Lauryn Hill Thanks Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder in Open Letter
Even with a looming prison sentence, Lauryn Hill knows how to stay positive. The singer penned a letter of appreciation to fans and peers who have been pillars of support as she navigates through ongoing troubles with the IRS.
Taking to Tumblr Wednesday (May 8), the 37-year-old name dropped Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and the more than 20 others who wrote letters to the judge in her tax case. Other standouts on the list include Ruffhouse Records co-founder and CEO Chris Schwartz. Despite her very public discrepancy with the music industry, Hill's loyalty to the label head dates back to 1996's The Score, her debut release with the Fugees. Her critically acclaimed first album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, was also released under Ruffhouse.
"I also want to thank all of my family, friends, business associates, and fans who have called, emailed, sent texts, and posted messages of concern, encouragement, and support," she wrote. "I appreciate the well wishes, and I thank you for your prayers.
"Also, to anyone who may have written letters that we did not know about, thank you also, all of you. I will have more to say soon, but did not want to further delay expressing my appreciation."
This week has been particularly challenging for the mother of six. After making a last-minute payment of more than $900,000 to help settle the brunt of the massive bill, a judge sentenced Hill to three months behind bars; in addition to a $60,000 fine and home confinement.
While in court, the New Jersey native blamed her financial issues on being the "child of former slaves who had a system imposed on them."
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(Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)