Britney Spears Recalls Drinking With Her Mom in Eighth Grade
Spears says she and her mom would have cocktails "for fun."
Britney Spears' revealing new memoir, The Woman in Me, was released on Oct. 24, and in the new book, Britney chronicles her journey from teen sensation to bestselling artist, her challenging conservatory experience, and previous relationships. In an excerpt published by PEOPLE, the pop princess details spending quality time with her mother, Lynne Spears, after her departure from The Mickey Mouse Club and return to high school and "normal" life in Kentwood, Louisiana.
"For fun, starting when I was in eighth grade, my mom and I would make the two-hour drive from Kentwood to Biloxi, Mississippi, and while we were there, we would drink daiquiris. We called our cocktails "toddies." I loved that I was able to drink with my mom every now and then. The way we drank was nothing like how my father did it. When he drank, he grew more depressed and shut down. We became happier, more alive and adventurous."
Spears and her mother have had a tumultuous relationship following years of estrangement brought on by her long conservatorship. Then, the singer and Lynne reunited in May after not speaking for three years. Throughout her legal battle, Britney accused her mother of being complicit in the conservatorship that severely controlled her. Britney's mother was not in attendance at her wedding to Sam Asghari in summer 2022. Although they have reunited, Britney still seems estranged from her father and siblings. However, she appeared happy to have her mother back in her life after a long absence.
"My sweet mama showed up at my door step yesterday after 3 years … it's been such a long time … with family there's always things that need to be worked out … but time heals all wounds !!!" Britney shared in an Instagram post. "After being able to communicate what I've held in for an extremely long time, I feel so blessed we were able to try to make things RIGHT !!! I love [heart emoji] you so much !!! Psss… I'm so blessed we can have coffee together after 14 years !!! Let's go shopping afterwards !!!"
Lynne has been trying to mend fences in the past few years with Britney. She has defended herself from Britney's accusations, as well as pleading with her daughter to solve any issues, and she has sent congratulatory messages for Britney on social media when she reaches significant milestones.
In November 2021, Britney's conservatorship ended after more than ten years under the care of her father, Jamie, and handlers that he had chosen to take care of her. Initially, she was placed under conservatorship due to a public mental health crisis in 2008, including the infamous shaved head/umbrella moment and the shotgun wedding to Jason Alexander.
Britney posted on social media days before the reunion that her mother "secretly ruined her life," as PEOPLE reports. Her father has denied any allegations of wrongful conduct. Additionally, Britney has blasted sister, Jamie Lynn Spears, for using her stardom and ignoring her when she needed help. The Sweet Magnolias star denies that, noting she was barely a teenager when Britney was placed in conservatorship.