Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus has paid tribute to "sad" pal Jamie Lynn Spears after the actress announced she was pregnant at 16.

Britney Spears' little sister shocked fans and friends when she confirmed reports she was with child last month, and 15-year-old Cyrus, who, like her pal is a Nickelodeon TV network star, has been trying to get in touch with her ever since.

She says, "She's turned her phones off. She's, like, doing her thing. I think she's really just kind of like trying to figure herself out, which I think is a good way to start 2008."

Cyrus admits she was as shocked as anyone when she discovered Spears was pregnant: "It was really sad because that definitely is going to change her life."

But she's glad her friend decided to keep her baby, and speak candidly about her pregnancy in the media.

Cyrus adds, "I really respect her for taking it the classy route."