Ashlee Simpson, Pete Wentz expecting child

Musicians Ashlee Simpson (R) and husband Pete Wentz attend the premiere of ''Cloverfield'' in Los Angeles January 16, 2008. Simpson and Wentz are expecting their first child, the couple said on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Singer Ashlee Simpson and her husband, rocker Pete Wentz, are expecting their first child, the couple said on Wednesday.

"While many have speculated about this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm that we are expecting our first child. This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family," the couple said in a message posted on the social networking Web site friendsorenemies.com.

Simpson and Wentz announced their engagement in April and married this month. They have been romantically linked since 2006.

Simpson, 23, released her third music album, "Bittersweet World," in April. She is the younger sister of singer and actress Jessica Simpson.

Wentz, 28, co-founded the band Fall Out Boy in 2001. The band has since built a loyal following with albums like its popular 2005 release "From Under the Cork Tree."

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, editing by JoAnne Allen)