Britney Spears has had a rollercoaster ride in both her career and personal life throughout the years. She showcased her impressive singing talent at the young age of 10 on the singing competition Star Search in 1992. After appearing on The Mickey Mouse Club, she went on to sign a record contract with Jive Records in 1997, which paved the way for her to dominate the music charts with her chart-topping hits.
Spears' soaring popularity brought increased scrutiny to her personal life. In October 2004, she tied the knot with her backup dancer Kevin Federline following a whirlwind romance. The couple later became parents to sons Sean Preston and Jayden James.
In 2007, Spears made headlines for a highly publicized breakdown, resulting in a temporary loss of primary custody for her children. Additionally, in February 2008, she was placed under a legal conservatorship, granting her father, Jamie Spears, authority over her finances and well-being.
Scroll through to relive the highs and lows of Britney's journey, as Hulu reignited public fascination with her conservatorship through the release of the episode "Framing Britney Spears" in February 2021. Finally, in November 2021, the conservatorship was formally terminated by a judge.
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Britney Spears’ Ups and Downs Over the Years
Britney Spears’ career and personal life have faced a series of ups and downs over the years.
At the age of 10 in 1992, Spears initially displayed her vocal talents on the singing competition Star Search. After a brief stint on The Mickey Mouse Club, she inked a record contract with Jive Records in 1997, resulting in the creation of several chart-topping hits.
With the rise of Spears' fame came increased scrutiny on her private life. In October 2004, after a whirlwind romance, she tied the knot with her backup dancer Kevin Federline. Together, they went on to have sons named Sean Preston and Jayden James.
In 2007, Spears became the center of attention due to a highly-publicized breakdown, resulting in a temporary loss of primary custody of her children. Subsequently, she was placed under a legal conservatorship in February 2008, granting her father, Jamie Spears, authority over her finances and well-being.
Hulu's release of an episode titled "Framing Britney Spears" in February 2021 reignited public fascination with her conservatorship. Eventually, in November 2021, a judge officially ended the conservatorship.
Scroll through to revisit Britney's ups and downs:
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1993
Britney made her debut on The All New Mickey Mouse Club with Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling and future boyfriend Justin Timberlake.
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1998
Following the conclusion of The Mickey Mouse Club, Spears, at 15 years old, entered into a record deal with Jive Records. She unveiled her inaugural single, "... Baby One More Time," in October 1998. In anticipation of its 20th anniversary, Britney expressed to The Guardian in August 2018, "I was aware it was an exceptional track. The song stood out to me, and I absolutely adored it."
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2002
Britney and Timberlake's relationship was once the talk of Hollywood, but it all came crashing down when rumors of the "Lucky" singer's infidelity emerged. In response, Timberlake poured his heart into writing his single "Cry Me a River," a song that seemed to be about Britney's betrayal. The music video even featured a look-alike of the talented singer.
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2003
As Britney’s image continued to get sexier, she made headlines for kissing Madonna during the opening of the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.
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2004
The pop icon made headlines in 2004 when she tied the knot with her childhood friend Jason Alexander in a whirlwind Las Vegas wedding. However, their union was short-lived as their marriage was annulled a mere 55 hours later. Not deterred by the setback, Britney found love in the arms of her backup dancer Kevin Federline. Their relationship blossomed quickly, resulting in an engagement after just three months of dating. The couple even shared their journey on the reality series Britney & Kevin: Chaotic. Ultimately, they exchanged vows at their residence in September 2004.
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2006
Britney made headlines in February 2006 for driving with her infant son, Sean Preston, on her lap instead of securing him in a car seat. Less than a year after giving birth, she expressed concern for their safety due to the aggressive paparazzi. In a statement, Britney stated that she took immediate action to ensure the safety of herself and her baby, but the paparazzi persisted in following them. She emphasized her love for her child and her determination to do whatever it takes to protect him.
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2006
In September 2006, Britney and Federline joyfully welcomed their second son, Jayden. However, their happiness was short-lived as the couple decided to part ways just three months later. Filing for divorce from the rapper in November 2006, the Crossroads actress cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. Throughout that same year, Britney garnered attention for her active social life in Los Angeles, frequently spotted partying alongside famous figures like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. This caused quite a stir, with December 2006 seeing numerous photos capturing these outings.
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2007
In 2007, Britney experienced a major turning point when the media caught her in the act of shaving her head at a hair salon and later assaulting a photographer's car with an umbrella. It was rumored that her actions were a result of battling addiction, an undisclosed mental illness, and an acrimonious custody dispute with Federline.
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2007
After months of setbacks, Britney was criticized for her attempt at a comeback while performing “Gimme More” at the 2007 VMAs.
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2008
The artist known as the "Slumber Party" singer was admitted to the hospital in early 2008, undergoing a thorough assessment during a 72-hour period, commonly referred to as a 5150 hold. It is worth noting that her father, Jamie, assumed the role of her conservator during this time.
