Jen Shah’s Husband Reveals How He Helped Her Celebrate Her 50th Birthday Behind Bars

Jen Shah may be serving time in prison after pleading guilty to her role in a telemarketing fraud scheme, but she was able to celebrate her 50th birthday in a special way with the help of her husband.

In a video shared Wednesday with People magazine, Sharrieff "Coach" Shah opened up about how he helped the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star — who reported to Bryan Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, on Feb. 17 to serve her 78-month-sentence — commemorate her milestone birthday behind bars. (Jen's sentence has since been reduced by one year, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate database.)

"As most of you know, today is my wife's birthday," Sharrieff said. "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. But I can also sit in front of you and tell you with complete conviction, we are exactly where God intended us to be. For that I am humbled and continually grateful.

"Individuals who are incarcerated really need two things from those of us on the outside," he continued. "One, they need to be reassured they have not been forgotten. Two, they need our time."

Sharrieff said that he reached out to "50 family members and close friends" and asked them to write birthday messages for the reality TV star.

"Well, she received them today, and it was more than I could have ever imagined," he said. "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,'" Sharrieff said.

After reading a few of the messages sent to Jen, Sharrieff thanked fans for all the love and support.

"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."

In July, Jen shared a rare glimpse into her reality behind bars.

"Daily introspection and self-examination are helping me learn many valuable lessons about how I ended up here," Shah said in an exclusive interview with The Messenger via e-mail. "I took shortcuts and broke the law. I own and understand my actions created victims. I hurt people and I must reiterate that I blame no one but myself.

"I am committed to doing the work necessary to make my victims whole and prove worthy of a second chance," she continued. "I've learned to focus on what I can and cannot control. I can control my attitude and how I approach each day with a desire to improve.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to earn a second chance," she added. "I know some people doubt my sincerity and commitment. I can only control what I do daily and how I prepare for my life after federal prison."

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.