Jamie-Lynn Spears reflects on daughter’s near-fatal accident: “I thought I lost my baby girl”

"I’m filled with so much gratitude today for a lot reasons."

Jamie-Lynn Spears has reflected on almost losing her eldest daughter in a terrifying incident in which the child almost drowned. In a social media post marking the release of Sweet Magnolias Season 2, which began streaming on the anniversary of the accident, the actress wrote about her gratitude for what she has. Jamie, who plays Noreen on the Netflix drama, shared a photo of her asleep on Maddie's hospital bed as she reflected on the ordeal. "SWEET MAGNOLIAS going to #1 so fast was a real life dream coming true," she wrote. "But I must say, I do not think it’s a coincidence that today is also the 5 year 'miracle anniversary' of our sweet Maddie’s tragic accident." The incident occurred in February 2017 when the family were at Jamie-Lynn's husband Jamie Watson's parents' house. Maddie, then 8, went for a ride on an ATV that ended up submerged in a pond on the property with her still strapped in. When first responders pulled the girl out, Jamie said she was "unconscious, her body distended, face swollen and eerily blue". She was rushed to hospital in crucial condition but somehow survived with no brain damage. "Maybe, it’s just a little reminder to remain faithful through the good times and the bad times. I mean, I had nothing when I thought I lost my baby girl, so my faith was literally all I had left to cling to," Jamie continued in her post. "I thank God everyday for the extraordinary medical professionals, all the prayer warriors, and the countless angels in heaven, and on earth who made our miracle possible." In the post, she also included an excerpt of the chapter from her memoir that discusses the accident, a screenshot of Sweet Magnolias at the top of the Netflix chart, and a snap of the children's hospital helicopter. "Fast fwd to now, and I can’t even begin to explain all the ways, that this show and the many wonderful people who create this show have been a saving grace to me. I owe a HUGE thank you to each and every person who is a part of the Sweet Magnolias family, especially the viewers," the post goes on. "I’m filled with so much gratitude today for a lot reasons, and I don’t ever want to take any of my many blessings for granted. I LOVE Y'ALL [heart emojis]"