16-year-old star of Nickelodeon's 'Zoey 101' met the alleged father at church

Jamie Lynn Spears, the younger teenage sister of pop princess Britney Spears, will be providing a cousin for Sean Preston and Jayden James.

It was confirmed Tuesday (Dec. 18) that the 16-year-old "Zoey 101" star is pregnant.

"We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation," says Nickelodeon, the network that carries the popular tween show, in a statement. "We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being."

The Internet had been abuzz with the news after Spears' mom had confirmed the pregnancy and Jamie Lynn's decision to keep the child to OK! magazine in an exclusive interview. Initial reports say that the father is Casey Aldridge, a boy the young starlet met in church.

A rep for Spears was not immediately available for comment.

Spears began acting on the Nickelodeon comedy-variety show "All That" and was known for playing a number of characters including Thelma Stump, an octogenarian bodyguard with a penchant for bacon. Later, she landed the starring role in the Emmy-nominated "Zoey 101" as Zoey Brooks, the first girl to enter the former boys-only boarding school Pacific Coast Academy.

Spears, a high school junior, is 10 years younger than her more (in)famous sister, making her the sister-in-law of dancer-rapper-actor Kevin Federline and the aunt of the aforementioned two young boys.