Britney Spears is here to thank you and also to inform you.
The iconic singer took a moment on Instagram last night to provide fans with an update on her niece, and also to show her appreciation for all the support they have offered over the past few days.
As previously reported, Maddie Aldridge, the eight-year old daughter of Britney’s sister, was involved in a serious accident this past Sunday afternoon.
The little girl was driving around her family’s property in Louisiana on a child’s ATV vehicle when she turned to avoid a drainage ditch.
The ATV then flipped over and landed in a pond, with Maddie strapped in and facing down.
According to the police report, mother Jamie Lynn Spears and her husband rushed to save their only child, but were unable to dislodge Maddie from her seatbelt.
Fortunately, paramedics quickly arrived, broke Maddie free, performed CPR and transported her to a local hospital.
Initial reports seemed dire.
Maddie was unconscious at the scene and placed under serious but critical condition.
Both Britney’s father and then Britney herself asks everyone to please send along thoughts and prayers for their grandchild and niece, respectively.
“All I can say is pray for our baby Maddie,” Jamie Spears told Entertainment Tonight on Monday, while Britney later added:
“Need all the wishes and prayers for my niece.”
Finally, on Wednesday, the family relayed positive news to all who have been closely following this sad ordeal.
A Spears’ rep confirmed to People Magazine that Maddie has regained consciousness and was even talking to her parents.
“She is aware of her surroundings and recognizes those family members who have kept a round-the-clock vigil since the accident,” said the rep, adding:
“Maddie continues to receive oxygen and is being monitored closely but it appears that she has not suffered any neurological consequences from the accident.”
Jamie Lynn’s husband also provided the following update on social media:
“Thank you everyone for the prayers. Maddie is doing better and better. Thank y’all so much,” Jamie Watson wrote alongside a picture on Instagram of a shirt that read “believe in miracles.”
And now Britney has gone ahead and shared the note below on her Instagram page:
“We are so grateful to share that Maddie is making progress. Thank you all for sending thoughts and prayers our way. Let’s all keep praying,” it reads.
Thank goodness, right?!?
Jamie Lynn gave birth to little Maddie back in 2008, at just 16 years old.
She then more or less left the spotlight in order to focus on motherhood, often remarking over the years how worthwhile this journey has been.
Maddie was reportedly trapped underwater for two minutes as Jamie Lynn and Watson tried to rescue her before paramedics arrived.
So she may still need awhile before she is fully recovered.
But this is great news for now, a giant relief for all of us who have been concerned about the child’s well-being.
We’ll continue to keep her in our thoughts.