Why Savannah Chrisley Is Struggling to Catch Her Breath Amid Todd and Julie’s Prison Sentences

The Growing Up Chrisley star reflected on how she’s stepped up since her parents, Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley, began their respective prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion more than a year ago.

“What’s tough for me is how Mom and Dad have that feeling that life is just continuing to move on without them,” Savannah explained on the April 2 episode of her podcast Unlocked. “In a way, I have that feeling with people in my life because it’s like they just continue on living their lives.”

Savannah—who gained custody of her brother Grayson, 17, and niece Chloe, 11, amid her parents’ incarceration—emphasized that she wasn’t trying to make the experience about herself but was pointing out how overwhelming it is at times.

“I’m still sitting here struggling to catch my breath,” the Chrisley Knows Best alum admitted. “Whether it’s financially with the kids, trying to parent, me in a relationship.”

“It feels like ‘Alright, I can come up for air,’ and then another blow hits,” the 26-year-old, who began dating Robert Shiver last year, continued, noting that while others are moving forward, “I’m still in the same place.”

As for why Savannah is now speaking out about how her new responsibilities have weighed on her, the reality star admitted that it was reading the letters her mom has sent to her from prison to her listeners that inspired it.

Savannah Chrisley, Todd Chrisley, Julie ChrisleyVivian Zink/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

“‘As much as I missed the kids, I was adamant that they not visit me on Christmas Day,’” Savannah read aloud. “‘I do not want them to ever have that memory of sitting in a prison visitation room on Christmas. Savannah did a great job and they seemed to have a good day.’”

Savannah agreed and added, “It’s been really tough.”

Keep reading to see more of the Chrisleys’ family moments.

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Couple Portrait

Chrisley Knows Best stars Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley smiled for a professional photo together in 2016.

Tommy Garcia/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Cast Photo

Todd and Julie were pictured along with Faye Chrisley, Chase Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, Chloe Chrisley and Grayson Chrisley ahead of season eight of their reality show.

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Beverly Hills Outing

The spouses attended the 2014 Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Photo by Kevin Mazur/ACMA2017/Getty Images for ACM

Academy of Country Music Awards

The pair hit the red carpet for the 2017 Academy Of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Concert For Love And Acceptance

The Concert For Love And Acceptance

Lindsie Chrisley—whose parents are Todd and Teresa Terry—joined her dad, Savannah and Julie at the 2015 Concert For Love And Acceptance at City Winery Nashville.

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Sibling Bond

Savannah and Chase snapped a pic together in 2019 for E! News’ Daily Pop.

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Chrisley Knows Best

The couple appeared with granddaughter Chloe, who they adopted, on the “Build A Baby” episode in 2020.

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Hollywood Game Night

Todd and Julie appeared with their daughter Savannah on Hollywood Game Night in 2018 for the “Chrisley’s Believe It Or Not” episode.

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Father-Daughter Date

The real estate mogul and his daughter were among the stars at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

The Growing Up Chrisley star reflected on how she’s stepped up since her parents, Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley, began their respective prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion more than a year ago. “What’s tough for me is how Mom and Dad have that feeling that life is just continuing to move on…