In an emotional and highly anticipated moment, Chrisley Knows Best patriarch Todd Chrisley has finally spoken publicly for the first time since his release from federal prison —

and his words were nothing short of heartfelt. Standing before reporters in Nashville, Todd expressed overwhelming gratitude to his daughter, Savannah Chrisley,

for her years of relentless advocacy, strength, and loyalty throughout the family’s darkest chapter.

The press conference, held at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel on May 30th, came just two days after Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley, were officially released from prison following a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. The couple, once adored for their charm and humor on USA Network’s hit reality show, had been serving time for tax evasion and fraud — convictions that shocked fans in 2022 and sent the family into turmoil.

Now, after nearly two years apart, Todd and Julie are free — and ready to tell their side of the story.

A Father’s Tearful Thanks

Facing the media for the first time in over two years, Todd Chrisley was visibly emotional as he thanked his daughter Savannah for her unwavering courage.

“As Savannah said, she has fought a long fight,” Todd began, his voice breaking slightly. “And for any parent to see their child fight this hard, it’s a double-edged sword. It’s a blessing, but it breaks your heart because your child should never have to fight for you — it’s supposed to be the other way around. But she did. She fought for us every single day.”

Turning toward Savannah, Todd added softly, “I will always be grateful to you.”

For those who have followed the Chrisley family saga, these words carried profound meaning. Since the couple’s sentencing, Savannah — at just 27 years old — became not only her family’s spokesperson but also the guardian of her younger siblings, Grayson and Khloé. She stood before cameras, lawmakers, and critics alike, defending her parents and demanding justice.

The Emotional Reunion

Savannah recounted her father’s release from Federal Prison Camp Pensacola in Florida — a moment she described as “overwhelming beyond words.”

“I went to pick up my dad, and when he walked out, it just hit me all over again,” Savannah told reporters, her eyes glistening with tears. “The last time I was there, I was dropping him off — watching him walk away. Seeing him walk toward me this time was surreal. I was a complete disaster. But we drove away together, and it felt… amazing.”

Her father, once sentenced to 12 years before receiving a reduction, nodded as she spoke. “I woke up the first morning at home and thought, ‘This is real. I’m really home,’” Todd shared. “We sat around the table as a family, prayed together, and it hit me — we’re still standing. We’re still fighting, but now, we’re together.”

Julie Chrisley, who had been serving her sentence at Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky, was released just hours earlier. When the two reunited, their son Chase Chrisley described the emotional moment to Entertainment Tonight: “They both just broke down. My dad hugged my mom and didn’t let go. I don’t think he’s let go since.”

The Power of Savannah’s Fight

Todd’s gratitude for Savannah went far beyond a father’s pride. In his emotional statement, he described her as his “warrior” and “protector.”

“My first words outside those gates were, ‘Thank you, God.’ My second were, ‘Thank you, Savannah,’” Todd wrote later in a heartfelt social media post. “She’s been my voice when I couldn’t speak. My strength when I couldn’t fight. There were days I felt forgotten, but she never let our name fade away. That kind of love — you can’t explain it. You just feel it deep in your soul.”

For Savannah, the past two years have been grueling. Between legal meetings, media appearances, and parenting responsibilities, she also became an advocate for prison reform, speaking publicly about the harsh realities of the U.S. correctional system. On her podcast Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley, she often broke down in tears, sharing her emotional toll and her hope that one day, her parents would come home.

“There are days I don’t know how I keep going,” she once admitted. “But I know my dad would want me to keep fighting — so I do.”

Redemption, Reflection, and a New Beginning

Todd, who still maintains his innocence, spoke about how his time in prison reshaped his perspective.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think, to pray, and to learn,” he told the crowd. “Whether people believe me or not, I was convicted of something I did not do. But I’ve made peace with the fact that this experience wasn’t meant to destroy me — it was meant to change me. I lost everything I thought mattered, and yet, I gained something more valuable — perspective.”

That perspective, he said, has inspired him and Julie to start over — both personally and professionally. The couple confirmed plans for a new reality series on Lifetime, one that will focus less on glitz and humor and more on faith, resilience, and rebuilding.

“We’re blessed to be home, blessed to be together, and blessed to have another chance to share our story,” Todd said. “We have a much bigger story to tell now than we ever have.”

A Daughter’s Legacy

While Todd’s words resonated across social media, it was Savannah’s response that spoke volumes. Though she hasn’t officially commented on her father’s message, insiders told Reality Radar that she was “in tears” after reading it.

“She’s sacrificed so much — her peace, her career, her youth,” a close source revealed. “Hearing her father acknowledge that meant everything. For her, it made all the struggle worth it.”

Indeed, Savannah’s dedication has transformed her public image. Once known simply as a bubbly reality star, she’s now seen as a symbol of perseverance and strength. Fans flooded social media with messages of support. One follower wrote, “Savannah, you’re the definition of family loyalty. You never gave up.” Another added, “You’ve shown what unconditional love looks like. Todd is lucky to have you.”

The Road Ahead for the Chrisleys

With Todd and Julie both free, questions remain about what’s next for the famous family. Will Chrisley Knows Best make a comeback? Will they turn their experiences into advocacy work or step away from the spotlight entirely?

According to sources, Todd has been journaling since his first days in prison and intends to release a memoir chronicling his time behind bars and the lessons he learned. “He wants to tell his truth,” the insider said. “And Savannah will be a major part of that story.”

As Todd summed up in his closing words at the press conference, the family’s new chapter is one built on gratitude and faith. “My daughter showed me what love really looks like when it’s tested,” he said, emotion thick in his voice. “I owe her the rest of my life for that.”

For fans who have followed the Chrisleys’ rise, fall, and now rebirth, this moment feels like a turning point — a story of forgiveness, endurance, and unbreakable family ties.