Todd Chrisley Reveals the Unexpected Emotion Behind His First Shower at Home.
Todd Chrisley Gets Candid About Life After Lockup: First Shower, Family Regrets, and Plans for a Reality TV Comeback
Todd Chrisley’s First Moments of Freedom: “It Was Like Your First Sexual Encounter”
After spending more than two years behind bars, Chrisley Knows Best star Todd Chrisley, 56, is opening up about his experience following his release from federal prison — and he’s not holding back.
During the ABC News special “The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup” aired on June 29, Todd recalled one of the most surreal moments of returning home: his first shower.
“It was almost like your first sexual encounter,” he joked to host Juju Chang, hinting at the emotional and sensory overload of simply being clean again in his own home.
That first day back in Nashville was filled with familiar comforts. Todd’s first meal? Pizza Hut, while wife Julie Chrisley, 52, opted for a Zaxby’s feast — two small but significant tastes of freedom.
The Presidential Pardon That Changed Everything
Todd and Julie were both granted pardons by President Donald Trump, leading to their surprise release on May 28, 2025. Todd had been serving a 12-year sentence at FPC Pensacola in Florida, and Julie a 7-year sentence at FMC Lexington in Kentucky. They were originally convicted of federal tax evasion and fraud in June 2022 and began their respective sentences in January 2023.
Their release came after 28 months apart from their family — a stretch of time that left deep emotional scars.
Prison Reflections: Regret, Faith, and Family
During the sit-down interview, Todd spoke openly about his first night in prison — a night filled with anger, fear, and questioning.
“I was angry at God,” he admitted. “And when I went to bed that night and the lights went out, I cried myself to sleep and I said, ‘God, why are you allowing this?’”
Over time, Todd said the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for life’s simplest freedoms.
“You don’t realize the things you took for granted until they’re gone… Going to church, eating out, staying in your own bed — when you get those back, it’s a blessing.”
He added, “If it didn’t change you, then you’re not human.”
Julie, meanwhile, focused on the emotional toll of separation from their children. The couple shares sons Chase (29) and Grayson (19), daughter Savannah (27), Todd’s children Lindsie (35) and Kyle (33) from a previous marriage, and their adopted granddaughter Chloe (12).
“I missed birthdays, holidays, graduations — things I can never get back,” Julie said tearfully. “Now I just have to focus on what’s ahead of us.”
New Plans, New Dreams: A Hotel and a TV Show
The Chrisleys aren’t planning to fade from the spotlight anytime soon. Todd revealed that he and Julie are currently working on launching a new Lifetime reality show that will chronicle their post-prison life alongside the rest of the Chrisley family.
But that’s not all.
“We have hopes of acquiring a hotel — a mansion — in Charleston, South Carolina,” Todd revealed. “We want to convert it into a hotel and create a show around that.”
Although Nashville will remain part of their lives, the couple feels drawn to Charleston for this next chapter.
“There’s just something pulling me and Julie back to South Carolina,” Todd shared.
Looking Ahead with Caution and Hope
With their legal battles behind them and their family reunited, the Chrisleys are cautiously optimistic about the future. While their past has been marred by controversy and time away, they are now focused on turning a painful experience into a story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention.
“We’re moving forward — together,” Julie said. “And we’re not looking back.”
