According to TMZ, Britney Spears has checked into a mental health facility, where she will remain for the next several weeks.
Insiders say Spears checked herself into the treatment center last week after becoming increasingly distraught by her father’s ongoing health issues.
Spears opened up about her father’s troubles — which include a ruptured colon that’s required multiple surgeries — in a heartfelt Instagram post back in January.
At the time, Britney stated that she would be forced to cancel the next installment of her Vegas residency in order to focus on her father’s health needs:
“A couple of months ago, my father was hospitalized and almost died,” the singer wrote alongside the photo below.
“We’re all so grateful that he came out of it alive, but he still has a long road ahead of him,” she added.
“I had to make the difficult decision to put my full focus and energy on my family at this time. I hope you all can understand.
“I appreciate your prayers and support for my family during this time. Thank you, and love you all… always,” Britney concluded.
Sources tell TMZ that Spears checked into the facility last week for a 30-day course of treatment.
It’s possible she’ll remain at the facility longer if she and her doctors consider it necessary.
Despite some occasional turbulence, Britney and her dad, Jamie Spears, have enjoyed a close relationship for most of her life.
Jamie was famously placed in charge of Britney’s conservatorship after her infamous 2007 breakdown.
Insiders say he still holds a tremendous amount of influence over his daughter’s life and career.
Spears has not gone public with her decision to seek treatment, but on Wednesday afternoon, she posted a meme about the importance of self-care on her Instagram page.
Britney captioned the image below, “We all need to take time for a little ‘me time.'”
A source close to the singer spoke with People magazine about Spears’ decision to undergo treatment.
“Britney just needed to focus on herself,” the insider says.
It seems those closest to Britney want fans to know that she has not suffered another breakdown, and her decision to seek help was reached calmly and rationally:
“Her dad being sick has taken a toll on her,” the source continues.
“He nearly died and actually had another surgery a few weeks ago. He’s not doing well.
“They’re so close and it has been a lot. There is nothing dramatic going on with her — she just realized she needs to make sure to take time to care for herself.”
We wish Britney and her family all the best during this difficult time.
We’ll have further updates on this on this developing story as more information becomes available.