Britney Spears's 16-year-old sister Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant, Nickelodeon confirmed Tuesday.
"We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being," says the network, which carries her series Zoey 101.
A rep for Spears was not immediately available for comment.
The network statement follows Internet reports that Spears's mother had confirmed the pregnancy to OK! magazine.
Spears, a high school junior who is 10 years younger than Britney, had until now escaped much of the attention about her personal life that has surrounded her sister.
Jamie Lynn stars as a schoolgirl at the fictitious Pacific Coast Academy in Zoey 101, finishing its third season next month as one of Nickelodeon's highest-rated shows.
She recently told the Associated Press that didn't have a serious boyfriend.
"I kind of just keep my options open," she said. "I have a bunch of friends that I always hang out with, a bunch of guy friends."
She added that her priority was to focus on her real-life schoolwork before considering any additional TV series or film roles.
"I'm going to try to graduate before I do anything else," she told AP.
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