Julie Chrisley, born January 9, 1973, is a beloved American reality TV personality, best known for her role as the matriarch on Chrisley Knows Best. At 52 years old, her net worth is estimated at -$18 million due to legal challenges, though she previously amassed wealth through television and business ventures. Married to Todd Chrisley since 1996, Julie has three children—Chase, Savannah, and Grayson—and is a stepmother to Kyle and Lindsie. Her salary from reality TV and endorsements once reached $260,000 annually. This article dives into her biography, dating history, and 2025 updates, offering fresh insights into her life.
Early Life and Background: Julie Chrisley’s Age and Roots
Born Julie Hughes in Winchester, South Carolina, Julie Chrisley’s age as of 2025 is 52. Raised in a modest double-wide trailer, her upbringing was shaped by her father, Harvey Hughes, a Baptist minister and mechanic, and her mother, Pam, a bank teller. The family’s simple lifestyle instilled resilience and faith, values Julie carries today. Tragically, her brother Harvey III died by suicide at 25, a loss that profoundly impacted her perspective on life. Growing up in a close-knit Southern community, Julie developed a strong work ethic, which she later channeled into her career and family life.
Her early years were marked by humility, living in a trailer park and working low-paying jobs, including at a bank, before meeting Todd Chrisley. This contrast between her modest beginnings and later lavish lifestyle adds a unique angle to her story, showcasing her journey from rags to riches, and later, legal challenges.
Married Life and Family: Julie Chrisley’s Husband and Children
Julie Chrisley married Todd Chrisley on May 25, 1996, after dating him in the mid-1990s. Their marriage, now spanning nearly three decades, has been a cornerstone of Chrisley Knows Best. Together, they have three children: Chase (born 1996), Savannah (born 1997), and Grayson (born 2006). Julie is also the stepmother to Todd’s children from his first marriage, Kyle and Lindsie, and co-parents her granddaughter Chloe, Kyle’s daughter, whom they adopted due to Kyle’s struggles with substance abuse.
Their family dynamic, often humorous yet heartfelt, resonated with audiences. However, Julie’s first marriage to Kenneth Wayne Childress (1991–1993) is less known. This brief union, which ended before she met Todd, highlights her resilience in navigating personal challenges. The couple’s adoption of Chloe in 2016 further underscores Julie’s nurturing nature, as she stepped in to provide stability for her granddaughter.
“Family is everything to me. No matter the chaos, we stick together,” Julie shared on Chrisley Knows Best, reflecting her commitment to her blended family.
Career Highlights: Salary and Rise to Fame
Julie’s career skyrocketed with Chrisley Knows Best, which premiered on USA Network in 2014. The show, chronicling the Chrisley family’s life in Georgia and later Nashville, drew millions with its blend of humor and drama. Julie’s salary from the show, combined with spin-offs like What’s Cooking with Julie Chrisley and Growing Up Chrisley, reportedly reached $260,000 per year at its peak. Her Southern charm and culinary skills made her a fan favorite, leading to a digital cooking series showcasing her recipes.
Beyond TV, Julie ventured into business, including a clothing line and social media endorsements. With over 1 million Instagram followers (@juliechrisley), she leveraged her platform for brand partnerships, contributing to her income. Her entrepreneurial spirit reflects a strategic approach to building wealth, despite later financial setbacks.
Net Worth in 2025: Financial Ups and Downs
As of 2025, Julie Chrisley’s net worth is estimated at -$18 million, a stark contrast to earlier estimates of $3–5 million. This decline stems from legal battles, including a 2022 conviction for bank fraud and tax evasion, which resulted in a $17.8 million restitution order. Despite this, Julie and Todd were pardoned by President Donald Trump in May 2025, allowing their release from prison after serving roughly 28 months. The pardon, announced during a publicized Oval Office call, was a turning point for the family.
Before their legal troubles, the Chrisleys lived a luxurious lifestyle, owning a 30,000-square-foot mansion and investing in real estate. However, Todd’s 2012 bankruptcy, with $49.4 million in debt, foreshadowed financial struggles. Julie’s story is a case study in resilience, as she navigates rebuilding her brand post-pardon, with a new Lifetime reality series greenlit in 2025.
Legal Challenges and Redemption
In August 2019, Julie and Todd were indicted on 12 counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion, accused of securing $36 million in fraudulent loans. Convicted in June 2022, Julie received a seven-year sentence, while Todd got 12 years. They began their sentences in January 2023, with Julie at Federal Medical Center, Lexington, and Todd at Federal Prison Camp, Pensacola. Their release in May 2025, following Trump’s pardon, marked a new chapter.
The legal saga drew public attention, with their daughter Savannah advocating for their freedom. “This pardon is a second chance to rebuild,” Savannah stated, highlighting the family’s unity. The Chrisleys’ return to reality TV with The Untitled Chrisleys Project on Lifetime signals their determination to reclaim their narrative.
Health Battles: Breast Cancer Survivor
In 2012, at age 39, Julie was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Her battle, shared publicly, inspired many, and she has been in remission since. Julie’s advocacy for breast cancer awareness, including charity events, underscores her commitment to giving back. Her experience adds depth to her public persona, showing strength beyond the glitz of reality TV.
Julie Chrisley Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julie Hughes Chrisley |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1973 |
| Age (2025) | 52 years old |
| Birthplace | Winchester, South Carolina, USA |
| Parents | Harvey Hughes (Baptist minister/mechanic), Pam Hughes (bank teller) |
| Siblings | Harvey Hughes III (deceased) |
| First Marriage | Kenneth Wayne Childress (1991–1993) |
| Current Marriage | Todd Chrisley (married May 25, 1996) |
| Children | Chase (b. 1996), Savannah (b. 1997), Grayson (b. 2006) |
| Stepchildren | Kyle Chrisley, Lindsie Chrisley Campbell |
| Adopted Child | Chloe Chrisley (granddaughter, adopted 2016) |
| Net Worth (2025) | -$18 million (post-restitution) |
| Salary (Peak) | $260,000 annually (TV and endorsements) |
| Career Highlights | Chrisley Knows Best (2014–2023), What’s Cooking with Julie Chrisley |
| Social Media | Instagram: @juliechrisley (1M+ followers), Twitter: @JulieChrisley |
| Health | Breast cancer survivor (diagnosed 2012, in remission) |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion (2022), pardoned (May 2025) |
| Upcoming Projects | The Untitled Chrisleys Project (Lifetime, 2025) |
Unique Insights and Future Outlook
Julie’s journey offers a compelling narrative of resilience, from her humble beginnings to reality TV stardom, financial ruin, and redemption. Unlike many celebrities, her transparency about personal struggles—cancer, family loss, and legal battles—makes her relatable. Her return to TV in 2025, coupled with new business ventures, suggests a focus on rebuilding her brand. With Savannah’s Unlocked podcast and Grayson’s emerging sneaker line, the Chrisley family remains a media force.
For fans searching for Julie Chrisley’s age, net worth, married life, salary, or dating history, her story is one of triumph over adversity. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter for updates, and check Wikipedia for more details. As Julie navigates 2025, her ability to reinvent herself will define her legacy.
