Savannah Chrisley is reeling from the shocking and tragic death of her close friend, Charlie Kirk. The Chrisley Knows Best alum shared her heartbreak hours after the Turning Point USA co-founder, 31,

was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. What was meant to be a celebration of free expression and political dialogue quickly turned into

a scene of profound grief, leaving friends, colleagues, and admirers across the nation in shock. In a deeply emotional TikTok video, Savannah reflected on the profound impact

Kirk had on her life over the past few years. “The past two and a half years of my life have been some of the hardest I’ve ever endured,” she shared, her voice tinged with grief. “But in that time, I met so many incredible people, people who changed my life forever. One of those people was Charlie Kirk—a man who gave me a voice, who made me feel like I had the power to show up in this world.”

Savannah, 28, spoke candidly about how Kirk became more than a mentor; he was a guiding light during one of her family’s darkest chapters. Earlier this year, her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, were granted pardons by former President Donald Trump, ending a period of immense personal turmoil. Kirk, she revealed, had been a steadfast supporter during that difficult time. “He believed in me and in my family when the world turned its back,” she wrote alongside the video. “He saw potential in us, spoke life into us, and reminded me that God still had a plan—even when I couldn’t see it myself. That kind of belief changes you forever.”

The pair had also shared professional ambitions. Savannah had planned to stand beside Kirk at multiple college events throughout October, amplifying the political movement he helped build. “I was supposed to be standing next to him at every college this October,” she continued. “Instead, I sit here with a broken heart, devastated beyond words.”

Her grief extended beyond her own loss, as she expressed profound sorrow for Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, and their two young children. “I’m truly grieving for his wife, Erika,” Savannah said. “One of the kindest, most loving human beings I’ve ever known. I cannot imagine the heartbreak they’re enduring right now.”

Savannah also emphasized the legacy Kirk leaves behind—a testament to his influence on American politics and youth activism. “He created a movement. His legacy is one that I hope I can build even half of for my kids someday,” she said. Her message to her fallen friend was heartfelt: “You changed America. You changed me. You changed my family. Rest easy, my friend. Heaven has gained a warrior.”

The news of Kirk’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from notable figures across the political and entertainment spectrum. Former President Donald Trump confirmed the tragic news on Truth Social, calling Kirk “great, and even legendary” and highlighting his unique ability to connect with young Americans. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Kristin Chenoweth, the beloved Wicked actress, expressed her shock and sadness on Instagram, calling the shooting “a sad, senseless, and disgusting act,” while offering prayers for Kirk’s family and the nation. Similarly, TV personality Dr. Phil reflected on the loss during his show, The Real Story, noting that Kirk’s “spirit, passion, and message will live on,” extending condolences to his wife and children.

Russell Brand and former President Barack Obama also shared their condolences, emphasizing the need to confront the senseless violence that claimed Kirk’s life. Brand described Kirk as “a good, strange Christian man” and prayed for his family, while Obama noted, “This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.” Vice President Kamala Harris echoed these sentiments, stating on X that she and her husband Doug Emhoff were “deeply disturbed” by the shooting and urging collective action to prevent further political violence.

Political commentator Candace Owens, who worked closely with Kirk at Turning Point USA, broke down in tears as she reflected on their years of collaboration. “There’s not a single person I would wish this on, and least of all someone with a heart like Charlie’s,” she said. Owens vowed to carry on Kirk’s work, emphasizing the indelible mark he left on her life.

Even Hollywood stars joined the wave of tributes. Chris Pratt, known for Guardians of the Galaxy, expressed his prayers for Kirk’s family and for the country, while Arnold Schwarzenegger called the shooting “a horrible tragedy” and urged the public to “rediscover their humanity.” Rosie O’Donnell condemned the attack, sharing images of Kirk onstage before the shooting, and Bill Clinton called for reflection and peaceful engagement in political discourse.

Among the many voices, Savannah’s reaction stood out for its raw, personal poignancy. In an Instagram post, she admitted to feeling “numb” following the shocking news. “Charlie Kirk changed my life…he brought me into the Turning Point family this past year, and I was supposed to be standing next to him at every college this October. Instead, I sit here with a broken heart, devastated beyond words.” Her final tribute to Kirk encapsulated both sorrow and admiration: “Rest easy, my friend. Heaven has gained a warrior.”

First Lady Melania Trump shared her heartbreak for Kirk’s children, noting that they would now grow up with “stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.” Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner also honored Kirk, highlighting his pivotal role in political activism and his impact on the MAGA movement.

Tim Tebow, James Woods, and former President George W. Bush further amplified the national sense of loss, reflecting on Kirk’s courage, dedication, and the ideals he championed. President Joe Biden condemned the act of violence and reaffirmed that “there is no place in our country for this kind of violence,” while calling for prayers for Kirk’s family.

The ripple effect of Kirk’s death was undeniable, reaching across political and cultural boundaries. Savannah Chrisley’s heartfelt statements offer a deeply personal window into the void left by Kirk—a mentor, advocate, and friend who inspired those around him. Her words, steeped in grief and admiration, serve as a reminder of the profound human connections that extend beyond politics, fame, and public persona.

As the nation mourns, it is clear that Charlie Kirk’s influence will not be forgotten. His contributions to youth activism, public debate, and the personal lives of those closest to him—like Savannah Chrisley—leave a legacy that transcends his untimely death. Savannah’s message resonates with universal truths about mentorship, friendship, and the power of belief in another person’s potential: even in the face of tragedy, the mark of a life well-lived endures.

Savannah’s grief is both a tribute and a call to remember the human stories behind headlines, reminding fans and followers alike that, sometimes, the loss of a friend can be felt as deeply as the loss of a loved one. In her words, “Charlie changed America. He changed me. He changed my family. Heaven has gained a warrior.”