When Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the once-beloved reality series Chrisley Knows Best, walked through the prison gates, they left behind a world of marble kitchens, designer wardrobes, and television cameras.

In its place came a stark new reality—gray walls, strict schedules, and a daily list of chores that would humble even the most seasoned inmate. Now, fans are eager to know: what does life really look like

for the Chrisleys behind bars, and how are they coping with the routine tasks that are now at the center of their lives? The celebrity couple, convicted on charges of bank fraud and tax evasion, are serving their sentences

in two separate facilities—Todd in Pensacola, Florida, and Julie in Lexington, Kentucky. Though they are separated by state lines and steel bars, both are bound by a prison system that demands discipline, obedience, and a relentless work ethic. And for two people accustomed to luxury and control, these “chilling chores” are nothing short of life-altering.

Todd Chrisley’s New Reality: Mops, Toilets, and Discipline

Todd Chrisley, always known for his sharp tongue and even sharper suits, now starts his mornings in a drastically different way. Instead of leisurely sipping coffee in his Nashville mansion, Todd rises at 4:45 a.m. sharp. The blaring lights and loud intercom are no respecter of celebrity status. Count time comes first, and then comes the day’s first task—perfecting his bed and ensuring his cell is spotless.

Once chores begin, Todd is often assigned to sanitation duty. Yes, the man who once criticized his children for leaving streaks on marble floors is now mopping prison hallways, scrubbing communal toilets, and wiping down tables in the common room. Sources say the irony isn’t lost on him. “I used to yell at Chase for not knowing how to clean,” Todd allegedly joked. “Now I’m the one polishing toilets.”

But sanitation isn’t just about hygiene in prison—it’s about survival. A clean unit prevents conflict, pests, and illness. Todd, who once thrived on maintaining appearances, has found a strange sense of dignity in keeping his surroundings orderly. Fellow inmates reportedly respect his work ethic and even appreciate his humor while on duty. One joked, “He’s the funniest guy you’ll ever see pushing a mop.”

Julie Chrisley’s Kitchen Duties: From Southern Charm to Steel Pots

Meanwhile, Julie Chrisley has taken to her chores with the quiet resilience that defined her on-screen persona. Assigned to the prison kitchen, Julie now prepares meals for hundreds of inmates. Gone are the polished countertops of her family’s show—here, she’s chopping vegetables, stirring massive pots of oatmeal, and portioning out trays in a noisy, high-pressure environment.

Yet Julie has found her rhythm. Fellow inmates describe her as a calming presence in the chaos, with one reportedly saying, “Miss Julie makes the best cornbread this prison has ever had.” Though her tasks also include scrubbing oversized pots and cleaning sticky floors, Julie’s work has become her way of bringing comfort to others. Cooking, once a glamorous aspect of her reality-TV life, is now a tool of survival and connection.

Her chores extend beyond the kitchen. Like Todd, she’s responsible for keeping her living space immaculate and often pitches in with laundry duty, folding uniforms and repairing torn clothing. For a woman who once hired staff to handle such tasks, the transformation is striking—but it may also be therapeutic.

Laundry, Groundskeeping, and the Harsh Realities of Prison Life

Both Todd and Julie have been assigned to prison laundry at various times. Todd, in particular, has spent hours folding uniforms and feeding them into industrial dryers. The man who once hired stylists to organize his closet now carefully stacks prison-issued clothing into neat piles. At times, he even patches clothing with needle and thread—a skill he never imagined needing.

Julie has also contributed to the prison greenhouse, where she plants flowers and tends to small gardens. For her, the simple act of planting seeds carries hope. She envisions herself back in Nashville, tending to her family garden, a mental escape from her grim surroundings.

Todd, however, dreads groundskeeping duty—picking up trash, sweeping walkways, and maintaining the prison yard. The work is grueling and humbling, though he reportedly jokes that at least the weeds listen to him, unlike his children.

Visiting Hours: Family Struggles and Emotional Chores

Though separated, Todd and Julie both cling to their visiting hours with family. Todd is allowed visits on weekends, while Julie’s visits take place during the week. Their children, especially Savannah, have spoken openly about the toll their imprisonment has taken. Savannah has even vowed not to marry until her parents are released, a heartbreaking decision that underscores the emotional cost of their sentences.

But perhaps the most important “chore” the Chrisleys carry out isn’t physical—it’s emotional. They write letters to their children as often as possible, considering it their most meaningful daily duty. For Todd, those letters are a lifeline, keeping him connected to his role as father. For Julie, they are a reminder of the family she is determined to return to.

Redemption Through Routine

Prison life has stripped the Chrisleys of their wealth and fame, but their daily chores have given them something else: routine, structure, and perhaps even redemption. Todd has embraced humor to survive, while Julie has leaned into her nurturing side, becoming something of a mother figure to younger inmates.

Though their sentences—12 years for Todd and 7 for Julie—are daunting, both have found ways to endure by reframing their chores as acts of service. Inmates say Julie’s cornbread has brought comfort, while Todd’s jokes during mop duty have lifted spirits.

The reality is harsh: gone are the days of glamorous reality television. But in a way, this new “reality show” of prison life has revealed who the Chrisleys truly are without the cameras. Their chores may be humbling, even humiliating at times, but they’ve also become a mirror of resilience, faith, and a search for meaning in the unlikeliest of places.

What’s Next for the Chrisleys?

As they continue to serve their sentences, fans can’t help but wonder what the future holds. Will the couple emerge from prison stronger, humbled, and ready to rebuild their family brand? Or will the harshness of prison life leave permanent scars?

One thing is certain: the Chrisleys are no longer living in a world of staged drama and scripted luxury. Their new life revolves around chores, discipline, and survival. And whether it’s scrubbing toilets, stirring pots of oatmeal, or folding uniforms, each task pushes them further into a story more dramatic than anything reality television could script.