LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: It seems like Britney Spears' father Jamie Spears is left with no recourse but surgery to improve his failing health. The 71-year-old was recently hospitalized after being diagnosed with a painful infection and has been suffering to the point where he has been hospitalized for weeks at an infectious diseases ward and must now undergo surgery on an emergency basis.

Jamie was first hospitalized after having complications stemming from the knee replacement surgery he got back in Summer. He was reportedly seen to have lost a lot of weight while being in and out of hospitals and rehab centers over a prolonged period of time and appeared to be frail and ailing. Responding to her estranged father's medical condition, Britney reportedly stated that she was looking for an opportunity to amend things with her dad.

Jamie, on his part, has responded well to the idea of reconciliation, stating that he has never harbored any ill will towards his daughter. Britney's strained relationship with her father has been the subject of much controversy for over a decade now as the pop star's past bombastic comment of wishing her father burns in hell made headlines.

Britney Spears' father Jamie Spears still friends with wife Debbie Sanders Cross

Jamie has been on cordial terms with his first wife Debbie Sanders Cross with whom he was in a relationship before marrying Britney's mother Lynn Irene Bridges in 1975. Amid controversies surrounding Jamie's alleged controlling nature and his conduct as conservator, ruling Britney's life with an iron hand, Debbie Sanders Cross has come out in support of her former husband, stating that his difficult upbringing seems to have influenced his perspective and that at the end of the day, he is keen on protecting Britney.

Britney Spears' father Jamie Spears went to rehab to battle his alcoholism

Lynne recounted her struggles with Jamie's alcoholism in her book 'Through the Storm'. Lynne stated that Jamie's alcohol addiction blew out of proportion after the birth of their son Bryan. At the height of being an alcoholic, Jamie's presence took a heavy toll on the family's happiness and well-being. Jamie finally went to rehab in 2004 at the insistence of his daughter Britney.

Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline had to get a restraining order against Jamie Spears

Brintey's former husband Kevin Federline got a restraining order prohibiting Jamie from coming near his sons Sean Preston and Jayden. This was in response to a police complaint filed against Jamie for engaging in a heated argument with his grandson Sean Preston, during the course of which he was accused of having 'shook' the 13-year-old boy. Kevin had initially pushed for a child abuse charge which was dismissed by the judge.

Britney Spears furious with Jamie Spears after he moved in with daughter Jamie Lynn Spears

Following the end of his stint at a rehab facility, Jamie decided to move in with his youngest daughter Jamie Lynn Spears at her Louisiana residence. Britney has been reportedly cut to the quick by this development and his furious with her sister sheltering their father amid her ongoing conflict with him. The fact that Jamie is now caring for Jamie Lynn's daughters is too much to take for Britney, especially since she believes her father was the reason behind her distancing from her sons.