Jen Shah’s Husband Says She ‘Cried Tears of Joy’ to Receive 50th Birthday Well-Wishing in Prison (Exclusive)

Jen Shah cried happy tears as she received 50th birthday wishes from her friends and family behind bars.

In a video message shared exclusively with PEOPLE, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star’s husband, Sharrieff “Coach” Shah, revealed how she spent her birthday in jail and gave us an insight into the support she received from her loved ones.

“As most of you know, today is my wife’s birthday,” the 52-year-old football coach began. “Today Jen Shah turned 50 and I can honestly say we are not where I thought we would be when my wife turned 50.”

‘RHOSLC’s’ Jen Shah is ‘determined’ to ‘come out of this experience a better person’ as she faces jail

Jen Shah and Sharrieff Shah.

Jen Shah/ Instagram

Even so, Sharrieff noted with “complete conviction,” and he and his family felt “that we are exactly where God intended us to be. So for that, I am humbled and eternally grateful.”

Because “closed individuals” need “two things” — reassurance that they “are not forgotten” and “our time” — the University of Utah football coach revealed he reached out to 50 of Jen’s closest friends and family to help her celebrate her birthday.

“Well, she received them today, and it was more than I could have ever imagined,” he continued. “For those of you who don’t know, when you have a phone call with a person who is incarcerated in a federal facility, the phone call lasts 10 minutes. And my wife cried and cried tears of joy and gratitude for at least six and a half minutes.”

“And all I said was: ‘See, little one? We love you more than you think, you are not forgotten,'” said the father of two children.

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Jen Shah, Sharrieff Shah and their sons. Jen Shah’s Instagram

Sharrieff then proceeded to read several touching messages that he had read to Jen during their phone conversation.

“Happy birthday Jen,” read a message from a close family friend of the couple. “Today you open your eyes to a brilliant new day with light and love. Focus on your greatest good and all that you do. Maintain peace and harmony within your inner being and do not allow external circumstances to disrupt your day of happiness. This is your 50th birthday. The numbers will change, but what you are deep inside will always remain the same. Beautiful, limitless, wonderful, creative, strong and capable.”

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Another tribute from the reality star doctor read: “Hey my girl. Time and distance don’t diminish the space you have in my heart. I’m with you today and always because birthdays are a celebration of the spirit, celebrating the beautiful person you are inside and out. Happy Birthday , my angel. What a great birthday present, all the love you have around you.”

Jen Shah. Chris Haston/Bravo via Getty

The last message Sharrieff shared came from her sister, noting how her family members call her “Sennifer” in reference to their Tongan heritage.

“Sennifer,” the letter began, “may you always see the beauty in this world and may it encourage you to keep running regardless of these stumbling blocks and obstacles that stand in your way. Never give up, because you are beautiful and extraordinary and I see greatness in you.”

It continued: “Customize your crowning queen. You have this and I have you for life. I love you and I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait for the biggest birthday party when you get home. Happy birthday to my sister. My best friend.”

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Sharrieff concluded the video by thanking fans for sending his wife “love” and messages of support.

“Just know that Jennifer was showered with love and comfort today on this special day,” he said. “We appreciate every single person who prays for us, who sends us kind thoughts, and who continues to love us unconditionally. We love you right now.”

Jen Shah and Sharrieff Shah. Jen Shah/Instagram Jen Shah is feeling ‘healthy’ after completing mandatory anger management courses in prison

On February 17, 2023, Jen reported to Bryan Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Bryan, Texas, after pleading guilty to her role in a fraudulent telemarketing scheme and being sentenced to 6.5 years in prison on January 6. Last March, her sentence was reduced by one year.

Earlier this month, a rep for the reality star told PEOPLE exclusively that she and her husband remain “strong” despite the family’s trials and tribulations.

“Jen and Coach Shah are doing very well,” the rep said. “He still sees her a lot and they talk on the phone a lot. There are still ups and downs, of course, because of the long distance, but their marriage is still going strong.”

The rep added, “He’s so supportive of her. He’s still very much with his wife. He’s behind Jen 100 percent.”

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The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET on Bravo, and the entire series can be seen on Peacock.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education