Jamie Spears has broken his silence in a rare interview about Britney Spears's life post-conservatorship and admitted he isn't sure she would be alive today without it.
The singer was freed from the rule in November 2021 after over 13 years, giving her back control over her personal and financial decisions.
Her father, Jamie, had been her co-conservator since 2008 when the rule was put in place following a public breakdown in 2007.
Conservatorships are usually granted by a court for individuals who are deemed unable to make their own decisions, such as those living with dementia or other conditions which could affect their capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Jamie has often come under fire from fans and the 'Free Britney' movement, particularly after the singer claimed in court that he arranged covert surveillance in her bedroom during the conservatorship.
He has rarely spoken out publicly but shared his thoughts on the singer's life in the past year, and the breakdown of her relationship with her family.
Jamie, 70, told the Mail on Sunday: "Not everybody's going to agree with me. It's been one hell of a time. But I love my daughter with all my heart and soul.
"Where would Britney be right now without that conservatorship? And I don't know if she'd be alive. I don't."
He added: "For protecting her, and also protecting the kids, conservatorship was a great tool. Without it, I don't think she would have got the kids back."
Britney shares sons Preston, 17, and Jayden, 16, with ex-husband Kevin Federline, 44, who was initially granted full custody of the children, before he and Jamie discussed arrangements for the boys to also see Britney.
Jamie claims that during this time, the children didn't "miss time" with either their mother or father, adding: "We did everything in the world with them."
He added: "My relationship with Kevin gave them a sense of peace, and of protection. Kevin will tell you this too – it was us who raised the kids. I just did what I was supposed to do, or felt like I needed to do."
Decisions about the boys' welfare were made by Jamie, his associate, and Kevin collectively during this time, he claims.
Since her conservatorship ended, Britney, 41, has returned to social media as well as used her newfound freedom to marry her long-term boyfriend, 28-year-old Sam Asghari.
Her recent posts, however, have caused concern among some of her fans, with the 'Toxic' star erratically posting a combination of old photos, videos of her dancing in her living room, and many fully nude photos, covering herself with just her hands or emojis.
While Britney and Sam have insisted that the posts are just her expressing her "freedom" after so long, some fans have speculated that someone else is posting on Britney's behalf.
Jamie also addressed claims that the conservatorship went on for too long following Britney's breakdown, cryptically adding: "I can't answer that question. You can answer it yourself. Just look at how things are now."