Todd and Julie Chrisley’s imprisonment has significantly impacted their entire family, with their children having to cope with the emotional and financial challenges of the situation.
In January 2023, after nearly four years of legal battles following their 2019 indictment, Todd, 55, and Julie, 52, were sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison for fraud and tax evasion. They have consistently denied the charges and are currently seeking alternative methods for their release.
“My family, in general, we thought it was going to end differently,” Savannah Chrisley tells PEOPLE exclusively. “We really thought it would end differently. We had lawyers who had told us it was going to end differently. We stood in the truth, and we stood in what we knew to be the truth.”
Amid their parents’ imprisonment, Savannah, who hosts the Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley podcast, stepped up to care for her younger siblings, Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12. Though it’s been a struggle, Savannah has had to juggle multiple jobs to support them. Still, she recognizes the toll this has taken on Grayson, in particular.
“He had to grow up so fast and I hate it,” Savannah says. “But at the same time, this whole situation has taught him how cruel the world can be, and how you have to protect yourself. And as cruel as it’s been, he also has kept this softness about him, and he’s in therapy every single week. I just love to see the heart that he has, and how he’s shown up.”
Savannah continues, “That’s how you want any man in your life to be — to show up for you and show up well, and show up even when they get it wrong. He’s learning those lessons at 16 years old, when all this happened. And now he’s 18, and it’s just, I could not be more proud.”
Despite the hardship, Grayson has expressed deep gratitude for Savannah’s support. “He says that. But I look at him and I’m like, he saved me more times than I can count,” she reflects.
Now, Grayson has taken a major step toward independence by leaving home to attend the University of Alabama, where he is pursuing a career in sports management. Savannah shares that despite his initial fears about leaving, Grayson is thriving in college. “Grayson is thriving at college. He absolutely loves it,” she says.
As a proud sister, Savannah encouraged Grayson to follow his dreams and pursue a college education. “I want you to go to college. I want you to follow your dreams,” she tells him. “He loves sports, and watching him speak about sports, it lights up his whole world.”
Savannah’s support for her brother is unwavering, as she wishes him happiness and fulfillment on his journey toward becoming the person he is meant to be.