listening to ‘L.O.V.E.’ and stuff with her friends,” Simpson said. “The fact that my daughter and her friends are revisiting this music, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, what a moment.’”
© Stefanie KeenanThat enthusiasm helped fuel Simpson’s decision to launch ‘I Am Me,’ named after her 2005 sophomore album. “She actually just came to my rehearsal the other day, and she was like, ‘Mom, you sound so good.’ For me, that’s everything.”
Motherhood and music have always been intertwined for Simpson. “She’s definitely influenced me to get up here and go again,” she said of Jagger. “We dance together, we get free, we let our bodies go. We do our little modern dances. We sing together. So I’m definitely looking forward to making her proud.”
© Axelle/Bauer-GriffinInside her successful marriage:
As she celebrates her stage comeback, Simpson is also celebrating something deeply personal, her 11th wedding anniversary with Evan Ross.
The milestone coincided with her second Vegas performance on August 30, turning the show into a celebration on two fronts. “We’re definitely going to celebrate that night, and we have the family coming,” Simpson shared ahead of opening night. “After the show, it’ll be all about us.”
© Rich FuryShe also talked about the secret to keeping their marriage solid after more than a decade. “I think we’re just very open and honest,” she said. “I mean, we’re best friends and I think that that is what keeps our relationship strong.”
That foundation of friendship has helped them navigate both life and careers. “We continue to grow together,” Simpson adds. “And as we change or do different things in our lives, we meet each other at that place and at that level.”
© Paul ArchuletaRoss was right there supporting Simpson through her return to the stage. “Evan’s never seen me do a whole set,” Simpson revealed. “He is like, ‘Whoa, I’m seeing a different you.’ And for me, that’s really fun.”
Even when apart, the couple stays closely connected. “I think it’s shocking to people how much we call each other in a day,” she says. “He just was away filming a movie in Arkansas. We were still on the phone every two seconds.”
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