Britney Spears’ Ups and Downs Over the Years

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Britney Spears’ Ups and Downs Over the Years

The price of fame? Britney Spears’ career and personal life have faced a series of ups and downs over the years. Spears, who was raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, first showed off her vocal skills on the singing competition Star Search at 10 years old in 1992. Following a stint on The Mickey Mouse Club, she signed a record deal with Jive Records in 1997. As Spears’ singles, including “…Baby One More Time” and “Oops!… I Did It Again,” climbed the charts, she started a relationship with 'NSync member Justin Timberlake and the world became even more invested in the pop star. The twosome called it quits in 2002 after three years together amid rumors that Spears was unfaithful. As the “I’m a Slave 4 U” singer’s popularity continued to grow, so did the attention on her personal life. Spears married her backup dancer Kevin Federline in October 2004 after a whirlwind romance. The twosome later welcomed sons Sean Preston and Jayden James. In 2007, Spears made headlines for a very public breakdown, which lead her to temporarily lose primary custody of her boys. She was also placed under a legal conservatorship in February 2008, which gave her father, Jamie Spears, control over her finances and her person. Nearly a decade later, the Grammy winner addressed her battle with mental health during an interview with Marie Claire UK. "I moved to Los Angeles when I was very young. I was so under scrutiny," she said in October 2016. "If a hair was out of place, I’d be so anxious. I would get very anxious about so many things." [jwplayer 0JVoOuEJ-zhNYySv2] Britney added that motherhood made her “so much more accepting” of herself: “That has been a really big thing for me over these last few years." After a triumphant comeback and successful Las Vegas residency, Jamie was hospitalized in late 2018 after his colon spontaneously ruptured. As a result, Britney postponed her second Vegas residency in January 2019. More than two months later, she checked herself into a mental health facility. “The stress has been hard on her,” a source told Us in March 2019. “It’s been a very difficult time.” Six months later, Jamie temporarily stepped down as Britney's full-time conservator and Jodi Montgomery, a licensed fiduciary, joined her conservatorship team. In February 2021, Hulu released an episode of The New York Times Presents titled "Framing Britney Spears," which renewed public interest in her conservatorship. Four months later, Britney broke her silence about the situation during a remote court hearing. "I just want my life back," she said, asking the judge to end the conservatorship. "It’s been 13 years and it’s enough. It’s enough and it makes no sense at all. I’m done." A judge officially terminated the conservatorship in November 2021. Britney reacted to the news via Instagram, writing, “Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen????” 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 cancellation of The Mickey Mouse Club, Spears signed a record deal with Jive Records at 15 years old. She released her first single, “… Baby One More Time,” in October 1998. “I knew it was a great song,” Britney told The Guardian in August 2018 ahead of the 20th anniversary. “It was different and I loved it.”

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2002

Britney and Timberlake were Hollywood’s hottest couple for nearly four years until the “Lucky” singer reportedly strayed from the relationship. Timberlake went on to write his single ”Cry Me a River," seemingly about Britney's infidelity, with a look-alike of the singer starring in the music video. 

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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 “Toxic” singer turned heads in 2004 after she briefly married her childhood friend Jason Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their marriage was annulled 55 hours later. Britney then started seeing her backup dancer Kevin Federline. The twosome were engaged after three months of dating and documented their relationship on a reality series titled Britney & Kevin: Chaotic. They wed at their home in September 2004. 

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2006

Less than a year after Britney welcomed son Sean Preston in 2005, she made headlines for driving with the then-infant on her lap rather than in a car seat in February 2006. 

“I was terrified that this time the physically aggressive paparazzi would put both me and my baby in danger,” she said in a statement at the time. “I instinctively took measures to get my baby and me out of harm’s way, but the paparazzi continued to stalk us. … I love my child and would do anything to protect him.”

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2006

Britney and Federline welcomed their second son, Jayden, in September 2006. Three months later, the couple split. The Crossroads actress filed for divorce from the rapper, citing irreconcilable differences, in November 2006. She was often seen partying in Los Angeles that same year, with photos of her out with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan causing a stir in December 2006.  

