In a heartbreaking yet emotionally charged moment, Chrisley Knows Best star Julie Chrisley has ignited a storm of controversy after expressing her deep love for her granddaughter Chloe —

calling herself “her mother” in a touching online message. The declaration, while heartfelt, has left fans divided, reigniting long-standing debates about family, identity, and what it truly means to be a mother.

Julie’s quiet yet emotional words arrived at a time when her family has already faced more than its share of public scrutiny. Currently serving her prison sentence alongside her husband Todd Chrisley,

Julie’s social media presence has been rare — but her recent post, celebrating Chloe’s 10th birthday, was enough to send the internet into a frenzy.

A Simple Post That Stirred a Storm

Julie’s message was tender, filled with maternal warmth and pride. She referred to herself as “so blessed to be Chloe’s mom”, expressing how much the young girl means to her and how grateful she feels to watch her grow into a bright, loving child.

However, within hours, Julie’s Instagram post was flooded with hundreds of comments — some celebrating her love and devotion, others criticizing her for using the title of “mother.”

Critics argued that Julie is not Chloe’s biological mother, but rather her grandmother. Chloe is the daughter of Todd’s estranged son, Kyle Chrisley, and his former partner, Angela Johnson. Due to Kyle’s past struggles with addiction and instability, Todd and Julie took full guardianship of Chloe when she was very young — effectively becoming her primary caregivers.

For years, fans have watched Julie and Todd raise Chloe with love, patience, and stability, making her a beloved part of their household on Chrisley Knows Best. But to some followers, Julie referring to herself as “Chloe’s mom” crossed an emotional line.

“She’s Not Your Daughter” — The Backlash

The comment section quickly became a battleground. Some followers wrote messages like, “You’re her grandmother, not her mother — stop confusing that poor child,” while others accused Julie of overstepping boundaries that belong to Chloe’s biological parents.

One frustrated fan commented, “We all love how you’ve cared for her, but please respect that you’re her grandmother. Let her grow up knowing the truth.”

Yet just as many voices rose in Julie’s defense. Admirers pointed out that being a mother isn’t solely defined by biology — it’s defined by love, sacrifice, and presence.

One supporter passionately wrote, “Anyone can give birth, but it takes someone special to raise a child with love and dedication. Julie IS a mother — and Chloe knows that.”

The Deeper Truth: Chloe’s Life with Todd and Julie

For most of Chloe’s life, Todd and Julie have been her primary caregivers. Kyle Chrisley has publicly acknowledged that his parents stepped in when he couldn’t provide a stable home. The arrangement, while unconventional, became the foundation of Chloe’s upbringing.

Julie, with her soft-spoken nature and nurturing presence, has long been the emotional center of the Chrisley household. Her gentle parenting style balanced Todd’s fiery personality, giving Chloe the warmth and security she needed in a world full of cameras, fame, and family chaos.

From school events to quiet family moments, Chloe always appeared inseparable from Julie — often calling her “Mom” both privately and on the show. Todd himself confirmed on his podcast that Chloe was given the freedom to decide what to call them. “We never forced her,” he explained. “She chose to call us Mom and Dad — and we’ve honored that.”

Savannah Chrisley Steps In

In the wake of her parents’ imprisonment, Savannah Chrisley took over guardianship of Chloe and her younger brother, Grayson. While Savannah has handled the responsibility with maturity and grace, she recently acknowledged that her mother’s message stirred complicated emotions.

On her podcast Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley, she said softly, “My mom has always been like a mom to Chloe. But right now, I’m her guardian — I’m her stability. It’s a delicate balance, and I try to honor both relationships.”

Savannah’s heartfelt words reflected the emotional complexity of the situation — a family divided by distance but united by love. She even shared that when she talks to Julie by phone, her mother’s first question is always about Chloe. “You can hear the ache in her voice,” Savannah admitted. “Mom misses her terribly.”

The Emotional Bond That Won’t Break

Despite the uproar, those closest to the Chrisleys say Julie continues to nurture her bond with Chloe through letters, drawings, and phone calls.

One insider revealed, “Julie fills pages with love and encouragement. She writes to Chloe about faith, strength, and dreams. It’s her way of being there, even when she can’t be physically present.”

Another source shared that Chloe often draws hearts around photos of her grandmother and refers to her as “Mama Julie.” In one touching video Savannah posted on Instagram, Chloe whispered while tracing a heart around Julie’s picture, “This is my mama.”

That tender moment melted even the hearts of some of Julie’s fiercest critics.

Love Beyond Labels

Julie’s story has reignited a much larger conversation — what defines motherhood? Is it blood, or is it love?

From the beginning of Chrisley Knows Best, Julie has embodied compassion, grace, and strength. She has mothered not just her own children but everyone around her, even now while serving her sentence. Fellow inmates reportedly describe her as a “motherly figure” — someone who prays with them, offers comfort, and helps them find hope.

“Julie can’t help but mother people,” one insider shared. “It’s just who she is. She loves deeply — it’s in her nature.”

That innate maternal instinct has been both her greatest gift and the source of her latest controversy.

The Family’s Response

Sources close to the Chrisleys say the family’s attorney has urged them to stay calm amid the uproar, reminding them that “this is a private matter of love, not a public feud.”

Still, the debate shows no signs of cooling down. Fans continue to clash online — some demanding Julie stop referring to herself as Chloe’s mom, while others rally behind her, calling her the “heart” of the family.

As the controversy continues, one truth remains unshakable: Chloe adores Julie, and that bond is unbreakable.

A Legacy of Love

Julie once said during an early episode of Chrisley Knows Best, “A mother isn’t just someone who gives life. She’s someone who gives love — even when it costs everything.”

Those words now echo with deeper meaning.

While critics argue over semantics, Julie continues to live that truth — loving from afar, nurturing through faith, and holding onto hope that one day she’ll be reunited with the little girl who calls her “Mama.”

Her story is a reminder that motherhood isn’t confined by titles or circumstance. It’s defined by devotion, sacrifice, and the quiet strength to keep loving even when the world misunderstands.