Britney Spears puts Las Vegas Strip show on hold

In the statement it says that her father, Jamie Spears, has recent life-threatening health issues and she wants to devote all her time to her family. The elder Spears has long been instrumental in the management and development of Britney’s career.

Spears’ condition was detailed in a in a news release today, which read in part, “Two months ago, Mr. Jamie Spears became seriously ill and was rushed to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. His colon spontaneously ruptured and he was immediately admitted into surgery. Mr. Spears spent the next 28 days in the hospital under the care of the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital, whom the Spears family credits with saving his life.

“After a long, complicated post-operative period, he is recuperating at home and gaining strength, and is expected to make a full recovery.”

Spears’ new show was to run at Park Theater at Park MGM on the Las Vegas Strip. The show was scheduled to open Feb. 13-14 and run for 32 shows this year. Tickets had been on sale since October. MGM Resorts says refunds are available at original point of purchase. For more information, contact Ticketmaster customer service at 800-745-3000.

Her Las Vegas manager Larry Rudolph stopped short of specifying when Spears would be ready to be back onstage.

“With a show this complex, you need your full attention,” Rudolph said. “Britney just couldn’t give that with her father sick and bedridden.”

Spears appeared at the formal announcement of the production at Toshiba Plaza at T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 18, having teased earlier about the show on Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show. She waved to fans, but did not address the masses who turned out for the event.

Spears did comment on social media today, “I am dedicating my focus and energy to care for my family. We have a very special relationship and I want to be with my family at this time just like they have always been there for me,” she shared in her official statement on Friday. “Thank you to all my fans for your continued love and support during this time. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and I look forward to the time when I can be back on stage performing for all of you.”

MGM Resorts International President Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement this morning: “All of us at MGM Resorts wish Mr. Spears a speedy recovery. We wholly understand and respect Britney’s commitment to her family and believe that her place is with them during this important time.” Officials with Live Nation, the residency’s promoter, have said they have no comment beyond Spears’ and MGM Resorts’ announcements.

Spears ended a successful four-year residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood on Dec. 31, 2017. She was among the highlights of Park Theater’s impressive superstar headlining lineup, joining Lady Gaga (who just opened “Enigma” with a sold-out series over New Year’s Eve weekend), Aerosmith in April, June and July and an expected return of Bruno Mars this year.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His PodKats podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.