Paris Hilton Pens Letter from Jail

By Marla Lehner and Bryan Alexander

06/20/2007 at 06:45 PM EDT

With all her free time in jail, Paris Hilton is reaching out to fans by answering their letters, one of which was obtained by E! Online.

"I read your letter and just wanted to thank you for your kind words of love and support," reads the letter to an unidentified fan. "The fact that you took time out of your day to write me truly means the world. Especially at such a difficult and scary time in my life."

A rep for Hilton confirms the authenticity of the letter saying: "That letter was written by Paris. She's been trying to respond to her fans as they write, personally."

The note, written in print on plain stationery, continues: "But I am being strong and trying to make the best out of the situation. And the letters I'm receiving really do put a smile on my face as I sit here in my cell, sad and alone."

The letter is signed "Love always, Paris Hilton" with hearts dotting the i's and "xoxo" under the signature.

Hilton's mother, Kathy, told FOX News's Greta Van Susteren that her daughter is keeping busy by "reading a lot of her fan mail and family letters" since she began her jail sentence on June 4. (She's due to be released on Monday.)

Earlier this month, Hilton made a Father's Day card for her dad, Rick Hilton.