The world of Savannah Chrisley has been shaken to its core as she grapples with the sudden and tragic loss of her friend, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in Utah on September 10.

In the wake of his death, Savannah has shared a deeply personal and moving moment: a heartfelt text from Kirk’s wife, Erika, that has left an indelible mark on her heart.

On the Tuesday, September 16, episode of her Unlocked podcast, Savannah opened up to her audience, providing a candid glimpse into the bond she shared with Charlie and Erika,

as well as the profound grief she is now experiencing. Known for her openness and authenticity, Savannah did not hold back, revealing the depth of her connection to Charlie and how she was embraced by the Turning Point “family.”

Turning Point USA, the nonprofit organization co-founded by Charlie, has become a powerhouse for promoting conservative politics across high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. For Savannah, it wasn’t just about ideology—it was about being part of a supportive and inspiring community, one that recognized her voice and encouraged her to speak her truth.

“Charlie gave me a voice to share my story, and I will forever be grateful for that,” Savannah said during the podcast, according to Parade. She added that her relationship with Charlie had only recently begun to blossom, as he lent his support to her campaign to free her parents from federal prison. In those months, she felt not only welcomed but also inspired by his guidance and encouragement.

A Personal Connection Beyond Politics

The connection between Savannah and Charlie extended beyond political activism. For her, he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding force. Savannah reflected on how meaningful it was to have someone of Charlie’s influence recognize her efforts, particularly at a time when her family was navigating immense personal and public scrutiny.

Savannah’s parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, became household names through Chrisley Knows Best and its spin-offs, but their lives took a dramatic turn after being convicted of bank and tax fraud in 2022. They were sentenced to a combined 19 years in federal prison, enduring more than two years behind bars before receiving full pardons from former President Donald Trump on May 27, 2025. Through it all, Savannah had been a steadfast advocate for her parents, often publicly campaigning for their release, and Charlie’s support added an invaluable layer of encouragement during that emotionally charged period.

“Just starting to get to know Charlie, I felt his energy, his guidance, and his belief in me in ways that I will never forget,” Savannah shared on Unlocked. It was this connection that made his sudden death all the more devastating.

Erika Kirk’s Message of Faith and Encouragement

In a moment of both sorrow and reflection, Savannah revealed a touching message she received from Erika Kirk following the tragedy. While Savannah had reached out to offer her condolences after Charlie’s death, she came across a text Erika had sent her back in June—a message that now carries a haunting significance.

The text read:

“I just wanted to say how proud I am of you. I told your mom backstage you have a massive anointing on your life. Great job tonight… Just wanted to share these super sweet photos with you. God bless you. Continue to fix your eyes on Jesus. I’m very proud of you. If you need anything don’t ever hesitate to reach out.”

For Savannah, Erika’s words were more than a simple message—they were a testament to the faith, love, and encouragement that had defined her interactions with the Kirk family. She described Erika as “the epitome of a God-fearing, loving person, woman, mother,” adding that she embodies the type of woman she aspires to become.

The warmth and care expressed in Erika’s text underscore the deep personal bonds Savannah formed with the Kirk family, and highlight the human side of relationships often overshadowed by political discourse. It’s a reminder that even in worlds defined by public perception and activism, true friendship and mentorship can flourish.

The American Comeback Tour That Never Was

Adding to her heartbreak, Savannah shared that she had planned to accompany Charlie on his American Comeback Tour this October—a series of college events where he intended to spread his message across the nation. In a poignant TikTok post last week, she expressed her anguish over missing this milestone with him.

“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,” she wrote, her words capturing the sense of lost opportunity and unfulfilled plans that accompany sudden tragedy.

The tour, which would have been a chance for Savannah to further engage with young audiences and build her own platform, now serves as a stark reminder of Charlie’s absence and the void left in her personal and professional life.

Savannah’s Tribute: Remembering a Mentor and Friend

Throughout the podcast, Savannah recounted the ways in which Charlie’s guidance had shaped her trajectory. Beyond offering support for her parents’ legal struggles, he had encouraged her to use her voice in public spaces, teaching her the importance of standing firm in her beliefs while also inspiring others.

For Savannah, the mentorship was life-changing. She emphasized that Charlie had a unique ability to recognize potential in others, fostering confidence and ambition in those around him. His belief in Savannah was a source of motivation during challenging times, and his death has left an irreplaceable gap.

“Charlie’s impact on my life goes far beyond politics,” she explained. “He made me feel seen, heard, and empowered to tell my story.”

The Emotional Weight of Loss

Savannah’s grief is compounded by her awareness of the broader tragedy that Charlie’s death represents for his family. In her own words, she cannot help but think of Erika and the children, who must now navigate a world without a husband and father.

The emotional gravity of the situation has been made more profound by the personal messages of faith and encouragement Erika shared in the past. For Savannah, those words now carry a dual significance: a reminder of the loving bond she shared with the family, and a source of comfort as she mourns alongside them.

“Erika’s text reminded me of the humanity, love, and faith that Charlie brought into every interaction,” Savannah reflected. “It’s a message I will carry with me always, especially now that he’s gone.”

A Legacy of Inspiration

The tragic death of Charlie Kirk is a loss felt not only by the political community but also by those who knew him personally. For Savannah Chrisley, his legacy is intertwined with her own journey—one of resilience, advocacy, and finding her voice in moments of personal challenge.

As she continues to process her grief, Savannah has been using her platform to honor Charlie’s memory, emphasizing the importance of faith, family, and friendship. Erika’s text serves as both a memorial and a guiding light, encapsulating the values that both women hold dear: devotion, encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to lifting others up.

Moving Forward

While Savannah’s plans for the American Comeback Tour may never come to fruition, her commitment to carrying forward Charlie’s spirit remains unwavering. She has pledged to continue advocating for causes close to her heart and supporting those around her, inspired by the lessons learned from both Charlie and Erika.

Through the pain, Savannah Chrisley emerges not only as a grieving friend but as a figure of resilience and faith, reminding the world that even in moments of profound loss, the bonds of love and mentorship can endure.

In sharing the intimate text from Erika Kirk, Savannah has offered fans a rare glimpse into the personal side of grief and remembrance—one that goes beyond headlines, political debates, and public discourse, into the very heart of human connection.