Britney Spears credits Sex and the City star for helping her through quarantine

Britney Spears may be a worldwide superstar, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have icons of her own. 

The renowned pop singer took to Instagram yesterday to share her gratitude to the female celebrities who helped her through quarantine, posting a photo collage of seven A-list ladies - including Sex and the City actor Sarah Jessica Parker. 

“These are the women that have truly inspired my life,” Britney wrote. “Being away from family and my boyfriend while quarantining was really hard for me but the good thing about social media is we can connect in a different way that helps us feel not alone in this crazy world.” 

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Britney’s personal life has been at the forefront of public scrutiny recently, due to widespread controversy over her notorious conservatorship. The legal document, which prevents the musician from having control over her own finances, has sparked a fan-led campaign known as ‘Free Britney.’ The movement was featured in the New York Times documentary, Framing Britney Spears, which explored the devastating impact of the media’s mistreatment of the star over the years. 

Other stars to make the Instagram lineup were sisters Miley and Noah Cyrus, along with Hollywood heavyweights Natalie Portman and Sharon Stone. Britney also included a snap of her little sister Jamie Lynn Spears, to whom she has always been close, as well as fitness instructor Tawny Janae.

“These cool ladies always add a spark to my day,” she added. 

Sarah Jessica Parker was quick to take notice of the honorable mention, thanking Britney in a heartfelt response message. 

"I think you know how I feel about you. For a long time,” she said. “Sending all my best and touched that you included me to be companion. X, SJ." The Sex and the City star has voiced her support for the singer in the past, sharing #FreeBritney on Twitter in February. 

Noah Cyrus also responded to the nod, lauding Britney with praise for her influence on her childhood. “MY JAW IS STILL ON THE FLOOR,” she wrote. “You’ve been so inspiring to me since I was a kid and being able to grow up with your music WAS A BLESSSSSSINGGGGG.”

However, not everyone was delighted by the post. Some fans questioned the legitimacy of the shout-out, noting that Britney doesn’t even follow some of the ladies she mentioned in her list. 

“Britney did not type this. She’s not even following this alleged Tawny James character,” one skeptical fan wrote. 

Many people also clocked the absence of Madonna, a woman who she has previously cited as a major inspiration to her career.