Jessica Simpson's debut single, "Use My Heart Against Me," from her latest EP, Nashville Canyon: Part 1, is set to release this week, merely a month after she publicly announced the conclusion of her decade-long marriage to Eric Johnson, with whom she has three cherished children. In this edition of PEOPLE, the 44-year-old star opens up about how crafting fresh music in Nashville served as a balm for her broken heart, and she shares the melodies that ignited her rediscovery of her own vocal prowess.
"I've matured so much. I can tackle so many challenges now," she asserts. "Perhaps my destiny is to love abundantly throughout my life."
"I'm unclear why my heart endures such turmoil, but I'm among the fortunate ones," Simpson ponders. "At least I have my children, and Eric remains a significant part of my life, forever etched within it."
Currently, they jointly nurture their three kids—Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11, and Birdie, 5—who all spent time at their rented abode in Franklin, Tennessee, nestled just outside Nashville, while their mother labored over the EP, a compilation of five soul-stirring and rockabilly-infused tracks. The complete EP will hit the shelves on March 21.
"Uncovering this music was a personal journey for me," Simpson confides to PEOPLE. "Thankfully, I had Nashville. It symbolized my self-ownership and bold declaration."
Furthermore, she reflects on her transformation from a burgeoning pop star to the woman she is today. "I am now an autonomous woman, free to pursue my desires and enjoy liberty in music—I believe that's the essence you'll perceive in Nashville Canyon," she adds.