By the year's end, Britney delighted her fans with the release of her sixth studio album, Circus. Notably, the artist's demeanor seemed more upbeat as she embarked on the highly successful Circus Tour, which now stands as her highest-grossing tour.
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2013
Following the launch of her seventh and eighth studio albums, Femme Fatale and Britney Jean, respectively, the pop legend revealed that she had secured a Las Vegas residency. The residency, called Britney: Piece of Me, made its debut at Planet Hollywood in December 2013. Originally planned for a two-year run, the immensely popular show exceeded expectations and ran for a remarkable four years, ultimately concluding in December 2017.
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2018
Britney and Federline's relationship made headlines once again when he requested additional child support following Britney's successful Vegas residency. A source exclusively told Us that Britney is frustrated with Kevin asking for more money because she already covers all expenses and considers their boys her top priority. She is an exceptional mother.
In September 2018, the former couple reached a new agreement where Britney, who starred in Crossroads, agreed to pay the DJ an extra $15,000 per month, in addition to the original $20,000 monthly support.
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2019
Britney announced she was going on an indefinite work hiatus — and putting her second Las Vegas residency titled Domination — on hold after her father, Jamie, fell ill.
"I am currently devoting all my attention and effort towards taking care of my family. Our bond is incredibly special, and it is important for me to be there for them, just as they have always been there for me," she explained in a statement to Us in January 2019. "I want to express my gratitude to all my fans for their continuous love and support during this period. I am sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused, and I eagerly anticipate the moment when I can return to the stage and perform for all of you."
Almost three months later, several sources confirmed to Us that the celebrity sought treatment at a mental health facility due to concerns surrounding Jamie's illness.
Britney is currently at a wellness center that focuses on promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. According to an insider, she will be staying there for a few weeks. It is worth mentioning that her sons are currently under the full-time care of their dad, Kevin, during this period.
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2020
The content remains the same:
The former X Factor judge requested to have her father permanently removed as her conservator in August 2020, in favor of having Montgomery become her sole care manager. Her lawyer, Samuel Ingham, told the court that she "strongly opposed" having Jamie return in the role.
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2021
In June 2021, Britney made a powerful statement to the court, revealing shocking details about her 13-year conservatorship. She expressed feeling trapped and controlled by her father, disclosing that she had been forced to take lithium against her will, among other things. She candidly confessed that she was truly unhappy, unable to sleep, and overwhelmed with anger. Tearfully, she admitted crying every day.
Furthermore, Britney disclosed her desire to expand her family by having another child. However, she shared that her conservators had denied her access to medical care, preventing her from removing her IUD. She passionately expressed her longing to marry and become a mother, but was repeatedly told that the conservatorship prevented her from pursuing these dreams.
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2021
In August 2021, Us confirmed that Britney was under investigation for battery after her housekeeper claimed that the performer slapped a cell phone out of her hands.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office informed Us that the reported altercation took place at the California residence of the Grammy winner. They further confirmed that no injuries were reported during that incident.
In response to the accusations, Britney's attorney, Mathew Rosengart, issued a statement addressing the matter to Us.
"This is nothing more than exaggerated sensational tabloid gossip, a fabricated 'he said, she said' scenario involving a cell phone. There is no evidence of any physical altercation or injury," he emphasized. "Anyone can hurl an accusation, but this matter should have been promptly dismissed."
The next day, TMZ disclosed that the alleged incident supposedly revolved around the housekeeper's worries regarding Britney's dogs.
After enlisting the help of a dog sitter to accompany them to the veterinary clinic, the singer soon discovered that the animals had mysteriously vanished. Upon inquiring about their location, Britney was informed by the housekeeper that she had expressed concerns over the dogs' potential neglect, leading to an alleged altercation.
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2021
The "Lucky" singer, Britney, made a stunning announcement in September 2021 about her engagement to her long-term boyfriend, Sam Asghari. Their paths crossed in 2016 on the set of her "Slumber Party" music video. Britney exuberantly expressed her disbelief on Instagram, as she shared a video showcasing her ring while her loving fiancé stood proudly by her side.
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2021
Britney's 13-year conservatorship came to an official end in November 2021. Her attorney declared during the court hearing that the record and time both support this decision. In response to the ruling, the "Gimme More" singer shared an Instagram video of her fans rejoicing outside the courthouse. She expressed her overwhelming love for her fans and anticipated spending the rest of the day in tears of joy. It was indeed the best day for her, and she thanked the Lord for her freedom, concluding with a request for an "Amen" to celebrate #FreedBritney.
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2021
The renowned singer commemorated her 40th birthday — her first since the emancipation from her conservatorship — alongside her fiancé, who accompanied her on an international getaway. "Oh, what immense bliss today!!!" she shared on Instagram in December. "My fiancé and I are absolutely thrilled about our upcoming trip abroad. ... Thank you, God, for granting me the opportunity to travel overseas!!!! I am truly grateful!!!!"
