Did Britney Spears retire? Here’s why the pop star’s biggest fans are worried

There have been many questions swirling around Britney Spears in recent days. The latest? "Did Britney Spears retire?" 

Unfortunately, fans are starting to think that the star's exit from entertaining is imminent given her tumultuous conservatorship. For many, Britney Spears has been a mainstay in pop culture—the pop icon of Generation Y and a go-to songstress for bops and ballads about empowerment, love, and heartbreak. No one wants to admit that this could possibly be the end of an era, especially the ones who grew up with the "Baby One More Time" singer. 

• Britney Spears conservatorship hearing: everything to know about the pop star's court appearance

Did Britney Spears retire? Here's why fans think so

In a Deadline exclusive, Britney Spears' longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, reveals that he has decided to step down, citing that he hasn't communicated with the star in two-and-a-half years. He even claims that the singer's thoughts about an "indefinite work hiatus" have escalated into her desire to permanently retire. 

Although he does not have any say in her conservatorship, per the publication, Spears did make mention of her management during her explosive June 23rd court hearing. During the now-infamous event, the pop icon claimed her management had the power to potentially sue her if she objected to her 2018 tour, one she had to pursue despite her desire to take a break. 

"If I didn’t do any of my meetings and work from eight to six at night, which is 10 hours a day, seven days a week, no days off, I wouldn’t be able to see my kids or my boyfriend. I never had a say in my schedule," Spears told the judge virtually. 

Although Britney's impassioned petition to end her conservatorship brought startling accusations to light—including an involuntary IUD, no financial responsibility, and the inability to get married—the judge did not adhere to her wishes to end the 13-year-long conservatorship. Another court hearing is scheduled for July 14th. 

• Jamie Lynn Spears has responded to Britney’s conservatorship hearing
  

Did Britney hint that she is retiring? 

The star's highly-scrutinized Instagram account has been a topic of conversation long before her June 23rd hearing. While some suggest the singer doesn't actually run the account herself, others believe she is using the platform as an outlet to give fans an insight into what she's going through. 

Several days before her hearing, Spears decided to answer fan questions on the platform, including whether or not she will perform again.

"I'm having fun right now," she said in her video clip. "I'm in a transition in my life and I'm enjoying myself, so that's it."

• Celebs react to Britney Spears' conservatorship court hearing: "Stop controlling women"

Spears took to Instagram after her hearing to share the alleged truth about her life—what fans don't see on social media.

"I apologize for pretending like I’ve been ok the past two years," she wrote. "I did it because of my pride and I was embarrassed to share what happened to me."

Although the conservatorship case is still unfolding and the #FreeBritney movement just appears to be getting started, it's clear that fans and fellow entertainers just want what's best for the singer—all on her terms. (Yes, even if that means retirement.)