Jessica Simpson says Eric Johnson "will always be" part of her life after she announced their separation last month. The singer, who is releasing her new music this week, reflected on her former relationship with Johnson in an exclusive interview with People in this week's issue, and opened up about how music has healed her.

"I don’t know why my heart gets tossed around but I’m one of the lucky ones," Jessica Simpson tells PEOPLE. "At least I have my children and I still have Eric. He's still very much a part of my life and will always be.

Jessica Simpson has new music coming, and the singer says its helping to heal her heart. Simpson’s “Use My Heart Against Me” will debut this week, the first song off her upcoming “Nashville Canyon: Part 1” project.