By MICHAEL GLYNN
and HAL LIFSON
Ashlee Simpson has told
her father to "butt out"of
her relationship with hunky
band member Braxton Olita.
Pals say the perky pop star
considers herself "pre-engaged"
to 20-year-old Braxton, who plays
guitar in her backup band. The
pair have been dating since late
last fall.
Rumors are swirling that
manager-dad Joe Simpson's
meddling was a factor in big
sister Jessica's split with Nick
Lachey, but Ashlee's not going to
tolerate any interference.
"Ashlee loves her dad dearly, but
she's fiercely independent, and she
is determined to live her own life
separate from her parents," said a
close family friend.
Sources say it's only a matter
of time before Ashlee, 21, and
Braxton tie the knot. "There's no date or ring yet, but there's a deep
commitment," said the friend.
"When Joe suggested his younger
daughter play the field, she held up
her hand and told him to back off.
"Now that she and Braxton are
talking marriage, she's giving her
father advance warning that his
advice is one wedding present she
can live without."
"Ashlee's never been a pushover
for her parents," said another close
source. "She's pretty much told Joe
he can like it or lump it."
