14 DAY TRIAL // LeAnn Rimes is in rehab. The country singer and actress has confirmed the news to People magazine, presumably in the hope that an official announcement would prevent the tabs from spinning the story and put a negative note on it.
Only a couple of days after her 30th birthday, which was fully documented by the paparazzi, LeAnn announces her intention of “checking out” for a while to take proper care of herself.
Her rep has also confirmed the news to the same celebrity publication, saying that no one from camp Rimes expects privacy at this moment.
“LeAnn has voluntarily entered a 30 day in-patient treatment facility to cope with anxiety and stress,” Marcel Pariseau explains for People.
“While there will be speculation regarding her treatment, she is simply there to learn and develop coping mechanisms. While privacy isn’t expected, it’s certainly appreciated,” Pariseau adds.
The statement also brings an explanation from LeAnn, who says she feels now is the right time to bring the focus back on her, having neglected herself for so long.
This isn’t so much as a rehab stint as it’s a vacation with a purpose, the purpose being that of finding peace and learning new ways of dealing with the sometimes troubling events of real life.
“This is just a time for me to emotionally check out for a second and take care of myself and come back in 30 days as the best 30-year-old woman I can be,” the star explains.
“All the things in my life will be there when I get out, but you know what? I’m hoping they’re not going to affect me as much. I’ll have the tools to know how to deal with them,” LeAnn goes on to explain.
Her husband Eddie Cibrian is by her side at this time, saying that he can’t help but admire her strength “to finally take some time for herself.”
As for LeAnn’s promotional duties (she has a new album, “Spitfire,” coming out soon), she will still be able to honor them, having already obtained permission from her supervisors at the clinic to be away on weekends.
She has no intention of disappointing her fans, her rep insists.