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Savannah Chrisley Navigates Guardianship and Career Amid Family Crisis

Two years have passed since Savannah Chrisley, 27, took on the role of legal guardian for her younger siblings, Chloe, 12, and Grayson, 18, after their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, were sentenced to prison for bank fraud and tax evasion. This profound change in her life forced Savannah to not only assume parental responsibilities but also to become the primary financial provider for her family, which brought various challenges.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Savannah reflected on her journey: “I wasn’t expecting to get two kids,” she admitted. “With legal expenses to fight for my parents, I feel like I’m just like everyone else. I put on a brave face, but that doesn’t mean I’m not struggling. You have to fake it till you make it.” This honesty underscores the intense pressure she faces as a young adult managing the complexities of life and family all at once.

Savannah opened up about the hardships she has encountered: “I’ve had to work multiple jobs. I sell houses, podcast, and do social media influencing; I accept any opportunity I get,” she stated. This work ethic highlights her determination and resolve to support her siblings and fight for her parents’ return.

Describing her life before this dramatic turn, she noted how different things were when she starred on the reality show Chrisley Knows Best. “I spent money like it was never going to end,” she recalled, reflecting on the carefree lifestyle that characterized her teenage years.

A pivotal moment occurred during her first visit to see her father in a federal prison in Florida. Facing the realities of her new role brought on a significant emotional toll. “I remember being overwhelmed, feeling like I couldn’t handle it,” she recounted. Nevertheless, she found the resolve to rise to the occasion, realizing that she needed to take charge for her siblings’ sake.

She expressed a deep commitment to her role as a guardian, saying, “I’ve always felt that God meant for me to be a mom.” The process has been both instinctive and enlightening as she navigates raising Grayson, now a college student, and Chloe, who was adopted by Todd and Julie Chrisley despite her biological ties to Savannah’s brother, Kyle.

With Grayson now away at college, Savannah admits that caring for Chloe alone can be challenging. “My heart breaks for her. She’s had to face so much loss,” Savannah said. They tackle life together as a trio, sharing the struggles and victories of their unique family situation.

Chloe is currently benefiting from weekly therapy sessions, which Savannah says are helping her make progress. Despite facing bullying at school, Savannah is dedicated to ensuring that Chloe, along with Grayson, feels supported and cherished throughout this trying time. “Together, we’ve saved each other,” Savannah reflected.

Following their parents’ convictions, the Chrisley family has seen a slight reduction in Todd and Julie’s twenty-year sentences, though their appeals have been unsuccessful. The couple maintains their innocence, vehemently denying any wrongdoing.

Despite facing these challenges, Savannah has continued to pursue her own career in entertainment, appearing on shows like Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and The Masked Singer, as well as hosting the podcast Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley, where she aims to provide a platform for open dialogue and authenticity.

Through her endeavors, Savannah has also become an advocate for prison reform, driven by her parents’ experiences. “I became outspoken about our criminal justice system’s failures,” she noted. Her new mission is to raise awareness about systematic issues and injustices, aiming to affect positive change.

As she advocates for these causes, Savannah also addresses perceived corruption in her parents’ case. She expressed determination to continue her fight until her family is reunited, saying, “I believe my time to find my own peace will come when I get my parents home.”

Source
people.com