Jill Marie Jones, beloved for her role as Toni Childs-Garrett on the iconic sitcom Girlfriends, found solace during a bittersweet Christmas by reconnecting with her on-screen husband, Jason Pace. In what could have been a lonely holiday, the actress shared a heartwarming reunion with Pace and his family, showcasing the enduring bond forged on the set of the hit show.
A Holiday of Healing for Jill Marie Jones
Jones, 49, revealed on Instagram that this was her first Christmas without her mother, Gloria Underwood Jones, who passed away earlier this year. “Being completely transparent… yesterday was a bit rough for me… it being the first Christmas without my Mom,” she wrote. Despite her grief, the holiday was brightened by an unexpected invitation.
Pace, who played Dr. Todd Garrett on Girlfriends, reached out to check on his former co-star and extended a heartfelt invitation to join his family for Christmas dinner. Sharing a video of the pair embracing, Jones wrote, “My Dear Friend and TV Hubbie @thejasonpace kindly invited me to dinner at his home with his lovely family.”
The dinner turned into a nostalgic evening as Jones and the Paces revisited their sitcom roots. “I was also made aware that his sons had never seen their father on Girlfriends… so I definitely had to change that! LOL!!! We watched a couple [of episodes],” she shared.
The night was further enriched by the culinary talents of Pace’s 17-year-old daughter, Sarah, whom Jones humorously dubbed “the next Julia Child.” Sarah cooked the entire holiday feast, complete with a pie that, according to Jones, “SLAPPED!!!”
Fans and friends of Girlfriends celebrated the touching reunion. Series creator Mara Brock Akil commented, “This is beautiful… how love shows up in our lives is the magic of life.”
The critically acclaimed show, which aired from 2000 to 2008, chronicled the lives of four best friends navigating careers, relationships, and life in Los Angeles. Its addition to Netflix in 2020 introduced the series to a new generation, affirming its status as a timeless classic.
Jones’ Christmas story is a testament to the lasting connections formed on Girlfriends—on screen and off.