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Jamie Lynn Spears has a major — and rare — announcement to make about her 16-year-old daughter, Maddie.
The Zoey 101 alum and younger sister of Britney Spears, 33, revealed on Instagram on Monday that Maddie has solidified her college plans and committed to playing softball at the University of Southern Mississippi. The actress shared several photos of Maddie at various phases of her softball career.
"all in my feels, bc my baby girl has committed to furthering her athletic & academic career at the University of Southern Miss!" wrote Jamie Lynn in the caption. The photo carousel also included an image of the child star's People magazine cover, bearing the headline, "Jamie Lynn's Baby Maddie!"
Jamie Lynn was 16 years old when she got pregnant with Maddie, whom she shares with ex Casey Aldridge, and she wrote about the challenges of becoming a teen mother in the same post. "I can remember it like it was just yesterday," she wrote, adding that the "whole world watched and judged as I made the choice to have my baby at 16 years old." Jamie Lynn went on to note that "that same little baby girl is now 16 years old herself announcing that she will be going to play D1 ball for an amazing college."
Jamie Lynn is married to Jamie Watson, a businessman who owns the communications service Advanced Media Partners. They share another daughter, Ivey Joan, 6. Watson was also featured in a few of the photos of Maddie that Jamie Lynn shared. The Sweet Magnolias actress went on to seemingly allude to some of the drama that has plagued her family, particularly Britney, and how she sought to avoid it. "I did everything I could to better myself in order to be the mama [Maddie] deserved, & to break those generational curses, so they weren't passed on to her or any future generations," Jamie Lynn wrote in the caption.
Jamie Lynn's fans were quick to congratulate her in the comment section on Instagram.
"I teared up reading this. I'm so proud of her and I'm so proud of YOU. Love y'all! 🖤💛," gushed one fan, referencing the colors of Southern Mississippi University with yellow and black hearts. Another gave props to Jamie Lynn for raising her daughter, writing, "Congratulations to Maddie! What an accomplishment and what a proud momma moment! Take credit Jamie you are a great Mom!"
Jamie Lynn replied to several of the commenters, thanking them for their support.