Lauryn Hill thanks fans

Lauryn Hill has thanked her fans for their support while she was in jail.

The American singer recently served three months behind bars for failing to pay nearly $1 million in back tax debt.

While in the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, Lauryn received various gifts and words of wisdom from dedicated followers. The 38-year-old star has posted a hand-written "Letter of Recognition" online, in which she shares her feelings towards their gestures.

"Firstly, I want to thank everyone who wrote letters and sent packages and books. Because of you there was not one day that I didn't receive mail while I was away. I appreciated that," she wrote.

"Know that many of your letters not only touched me, but continued to confirm for me what I already knew but needed to hear again: that sincere expression has a serious purpose. If one of you had been touched, picked up, encouraged, or prevented from succumbing from some measure of social or spiritual decline, then it was worth it."

Lauryn, who was originally arrested in 2012 for tax evasion, continued to urge her fans to remain "strong" during difficult times in life. She believes people should be positive and not let anything bring them down.

"Folks, walk strong, seek light and Universal reproof in all things. Know that man-made concerns and Universal concerns are not always in agreement," she advised. "Obviously, strive to please God. Thank you again and again. In love and in Freedom, Ms. Lauryn Hill. (sic)"

Lauryn released her song Consumerism following her release last week, which highlights issues including racism and sexism. Her letter comes after she wrote a long-winded post on her Tumblr blog about how angry she was with the situation.

"Over-commercialisation and its resulting restrictions and limitations can be very damaging and distorting to the inherent nature of the individual," she complained. "I did not deliberately abandon my fans, nor did I deliberately abandon any responsibilities, but I did however put my safety, health and freedom and the freedom, safety and health of my family first over all other material concerns!"