Jessica loses her voice?

It’s the day before the release of her highly anticipated new album, A Public Affair, but instead of shouting from the rooftops and celebrating, Jessica Simpson is laid up in a New York hotel room. In Touchhas learned exclusively that the singer has lost her voice — and she’s devastated about it!

The 26-year-old has been forced to cancel appearances on Today, TRL and The Late Show with David Letterman, and flew into NYC a day early in order to see a voice specialist. After examining her, the doctor warned her that she wasn’t allowed to talk, and that if she did she could risk ruining her voice for good.

A pal says Jessica feels fine physically, but is down about the timing of her illness, and has been using a note pad and pen to communicate with friends and colleagues.

Her spokesman confirms that the Dukes of Hazzard star is having throat trouble. “She’s on total vocal rest and some of her appearances have been delayed,” he says.

That’s awful! =( Hope you feel better soon Jess!