United Kingdom, Feb. 19 -- Eric Johnson "will always be" part of Jessica Simpson's life.

The 44-year-old pop star recently announced her separation from Eric, 45, but Jessica has insisted that her estranged husband is "still very much a part of [her] life".

Reflecting on their separation, Jessica told PEOPLE: "I've grown up so much. I can handle so much.

"Maybe I'm just meant to love a lot of people in my life."

Jessica has Maxwell, 12, Ace, 11 and Birdie, five, with Eric, and in spite of their separation, the blonde beauty still considers herself to be "one of the lucky ones".

Jessica - who married the former NFL star back in 2014 - said: "I don't know why my heart gets tossed around but I'm one of the lucky ones. At least I have my...