Her situation is just too 'intense' now

Britney Spears will have to wait for the tough love that she's been needing.

Dr. Phil McGraw has backed down from his intended interview with Spears' parents on his show tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 8). In a statement on his official website, the good doctor shares how it came to his decision:

"As was widely reported this weekend, at the request of concerned family members, I visited Britney Spears in the hospital. The details of that visit will, of course, remain private.

"We had planned to tape a 'Dr. Phil Now' show tomorrow, focusing not on the tabloid side of Britney's latest problems, but instead on the very serious issues surrounding this case. Clearly, it is not just Britney's family struggling to find a way to protect adult children who cannot be ordered or compelled to seek help.

"Because the Spears situation is too intense at this time, and out of consideration to the family, I have made the decision not to move forward with the taping at this particular time.

"Britney and her family are in our prayers and we ask that they be in yours."

McGraw's visit followed a bizarre standoff between Spears and her ex, Kevin Federline, and police when she was dropping off her sons last Thursday. She was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for treatment and observation.