Entertainment Music Jessica Simpson's Father Joe Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, But Remains 'Optimistic' A rep for Joe Simpson confirmed to PEOPLE that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is in recovery By Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble is a Senior Digital News Editor and the Sports Editor for PEOPLE Digital. She's worked at PEOPLE for over seven years as a writer, reporter and editor across our Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams, covering everything from the Super Bowl to the Met Gala. She's been nominated for the ASME NEXT Awards for Journalists Under 30, and previously wrote for Us Weekly while on staff at Wenner Media. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 14, 2016 05:05 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Joe Simpson, the father of Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is in recovery, his rep confirms to PEOPLE exclusively. Simpson was initially diagnosed two months ago, and subsequently had prostate surgery. Doctors have said that the operation went well, and Simpson is already back at work and eating healthier. Now working as a photographer, Simpson is currently heading to Japan to shoot the cover of Nation-Alist magazine and work on several other campaigns. “He’s feeling great now and is optimistic,” a source close to Simpson tells PEOPLE. “He’s felt so much love and support from his family and friends.” RELATED VIDEO: Jessica Simpson Reveals How She Keeps the Spark in Her Marriage Alive Simpson’s family has been supportive of the 58-year-old — especially in his new endeavor. Both of Simpson’s famous daughters attended the opening of Dream Works, his first-ever photography gallery exhibit, in Los Angeles earlier this year. Of photography, Simpson told PEOPLE at the time, “There is something about taking pictures that makes me happy, and it has always been a hobby for me.”