Todd and Julie Chrisley shared the emotional moments surrounding their recent federal pardons, their experiences behind bars, and the legacy of their reality television show during a wide-ranging interview on FOX News Media’s Hang Out with Sean Hannity podcast.
Todd Chrisley recounted the exact moment he learned of his sudden release while walking back from a prison library where he had just emailed his wife. A correctional officer stopped him on the sidewalk to deliver the news that he needed to leave the facility within three hours. Todd stated that he froze in disbelief, unable to process if the news was real, before asking to call his daughter, Savannah.
When Savannah answered, both she and Todd began crying as she confirmed that Donald Trump had called her directly to deliver the news.
“She told me President Trump had called her while she was coming out of Sam’s Club,” Todd said during the interview. “She said, ‘I’m coming to get you. I’m trying to get a plane lined up now. We’re trying to figure out who’s going to get Mom and who’s coming to get you.'” Ultimately, Savannah picked up Todd from his facility while his sons went to retrieve Julie.
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Reflecting on the years of legal battles leading up to their incarceration, Julie Chrisley explained that entering prison actually brought an unexpected sense of relief after a decade of intense public and legal pressure. The couple faced a timeline that stretched from an initial investigation in 2012, to an indictment in 2019, and a final trial in 2022.
“When we walked into those prisons, we could breathe for the first time since 2012,” Julie said, describing the constant weight the family carried while trying to film their show and raise their children under the threat of prosecution. “Since 2012, it was hanging over our heads. It wasn’t just a possibility—it was always there.”
The couple also discussed the massive success of their hit USA Network reality series, Chrisley Knows Best. Todd attributed the show’s high ratings and cultural impact to its transparency and strong connection with its audience. He noted that the program brought the highest African American and Hispanic viewership numbers in the history of the USA Network. He also recalled being named an “honorary Latino” by Telemundo, stating, “When I asked why, they told me it was because of the family values.”
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