Nick Lachey says running into ex-wife Jessica Simpson on a flight after 20 years was 'strangely ok'

Lachey was with his wife and children on the plane while Simpson was travelling with her mother and children

Nick Lachey is opening up about an unexpected reunion with ex-wife Jessica Simpson nearly two decades after their divorce.

During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Lachey revealed that he and Simpson recently found themselves on the same six-and-a-half-hour flight to Hawaii, their first in-person encounter in about 20 years.

“It was strangely OK,” Lachey said, explaining that the situation felt cordial and respectful despite their complicated history. He added that everyone involved handled the surprise reunion with maturity.

Lachey was traveling with his wife, Vanessa Lachey, and their three children. Simpson was reportedly traveling with her mother, Tina Simpson, and her children.

The former couple married in 2002 and became household names through the hit Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. Their highly publicised relationship ended in 2006.

Since then, both stars have moved on and started families of their own. Lachey has been married to Vanessa since 2011, while Simpson announced her separation from former NFL player Eric Johnson in 2025.

Although the chance encounter could have been awkward, Lachey said the moment was surprisingly peaceful, suggesting that time has helped both of them put the past behind them.