Don't worry, Britney, but your death notice is ready now

Published on Monday 21 January 2008 21:40

AT THE age of just 26, most people would think themselves to be in the prime of life. But Britney Spears, it seems, may already be in her twilight years.

With her personal life in meltdown, her mental health in decline, and her potential for longevity compromised by dangerous dalliances with drugs and alcohol, the singer has qualified for an early obituary by the Associated Press, the world's oldest and largest news-gathering organisation.

While pre-prepared obituaries are common media practice, allowing for swift publication in the event of a prominent figure's demise, the AP's admission yesterday that it has added the still-youthful pop princess to its death files has cast her woes in a sobering new light.

"We are not wishing it, but if Britney passed away, it's easily one of the biggest stories in a long time," AP's entertainment editor, Jesse Washington, told the celebrity magazine Us Weekly.

He added: "I think one would agree that Britney seems at risk right now."

Oldies such as Fidel Castro, 81, Pope Benedict, 80, Nelson Mandela, 89, and the Queen, 81, are among those at the forefront of most news media's death-files, along with other prominent, but younger, world figures considered at risk of an early exit, such as the US president George Bush.

AP holds about 1,000 prepared obituaries, the majority of them on personalities aged over 70, but admits that a smattering of under-30s are in there too.