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2007

Britney hit a breaking point in 2007 when paparazzi captured her shaving her head at a hair salon and subsequently attacking a photographer’s car with an umbrella. A struggle with addiction, an undisclosed mental illness and a bitter custody battle with Federline were reportedly behind her behavior.

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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

In early 2008, the "Slumber Party" singer was hospitalized and under evaluation for 72 hours, also known as a 5150 hold. The performer’s father, Jamie, was also named her conservator.

By the end of the year, however, Britney released her sixth studio album, Circus, much to the delight of fans. The singer also appeared to be in better spirits and hit the road for the Circus Tour, which would become her highest-grossing tour.

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2013

Following the release of her seventh and eighth studio albums, Femme Fatale and Britney Jean, respectively, the pop icon announced she had landed a Las Vegas residency. The show, titled Britney: Piece of Me, debuted at Planet Hollywood in December 2013. While it was initially set for two years, the popular show ran for four years, concluding in December 2017.

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2018

Britney and Federline’s relationship was back in the news after he filed for more child support following the “Make Me” songstress’ successful Vegas residency. “[Britney is] angry Kevin is asking for more money because she pays for everything,” a source told Us exclusively at the time. “Those boys are her world. She is an amazing mother.”

The exes reached an agreement in September 2018, with the Crossroads star paying the DJ an additional $15,000 a month. Their original agreement had her giving Federline $20,000 a month.

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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 dedicating my focus and energy to care for my family. We have a very special relationship and I want to be with my family at this time just like they have always been there for me,” she said in a statement to Us in January 2019. “Thank you to all my fans for your continued love and support during this time. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and I look forward to the time when I can be back on stage performing for all of you.”

Nearly three months later, multiple sources confirmed to Us that the star checked into a mental health facility amid concerns over Jamie’s illness. 

Britney is at a “wellness center that prioritizes physical, mental and spiritual well-being and Britney will be there for a few weeks,” an insider told Us at the time, noting that her sons “are in the full-time care of their dad, Kevin, for the time being.”

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2020

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 broke her silence about her 13-year conservatorship during a 20-minute address to the court that was full of bombshell revelations. She said she felt "enslaved" by her father, adding that she had been forced to take lithium against her will, among other things. "You know, fake it till you make it, but now I’m telling you the truth, I’m not happy. I can’t sleep. I’m so angry it’s insane," she said. "I cry every day.”

The singer also claimed that she wanted to have another child, but her conservators had prevented her from going to the doctor to have her IUD removed. "I have an IUD in my body right now that won’t let me have a baby and my conservators won’t let me go to the doctor to take it out," she told the court. "I want to be able to get married and have a baby. I was told with the conservatorship I was not able to get married and have a baby."

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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 told Us that the alleged altercation occurred at the Grammy winner's California home and that there were no injuries at that time.

Britney's attorney, Mathew Rosengart responded to the accusations in a statement to Us.

“This is overblown sensational tabloid fodder — nothing more than a manufactured ‘he said, she said’ regarding a cell phone, with no striking and obviously no injury whatsoever,” he said. “Anyone can make an accusation, but this should have been closed immediately.”

The following day, TMZ reported that the incident was allegedly related to the housekeeper's concerns about Britney's dogs.

After the singer asked a dog sitter to take them to the vet, the animals were reportedly not seen again. When Britney asked about their whereabouts, the housekeeper claimed she was concerned about the dogs being neglected and that is when the alleged altercation happened.

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2021

In September 2021, the "Lucky" singer announced that she is engaged to longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari. The duo met in 2016 on the set of her "Slumber Party" music video. “I can’t f–king believe it,” Britney wrote via Instagram, sharing a video of herself showing off her ring with her fiancé by her side.

