Being the younger sister of a pop superstar has taken quite a toll on Jamie Lynn Spears’ mental health as she opened up about the challenges she’s faced by living in Britney Spears’ shadow. The 31-year-old made the revelation during the premiere episode of FOX’s game show “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” on Wednesday, admitting that while she’s proud of Britney’s success, her worldwide fame has prevented her from forming her own identity.
Jamie, who is best known for her three-year stint on the former Nickelodeon comedy-drama “Zoey 101,” cried while talking about the self-esteem issues she’s faced over the years. “Growing up, my sister became famous, worldwide famous, when I was very young. I’m so proud of her, love her to death, but I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like I don’t really have anything for myself.”
Get yourself a friend like @jamielynnspears! ❤️ #SpecialForcesFOX pic.twitter.com/I5PepLNRg7
— Reality Club FOX (@RealityClubFOX) January 5, 2023
OMG @jamielynnspears I feel for you. Having to save your daughter from drowning but she survived! You both are survivors #SpecialForcesFox
— KENYA MOORE (@KenyaMoore) January 5, 2023
In a confessional scene a few minutes later, Jamie expressed how she wouldn’t want anything more than to finally have her “own identity” and that people begin to see her as her own person and not just Britney’s little sister. “I struggle with self-esteem all the time.” The siblings haven’t been on speaking terms ever since Britney was freed from her conservatorship back in late 2021.
Months before the “Toxic” singer’s 13-year court-ordered arrangement was officially dissolved, there had been claims of all sorts, including allegations that Jamie Lynn supported the conservatorship and didn’t want the Grammy winner out of the conservatorship.
I’m excited to watch @KenyaMoore in this special forces show on fox . I hope she calls out @jamielynnspears for using her sister as a slave and living off of her and the conservative-ship. Everything about this show is sick . Minus the fact jamie is on it. She’s a pos
— KJ (@kkkkevyjay) January 5, 2023
Britney was appalled by the release of Jamie Lynn’s memoir, “Things I Should Have Said,” which was released in early 2021, where she reportedly mentioned her sister’s name almost 300 times, resulting in Britney’s legal team taking action and filing a cease-and-desist letter, mentioning how the book was a clear attempt to exploit the mother of two for money.
Though the two haven’t been on good terms in a while, Britney did show Jamie Lynn some love on Instagram last month when she described her sibling as “being so brave, inspiring and showing guts and glory” after finding out JL was set to take part on the competitive game show. “You ain’t alone … if anybody knows what that feels like … I get it. My baby sister !!! I love you !!!”