Britney Spears cancels Las Vegas residency to care for sick father
Ethan Miller/Getty
Britney Spears has announced that she will not be performing her new show, Domination, in a heart-wrenching Facebook post about her father’s ill-health.
The pop star said in the post that she didn’t even know “where to start” and that writing the statement was “so tough.”
“I will not be performing my new show Domination,” Spears wrote.
“It’s important to always put your family first… and that’s the decision I had to make.”
– Britney Spears
“I’ve been looking forward to this show and seeing all of you this year, so doing this breaks my heart. However, it’s important to always put your family first… and that’s the decision I had to make.”
Spears continued by explaining that her father was hospitalised and almost died just months ago.
‘I hope you all understand’
“We’re all so grateful that he came out of it alive, but he still has a long road ahead of him. I had to make the difficult decision to put my full focus and energy on my family at this time.
“I hope you all understand,” she said, before advising fans who had booked tickets to the show to visit her official website for information about refunds.
Britney Spears’ new show, Domination, was set to launch in February at the Park Theatre in Las Vegas.
“He still has a long road ahead of him.”
– Britney Spears
According to NBC News, Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, became ill two months ago when his colon ruptured. He spent 28 days in hospital and had surgery after the incident.
Ethan Miller/Getty
A representative for Spears told NBC that he is now recovering after “a long, complicated post-operative period” and added that he is recuperating at home.
The show, which was set for 31 dates, could still be revived at a later date, however no plans have been announced.
Billboard has reported that the cancellation could cost Spears millions.
The music website also suggests that ticket sales had been slower than other residencies in Las Vegas, such as Lady Gaga’s double residency which started last month.
Britney Spears: LGBT+ advocate
Britney Spears has been a long-time advocate and ally for the LGBT+ community.
Last summer, Spears announced a Pride version of her Fantasy perfume, with some of the proceeds going to GLAAD.
She also headlined Brighton Pride last year.
Last year, Spears received an award from GLAAD for her work in supporting LGBT rights.
She accepted the Vanguard Award at the annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles in April.
“The LGBTQ community means the absolute world to me and inspires me every day.”
– Britney Spears
Each year the award goes to someone who has “made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people,” GLAAD officials said in a press release.
Spears responded that she was “honoured” to received the award, writing on Instagram: “The LGBTQ community means the absolute world to me and inspires me every day.
“I am proud to be an ally and I will continue to support equality and acceptance for all!!”
A group that campaigns against same-sex marriage launched a campaign last year to get people to stop listening to Britney Spears for her support of the LGBT+ community.
