Jessica Simpson compares love split to a death

Jessica Simpson says love splits are like "a death in the family".

The singer-and-actress, who was dumped by American football star Tony Romo last month, grieved when her marriage to Nick Lachey officially ended in 2006.

She said: "You go through the mourning stage, then the rebellion, and then all of a sudden you have to find life by yourself. Once you do that, you feel complete - and that's the only time you can truly fall in love again, and give yourself over completely to another person. It's like a death in the family."

Even though Jessica was left heartbroken by the divorce, the 29-year-old blonde beauty still believes in true love and would "definitely" be willing to tie the knot again.

She said: "I loved everything about marriage. I loved having a companion to wake up with and have barbecues with. But things happen and people grow apart. I don't really ever talk about the divorce because it was a heart-wrenching thing to go through. It's a very, very personal thing."

In an interview conducted shortly before she parted ways with Tony, Jessica insisted she will always have feelings for the handsome athlete.

She told America's Glamour magazine: "If this article comes out and we're not together, I'd still love him, and he'd still be a huge part of who I am today.

"Tony never ever places judgement. You can just relax and feel beautiful. He's just that type of person."

Tony is believed to have ended their romance on July 9 - the night before Jessica's birthday. The pair began dating in November 2007.