Jessica Simpson, who is currently filming her new movie in the state of New Mexico, was honored at a special dinner with the state’s governor on Thursday night, reports People magazine.Gov. Bill Richardson and his wife Barbara hosted Jessica and her parents, Joe and Tina, at the governor’s mansion.

Jessica is currently on location shooting Employee of the Month in Santa Fe with costars Dane Cook, Dax Shepard and Efren Ramirez.

Jessica’s dad Joe, who serves as one of the producers, said of his daughter’s role:  “This time she’s not a sex kitten … she’s a cashier at Wal-Mart – it’s a good change.”

People reports that Jessica wore a lavender leather jacket and tight jeans to the dinner and was also joined by her costar, Dane Cook.