In an emotional and candid interview with NBC's Matt Lauer, pop icon Britney Spears talks about the state of her marriage, motherhood, the tabloids criticism about her skills as a mom, and why the paparazzi have gone too far. The exclusive interview will air on Thursday, June 15 on "Today" 7 a.m. and "Dateline" (9 p.m.)

In the interview at her home, Lauer asks Spears why she is speaking out now and she explains that the tabloids have gone too far by intruding on her private moments and taking photographs of her on private property. "They've crossed the line a little bit," says Spears, "...they like to have the person they pick on, I feel like I'm a target."

Despite the tabloids reports of trouble on the home front, Spears shares with Lauer that her marriage with Kevin Federline is ¡°awesome," and that the reports of Kevin living in the basement are false. She talks about why she loves him, and reveals to Lauer, "He helps me. He has to. I'm (an) emotional wreck right now." When asked if she feels people are rooting against her marriage, Spears says she doesn't know, "If they are that¡¯s sad. I think everybody should be 'pro love.' "

Spears also shares with Lauer that motherhood is amazing, and opens up about the incident on Pacific Coast Highway where she was photographed with her son, Sean, on her lap in the car. She discusses the events that led to the situation and ultimately says, "I can't go anywhere without someone judging me...I did it with my dad. I'd sit on his lap and I drive. We're country." When asked if she was upset by the headlines that ensued questioning her parental judgment, Spears defends herself, saying, "I know I'm a good mom."