For the first time since her discovery in late August, 29-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard, who was kidnapped from a rural Lake Tahoe community in 1991, is releasing a statement through a family spokesperson and allowing People magazine to release photographs of her.

Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the Dugard family released the woman's first public statement, saying "she is happy to be with her family, and have their unconditional love and support."
Also, the first photo of Dugard since her kidnapping 18 years ago was posted on People Magazine's Web site.

On the Today Show Wednesday morning, Schulte said Dugard is happy and is doing quite well.

"People cannot imagine what that ordeal been like and this is her way of thanking everyone for their support and really letting them know that she's doing ok," Schulte said. "For the prosecution to move forward she needs to cooperate and she's fully prepared to do that."

Phillip and Nancy Garrido are accused of kidnapping Dugard from Meyers, California when she was 11-years-old, and allegedly holding her captive in their backyard for 18 years. Police say Phillip fathered two children with Dugard. The Garridos have said they are not guilty.

Stay with News 4 and MyNews4.com for more details.

Click here to go to the People Magazine Web site.