Julie Chrisley is an American reality television personality who gained fame as the matriarch of the Chrisley family on the USA Network series “Chrisley Knows Best.” Known for her calm demeanor, Southern cooking, and as the steadying force in her often-chaotic family, she became a familiar face to millions. Alongside her husband, Todd Chrisley, she navigated the ups and downs of raising a large family in the public eye, all while facing significant personal challenges, including a battle with breast cancer and highly publicized legal troubles.
Julie Chrisley Overview
| Name | Julie Chrisley (née Hughes) |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1973 |
| Age | 52 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Winchester, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Profession | Reality Television Personality, Producer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million (as of May 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Julie Chrisley
Julie Chrisley was born Julie Hughes on January 9, 1973, in Winchester, South Carolina. She was raised in a modest double-wide trailer by her parents, Harvey Hughes Jr., a Baptist minister, and his wife, Pam. Growing up, she had a brother named Harvey Hughes III, who tragically committed suicide at the age of 25. Before her rise to fame, Julie attended local schools in South Carolina and later worked as a bank teller. In her youth, she also participated in beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Winchester County Fair.
Julie Chrisley’s Career
Reality Television
Julie Chrisley’s career in the public eye began in March 2014 with the premiere of the reality television series “Chrisley Knows Best” on the USA Network. The show, which chronicled the lives of her affluent Southern family, quickly became a hit, with Julie’s calm and often humorous responses to her husband Todd’s antics endearing her to viewers. The success of “Chrisley Knows Best” led to several spin-offs, including “Growing Up Chrisley,” which followed the lives of her children Chase and Savannah. Julie also hosted her own digital cooking series, “What’s Cooking with Julie Chrisley,” on the USA Network’s website, showcasing her passion for Southern cuisine. Additionally, she and Todd co-hosted a weekly podcast called “Chrisley Confessions,” where they discussed their faith, parenting, and their ongoing legal battles.
Julie Chrisley Personal Life & Family
Julie Chrisley’s personal life has been a central theme of her public persona. She married her first husband, Kenneth Wayne Childress, in 1991 while they were in high school. After their divorce, she met and married real estate entrepreneur Todd Chrisley on May 25, 1996. Together, they have three children: Chase (born 1996), Savannah (born 1997), and Grayson (born 2006). Julie is also the stepmother to Todd’s two children from his first marriage, Lindsie and Kyle. In 2016, Todd and Julie officially adopted Kyle’s daughter, Chloe, due to his struggles with substance abuse. Following Todd and Julie’s legal issues, their daughter Savannah became the legal guardian of Grayson and Chloe.
A significant personal challenge for Julie was her battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed in 2012 and underwent a double mastectomy. She has since been in remission.
Awards and Achievements of Julie Chrisley
While Julie Chrisley has not received formal awards in the traditional sense, her success can be measured by the popularity and longevity of “Chrisley Knows Best.” The show aired for ten seasons and, at its peak, was one of the most-watched original programs on the USA Network, particularly among younger viewers. Her daughter, Savannah, won the Miss Tennessee Teen USA title in 2016.
Julie Chrisley Net Worth and Income
As of May 2025, Julie Chrisley’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. This is a significant recovery from a previous negative net worth of -$18 million, which was a result of the legal and financial troubles she and her husband faced. The family’s income primarily came from their reality television shows, including “Chrisley Knows Best” and its spin-offs. They also earned money from their podcast, “Chrisley Confessions,” and various business ventures. The couple owned several properties, including a home in Nashville they purchased for $1.6 million in 2016 and another outside of Nashville for $3.4 million in 2019.
Legacy and Influence
Julie Chrisley’s legacy is intertwined with the rise of family-centric reality television in the 2010s. As the matriarch of the Chrisley family, she presented an image of a strong, supportive, and often witty Southern woman. Her public journey, which included her battle with cancer and her family’s legal struggles, has been a source of both entertainment and public discussion. Despite the controversies, she has maintained a loyal following of fans who connect with her family’s dynamic and her personal resilience.
Interesting Facts about Julie Chrisley
- Before her television career, Julie worked in a bank.
- She is a breast cancer survivor and underwent a double mastectomy in 2012.
- She grew up in a double-wide trailer in South Carolina.
- Her father was a Baptist minister.
- While in prison, she taught a real estate class to fellow inmates.
Controversies
In August 2019, Julie and Todd Chrisley were indicted by a federal grand jury on 12 counts, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Prosecutors accused them of defrauding banks of over $30 million in loans and evading federal income taxes for several years. In June 2022, a federal jury found them guilty on all counts. Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison, while Todd received a 12-year sentence. They began their sentences in January 2023.
After a series of appeals, on May 27, 2025, then-President Donald Trump granted full presidential pardons to both Todd and Julie Chrisley. They were released from prison hours after the pardons were signed.
Social Media Presence
Julie Chrisley has a significant social media presence, which has been a key platform for connecting with her fans. While her activity has fluctuated, particularly during her legal troubles and incarceration, her family, especially her daughter Savannah, has often provided updates to their followers. The family’s social media accounts have been used to share personal news, promote their various projects, and maintain their public profile.
Final Words about Julie Chrisley
Following her release from prison, Julie Chrisley has been focused on her family and re-acclimating to life outside of incarceration. She and Todd have spoken about the emotional and psychological challenges of their transition and have resumed their podcast, now called “Chrisley Confessions 2.0”. The family is also reportedly working on a new reality series with Lifetime that will document their lives after their release from prison. Julie has expressed a desire to move forward, focusing on her family and future projects, including a potential boutique hotel venture in Charleston, South Carolina.
