Jen Shah’s husband Sharrieff Shah took to the Real Housewives Of Utah star’s Instagram this week to give fans an update on his wife’s life behind bars.
The 52-year-old University of Utah football coach shared a video explaining how Jen spent her 50th birthday while serving a reduced sentence of 5.5 years.
He looked dapper in a black suit, white shirt and white tie combo as he captioned his 235,000 followers: “A message from Coach Shah!”
In the video, he let Jen’s supporters know she was “showered with love” and “comforted” on what he said was a “special day.”
“I contacted 50 of her family and closest friends and asked them to write me a birthday note or note and I would give it to her,” he said.
Update: Jen Shah’s husband Sharrieff Shah took to the Real Housewives Of Utah star’s Instagram this week to give fans an update on his wife’s life behind bars
Social media: The 52-year-old University of Utah football coach shared a video explaining how Jen spent her 50th birthday while serving a reduced sentence of 5.5 years
Sharief also let viewers know how the thoughtful gesture was received, as he described her reaction as “more than I could have ever imagined.”
He noted that the couple were only given 10 minutes to speak, and that Jen ‘cried and cried tears of joy and gratitude for at least six and a half minutes’.
“And all I kept saying was, ‘See, baby, we love you more than you think. You are not forgotten,” he added.
The football coach then decided to share parts of some of the messages conveyed to the mother of two.
A friend of Sharief’s, who he said got to know his wife “really, really well,” advised: “Focus on your highest good in everything you do. Maintain peace and harmony in your inner being and (don’t) let external circumstances disturb your lucky day. It’s your 50th birthday.
“The numbers will change, but who you are deep down will always remain the same: beautiful, limitless, wonderful, creative, strong and capable.”
Another birthday wish came from ‘close healthcare workers who have been with her for several years.’
The message read: “Time and distance do not diminish the space you hold in my heart. I am with you today and always. Because birthdays are a celebration of the spirit, I celebrate who you are: a beautiful person inside and out.’
Shah’s sister was another supporter who gave an encouraging message, telling her to ‘set your crown’ and ‘keep pressing on regardless of these stumbling blocks and obstacles that stand in your way.’
Birthday behind bars: In the clip, he let Jen’s supporters know she was ‘showered with love’ and ‘comforted’ on what he called a ‘special day’
Family of four: Jen and her husband have two sons – Sharief Jr., 29, and Omar, 20
Sticking to her: Jen shared a photo of her and her spouse holding hands before she checked into prison
Her sibling added: “You have this and I have you for life. I love you, and I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to celebrate the biggest birthday when you get home.’
Before filming began, Sharief admitted the couple were “not where I thought we’d be” on her 50th birthday. But he added “with complete conviction” that “we are exactly where God intended us to be.”
“For that, I am humbled and eternally grateful,” he emphasized.
Jen’s sentence began in February and she revealed in March that she “didn’t think I would make it through the day” when she started her sentence.
Coach Shah read a letter she sent from Bryan, Texas, a federal prison, detailing how she suffered a panic attack on the way there.
“I couldn’t breathe and my hands were numb,” she wrote. “I knew I was having an anxiety attack.”
Shah was jailed after admitting to a years-long telemarketing scam that preyed on the elderly and vulnerable.