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Jill Marie Jones found comfort and love this holiday season thanks to her Girlfriends co-star and on-screen husband, Jason Pace, as she celebrated her first Christmas without her mother, Gloria Underwood Jones.

On Thursday, December 26, the 49-year-old actress shared a heartfelt Instagram post reflecting on her bittersweet holiday experience.

“Good Morning 🌻🌻🌻 Being completely transparent… yesterday was a bit rough for me… it being the first Christmas without my Mom. ♥️🕊,” Jones wrote in her caption. She went on to express gratitude for Pace, who invited her to spend Christmas with his family after checking in on her. “My Dear Friend and TV Hubbie @thejasonpace called to check up on me and so kindly invited me to dinner at his home with his lovely family. 🤗🤗🤗🤗.”

Jones, best known for her role as the glamorous and self-assured Antoinette "Toni" Childs-Garrett on the iconic series Girlfriends, joined the Pace family for a home-cooked meal prepared by Pace’s 17-year-old daughter, Sarah, whom Jones humorously dubbed “the next Julia Child.” She added that the teen “cooked the entire meal and made pie… and it SLAPPED!!!”

The evening also featured a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Jones revealed that Pace’s sons, Jake and Dean, had never seen their father on Girlfriends. “So I definitely had to change that! LOL!!! We watched a couple [episodes],” she concluded, clearly delighted to relive some moments from the show with her extended family.

Background on Girlfriends

Girlfriends, which aired from 2000 to 2008, was a groundbreaking sitcom that explored the lives, friendships, and romantic entanglements of four Black women navigating their personal and professional lives in Los Angeles. Jill Marie Jones’ character, Toni, was a fan favorite known for her wit, style, and unapologetic confidence. The show, created by Mara Brock Akil, was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of friendship and its ability to tackle complex topics like race, mental health, and relationships.

Jones starred on the show for six seasons, and her chemistry with Jason Pace, who played her on-screen husband, Todd Garrett, was a highlight of her storyline. Although Toni and Todd’s marriage faced its challenges on the show, the real-life friendship between Jones and Pace has endured, as evidenced by their heartwarming holiday reunion.

For Jones, this Christmas was a testament to the power of friendship and cherished memories, even during times of profound loss. Fans of Girlfriends will no doubt be touched by this real-life connection between two beloved stars of the series.

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