Yahoo News Jen Shah's Husband Says She 'Cried Tears of Joy' to Receive 50th Birthday Well-Wishing in Prison (Exclusive)
'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star's husband Sharrieff Shah admits he's "not where I thought we would be when my wife turned 50" — but "exactly where God intended us to be"
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 fared spending her milestone birthday in prison and gave some insight into the support she's 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 years old, and I can say honestly that we are not where I thought we would be when my wife turned 50."
Jen Shah/ Instagram
Jen Shah and Sharrieff ShahDespite this, 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 continually grateful."
With "incarcerated individuals" needing "two things" — reassurance they "have not been forgotten" and "our time" — the University of Utah football coach revealed that he contacted 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 an individual who is incarcerated in a federal facility, the phone call lasts for 10 minutes. And my wife cried and cried tears of joy and appreciation for at least six and a half minutes."
"And all I kept saying was, 'See baby? We love you more than you think, you've not been forgotten,'" the father of two recounted.
Sharrieff then proceeded to read a few of the touching messages he read to Jen during their phone call.
"Happy Birthday Jen," read a message from the couple's close family friend. "Today you open your eyes to a brilliant new day with light and love. Focus on your highest good and everything you do. maintain peace and harmony within your inner being and not allow outside circumstances to disturb your day of happiness. It is your 50th birthday. The numbers will change, but who you are deep inside will always remain the same. Beautiful, limitless, wonderful, creative, strong and capable. "
Another tribute from the reality star's health care provider read, "Hey my girl. Time and distance does not diminish the space you have in my heart. I am with you today and always as birthdays are a celebration of spirit, I celebrate who you are a beautiful human inside and out. Happy birthday, my angel. What a great birthday gift, all of the love you have surrounding you."
The last message Sharrieff shared came from her sister and noted how her family members call her "Sennifer" in reference to their Tongan heritage.
"Sennifer," the letter began, "may you always see beauty in this world and be encouraged to keep on pressing on regardless of these stumbling blocks and hurdles that stand in your way. Never give up, because you're gorgeous and remarkable and I see greatness in you."
It continued, "Adjust your crown queen. You've got this and I got you for life. I love you and I'm so proud of you. Can't wait to have the biggest birthday bash when you come home. Happy birthday to my sister. My best friend."
Related: Jen Shah on Adjusting to 'Brown Bag' Breakfasts and Battling 'Self-Destructive' Thinking in Prison
Sharrieff concluded the video by thanking fans for sending "love" and supportive messages to his wife.
"Just know that Jennifer was showered with love and she was comforted today on this special day," he said. "We appreciate every single person who's praying for us, who has sent beautiful thoughts our way and who continue to love us unconditionally. We love you right back."
Related: Jen Shah Is Feeling 'Healthy' After Completing Mandatory Anger Management Classes in Prison
Jen reported to Bryan Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in Bryan, Texas, on Feb. 17, 2023, after pleading guilty to her role in a telemarketing fraud scheme and being sentenced to 6.5 years on Jan. 6. This past March, her sentence was reduced by one year.
Earlier this month, a rep for the reality star exclusively told PEOPLE that she and her husband were still "going strong" despite the family's trials and tribulations.
"Jen and Coach Shah are doing really well,” the rep said. “He still sees her often, and they talk on the phone frequently. There are still ups and downs, of course, due to the long distances, but their marriage is still going strong."
The rep added, "He’s so supportive of her. He’s still very much by his wife. He’s 100 percent behind Jen."
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The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, and the full series can be streamed on Peacock.
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