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2022
Britney announced that she was expecting her third child in April 2022 with fiancé Sam Asghari. However, one month later, they revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss.
"It is with profound sorrow that we must inform you of the heartbreaking loss of our precious baby during the early stages of the pregnancy," they conveyed in a shared statement issued in May 2022. "This is an immensely trying time for any parent. Perhaps we should have exercised caution in announcing the news until we had progressed further, but our overwhelming enthusiasm prompted us to share this joyous update. Our unwavering love for one another empowers us. We will persist in our endeavors to expand our cherished family."
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2022
The "If U Seek Amy" singer, Britney Spears, tied the knot with Asghari in a private ceremony at their home in California on June 9. Notably, Spears' family was not in attendance, but notable guests like Paris Hilton, Madonna, and Selena Gomez were present. A representative for Asghari, who hails from Iran, expressed their excitement for the couple's milestone and praised Asghari for being a caring and supportive partner throughout their journey. They eagerly anticipate the future the couple will create together.
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2022
After previously accusing her mother of secretly ruining her life during her conservatorship, the singer of "Slumber Party" hinted at a mending relationship with Lynne. In July 2022, Britney shared a photo of her friend Selena Gomez on Instagram and wrote, "PS...my mom was asked three times by the paparazzi on the street how I felt about her response to my wedding. She said all she wanted was for me to be happy!!! Mom and Selena, I am incredibly grateful to have such a supportive family!!! May God bless you both."
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2022
Britney released her first single after her conservatorship was terminated, duetting with Elton John for a reimagined version of his 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer."
"Exciting news! After a six-year hiatus, I am thrilled to release my upcoming song. Collaborating with none other than the legendary @eltonofficial is absolutely amazing! In August, I shared my enthusiasm on Twitter, expressing how overwhelmed I am. This opportunity means the world to me! As I continue to grow, I have learned to appreciate the value and preciousness of my own space. Through meditation and self-reflection, I have embraced this journey wholeheartedly."
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2022
In a now-deleted audio clip lasting 22 minutes, Britney opened up about the alleged "pure abuse" she experienced from her family. She claimed that her parents orchestrated her 13-year conservatorship, which she believes was premeditated and initiated through a staged medical emergency by Jamie and Lynne. Expressing her disbelief and questioning the fairness of it all, she wondered how they were able to escape accountability for the alleged abuse. Emotionally, she questioned the existence of God and reflected on her own vulnerability and fear during that time. Britney felt compelled to share her story because she wanted people to understand her humanity and believed that discussing it was a necessary step towards healing.
My family "literally killed me," the pop icon posited. “They threw me away. That’s what I felt — I felt like my family threw me away.”
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2023
Following a string of prank phone calls that led to a police welfare check, Britney took to Twitter to address her state of well-being. In her statement, she acknowledged that the police were summoned to her residence due to these prank calls. While appreciating her fans, Britney expressed her concerns that the situation had exceeded reasonable boundaries, breaching her privacy. However, she reassured everyone that no intervention was made inside her home and the authorities promptly departed upon realizing that there was no cause for concern at her gate.
She continued: “During this time in my life, I truly hope the public and my fans who I care so much about can respect my privacy moving forward.”
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2023
The pop star and her spouse dismissed rumors of a planned intervention due to concerns about her wellbeing. Expressing her dismay, she stated, "It's outrageous that it's even legal for individuals to fabricate stories about me nearly dying ... I mean, enough is enough! I may have to cease posting on Instagram because, despite my enjoyment of it, there are clearly many people who don't have my best interests at heart. Honestly, I'm not even surprised ... I'm doing my best!" These comments were shared in a February 2023 Instagram post.
She took the opportunity to remind her followers that her conservatorship is no longer in effect, declaring, "No, it's not 2007 ... it's 2023, and I'm currently preparing my first homemade lasagna at home! I finally managed to get my living room fireplace up and running! As my husband aptly puts it: don't believe everything you read! Sending all that love right back at you!"
Asghari, for his part, told Access Hollywood in a statement that "an intervention did not occur" and Britney "is in full control of her life."
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2023
In August 2023, Spears and Ashgari decided to end their marriage of over a year. Shortly after the news broke, Us confirmed that Asghari filed for divorce, stating "irreconcilable differences" as the cause of the split.
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2023
Britney's memoir, The Woman In Me, was published in October 2023. In this candid account, she delves into both her public and private challenges, addressing her tumultuous relationship with Timberlake and the highs and lows with her immediate family. Despite the shocking revelations in her book, Britney used social media to express that she never intended to offend those she talked about.
“My book’s purpose was not to offend anyone by any means,” she penned via Instagram at the time. “That was me then … that is in the past!!!”