Nick Lachey is more than the hunky designer handbag who once hung on the arm of his famous Hollywood star ex-wife Jessica Simpson.
Often referred to as Simpson's ultimate red carpet accessory, Lachey is now a lone entity.
After four years of marriage the pair's highly public separation last November officially ended in divorce in July.
And, if you believe the tabloids, the demise of their relationship was due to Simpson earning more than her hubby and Lachey's jealousy at her star rising higher and quicker than his.
But the real reason is anyone's guess and likely never to be revealed.
Lachey, in Australia to promote his latest album What's Left of Me, says he has finally found resolution.
"My favourite track on the album is a song called Resolution, purely because it's saying 'all right, it's time to let go of all that and all those emotions and it's time to move on'," the 32-year-old said.
Lachey met Simpson, 26, at a charity event in 1998. She was performing alongside his American boy band 98 Degrees.
The pair quickly became an item and in February 2002 Lachey chartered a yacht in Hawaii and proposed to Simpson.
On October 26 that year, the lovebirds wed in a lavish ceremony in Texas.
Lachey said it had been hard to cope with the failure of his marriage.
"That was a hard time and one of the hardest (in my life) for sure."
The last year has been chaotic for the star.
"It's been up and down, a whirlwind year and I am happy that I came out on the other side," he smiled.
"I feel like I have a whole new lease on life - an album I am really proud of and my personal life is in a great place. For me, it's all about looking forward and working hard at what I am doing."
Lachey says he's dealt with the heartache by focusing on his music.
"In a lot of ways when you go through something like that (divorce), it's important to get that stuff out and express those emotions.
"Some people do that through therapy, counselling or whatever. For me, my music was my therapy, which was very healthy for me and certainly a lot cheaper then counselling."
His new album showcases the raw emotion and turmoil of his split - and Lachey offers no apologies.
The first single, What's Left of Me, has peaked at number eight on Australia's ARIA charts.
"I really didn't care (what Simpson or others felt)," he said.
"In order for me to make a great album I had to be honest with myself and my feelings.
"I feel like I did an honest record."
The constant pressure of the paparazzi's prying lens annoys Lachey, but he accepts it's part of the job.
"You certainly can't pretend that you don't understand why there is an interest level there (with the couple's relationship).
"You try to (cope) and ignore it as best you can. You can't control what they do and if you allow yourself to be consumed by it you aren't living your life anymore, you are living the life they want you to live.
"I refuse to do that."
Born in Harlan, Kentucky, Lachey attended Cincinnati's exclusive public school for creative and performing arts.
After graduating from high school, the sports-mad student began studying sports medicine at Miami University, but dropped out to follow his singing dreams.
"At university I was trying to be an athletic trainer, taking care of athletes when they are hurt. Other than music, sports is my real passion and I have started to do a bit of sports stuff in the States."
Lachey says he loves the exhilarating feeling of performing live on stage.
"That's my favourite part about the music business, performing and creating something live every night. It's a lot of fun," he said.
"We are still developing the show, but it's going to be a real musical show, with organic rock and roll driven in it, but intimate."
The down-to-earth star says he hopes to return to Australia to tour sometime in the future.
Although tired after writing this album, he says he has plenty left to give.
"I like to think there is lots left of me.
"But, I am so emotionally drained after this one I haven't thought that far ahead."
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