My wife cannot login to her bellsouth.net email

My wife's iPhone began asking for her email password a couple months ago and when entered said connection to the server failed. After the problem continuing I tried every different location that an att related email can be logged in from...The only message I received was the account is inactive?? The e-mail was used daily. So why would Att restrict it my wife's account, that she's had for years, and has everything in her life linked to? Not a warning or notice e-mailed...nothing.

The message said to log in and give permission to reactivate the email using your parent att login. I have an att cell that is attached to a business account, and we've had that att wireless for years...but I don't have a personal att email. I fear that ATT in an attempt to clear out all the old bellsouth.net emails just randomly deleted the account....if that's the case they deleted multiple business contacts and emails...the contacts that pay our att cells. I hope that's not the case...but does anyone have some light to shed? Also, who exactly would I contact about this? I seam to be going in circles...given links that go to the completely wrong department. Thanks for your help.