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2021

Britney’s conservatorship officially ended in November 2021 after 13 years. “The record is clear, the time is clear,” her attorney said during the court hearing. “The time has come today to end the conservatorship.”

The “Gimme More” singer reacted to the ruling by posting an Instagram video of her fans celebrating the win outside the courthouse. “Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy!!! I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day!!!!” she wrote. “Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen???? #FreedBritney.”

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2021

The pop star celebrated her 40th birthday — her first since the termination of her conservatorship — with her fiancé, who joined her for an international vacation. "Oh the precious joy today!!!" she wrote via Instagram in December. "Me and my fiancé are so excited to be going away. ... God thank you for being able to go out of the country!!!! I am blessed!!!!"

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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 out deepest sadness we have to announce that we have lost our miracle baby early in the pregnancy," they shared in a joint statement in May 2022. "This is a devastating time for any parent. Perhaps we should have waited to announce until we were further along however we were overly excited to share the good news. Our love for each other is our strength. We will continue trying to expand our beautiful family."

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2022

Us confirmed that the “If U Seek Amy” singer wed Asghari in an intimate ceremony at their California home on June 9. While Spears’ family was notably absent, the guest list included Paris Hilton, Madonna and Selena Gomez.

“I am very ecstatic this day has come, and they are married,” a rep for the Iran native told Us at the time. “I know he wanted this for so long. He is so caring and supportive every step of the way. I am so grateful to have Sam in my life and can’t wait for the future they will build together.”

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2022

After previously claiming that her mother "secretly ruined my life" throughout her conservatorship, the "Slumber Party" singer hinted that her relationship with Lynne was on the mend. Britney shared a photo of pal Selena Gomez via Instagram in July 2022, writing in the caption, "PS … My mom was asked by the paparazzi 3 times on the street 'How does your daughter feel about your response to her wedding' … she said all she wanted for me was to be happy !!! Mom and Selena, I'm so happy to have such a supportive family !!! God bless you 💕💕💕."

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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."

“Okie dokie … my first song in 6 years 🎶 !!!! It’s pretty damn cool that I’m singing with one of the most classic men of our time … @eltonofficial 🚀!!!!” she tweeted in August. “I’m kinda overwhelmed… it’s a big deal to me !!! I’m meditating more 🧘🏼‍♀️ and learning my space is valuable and precious !!!”

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2022

Britney shared a since-deleted, 22-minute-long audio clip detailing the "pure abuse" she allegedly suffered at the hands of her family. In addition to claiming that her 13-year conservatorship was "pre-meditated" and "set up" by her parents, per Variety — which she claims was kicked off by Jamie and Lynne staging a medical emergency — she got candid about her emotions when wondering how her family was allowed to "get away" with the alleged abuse.

“How the f—k did they get away with it? How is there a God? Is there a God?” she questioned in the YouTube video, getting emotional. “I was so, so weak … I was scared, broken. I’m sharing this because I want people to know I’m only human … how can I mend this, if I don’t talk about this?”

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

After a series of prank phone calls resulted in a police welfare check, Britney issued a statement about her well-being.

“As everyone knows the police were called to my home based on some prank phone calls," she wrote via Twitter. “I love and adore my fans but this time things went a little too far and my privacy was invaded. The police never entered my home and when they came to my gate they quickly realized there was no issue and left immediately.”

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 husband denied rumors that an intervention was staged amid concern over her well-being. "It makes me sick to my stomach that it's even legal for people to make up stories that I almost died ... I mean at some point enough is enough !!! I'm probably going to have to stop posting on Instagram because even though I enjoy doing it, there's obviously a lot of people who don't wish me well !!! I'm honestly not surprised at all ... Again doing the best I can !!!" she wrote in a February 2023 Instagram post.

She reminded her followers that her conservatorship is over, adding: "No folks, it's not 2007 ... it's 2023 and I'm making my first homemade lasagna at home !!! I finally got my fireplace to work in my living room !!! As my hubby says it best: don't believe everything you read !!! All that love right back at ya !!!"

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."