Savannah Chrisley recently opened up on her podcast about the impact her parents’ imprisonment has had on her niece Chloe, 11, and brother Grayson, 18. She shared in a letter to a judge that Chloe is struggling in school and both children are dealing with anxiety and depression. Savannah is fighting to prevent them from becoming statistics of children of incarcerated parents who lose their way. She emphasized the need for her mother, Julie, to be there for Chloe and Grayson, as she believes they have the potential to change the world and doesn’t want them to be broken by the world.
Savannah’s parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, were indicted on tax evasion charges in 2019 and found guilty in 2022. Todd’s original sentence of 12 years was reduced to 10 years, while Julie’s remains at 84 months. Savannah took over custody of Chloe and Grayson amid her parents’ legal troubles. The family also includes son Chase, and Todd has children Lindsie and Kyle from a previous marriage. Kyle is Chloe’s biological father, but Todd and Julie adopted her in 2016.
In the heartfelt letter shared on her podcast, Savannah expressed her love for Grayson and Chloe but acknowledged that she can never truly replace their mother. Chloe, who has already experienced abandonment by her biological parents, now faces that heartbreak again with the absence of Todd and Julie. Savannah highlighted the moments and milestones that her mother has missed, such as holidays, Chloe’s cheerleading and Grayson’s senior year. She expressed the strain of balancing raising the children, advocating for her parents, and maintaining the household on a single income.
Savannah revealed the poignant questions Chloe has asked about whether Julie will be there for major life events like teaching her to drive and attending her high school dance. She shared her struggles as a single woman running a household, feeling like her efforts are never enough. Savannah emphasized the importance of her mother’s presence in the children’s lives, especially during significant moments when parental support is needed most. Despite the challenges they face, Savannah remains determined to fight for justice for her parents while providing a stable and loving environment for Chloe and Grayson.
The situation has taken a toll on the entire family, as Savannah detailed the difficulties they have faced over the past two years. She reflected on the unexpected role of motherhood she found herself in, under such challenging circumstances. Savannah’s ultimate goal is to protect Chloe and Grayson from the negative impacts of their parents’ imprisonment and provide them with the support and love they need to thrive. She continues to navigate the complexities of their situation as she works towards ensuring a better future for her family. Through her podcast and public statements, Savannah is raising awareness about the far-reaching consequences of incarceration on families and advocating for support for children of incarcerated parents.
