Savannah Chrisley prepares to spend first Easter without her ‘sweet’ parents amid prison sentences
Savannah Chrisley took to her Instagram earlier Wednesday to express her “sadness” as she prepares to spend Easter without her “dear” parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, amid their prison sentences.
The TV personality, 25, who recently became emotionally candid about her battle with depression, penned a lengthy caption for her 2.7 million fans and followers, also revealing that she and her siblings celebrated their father’s birthday without him .
The Chrisley Knows Best couple were sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison for financial crimes, including bank fraud and tax evasion. Todd began his 12-year sentence in January in Florida, while his wife, Julie, began her seven-year sentence in Kentucky at the same time.
The media star expressed the sadness she felt for not spending the special time with her parents. “As this holiday weekend rolls by, all I feel is sadness.”
‘In 25 years I have never spent a holiday without my dear Mum and Dad. It’s not just Easter this weekend… it’s my dad’s birthday tomorrow.” Todd turned 54 years old in prison on Thursday, April 6.
‘Grief’: Savannah Chrisley took to her Instagram on Wednesday to express her ‘sadness’ as she prepares to spend Easter without her ‘dear’ parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, amid their prison sentences
Prison sentences: The Chrisley Knows Best couple were sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison for financial crimes including bank fraud and tax evasion
She then wrote, “OH HOW I PRAY FOR TIME TO FLY! Can it be Monday already. When you lose someone special, your world lacks its celebratory qualities. Holidays increase that loss. The sadness deepens and the loneliness can feel isolating.”
Savannah also expressed the importance of having a “support system” in times of grief. “What I’ve learned is that the need for support is perhaps greatest during the holidays.”
Pretending you’re not in pain and/or that it’s not a harder time of year is just not the truth for you. But you can – and will – make it through the holidays,” the star added positively.
Brinkley said, “Instead of avoiding the feelings of sadness, you lean into it. It’s not the sadness you want to avoid, it’s the pain. No one can take away that pain, but sadness is not just pain, sadness is love. I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!’ she sweetly added to her parents.
To close the caption, the media personality then revealed that “more than 58 percent of women in state and federal prisons and nearly 80 percent of women in local prisons have minor children.”
“More than five million children in the United States have experienced a parent’s incarceration.”
Savannah attached a clip to the post, which showed a fridge littered with both family photos and Bible quotes on the doors.
The song titled, The House That Built Me, by Miranda Lambert, played in the background as she showed off the countless snaps as she reflected on the memories she’d made with her family over the years.
Sweet message: ‘ No one can take away that pain, but sadness is not just pain, sadness is love. I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!’ she sweetly added to her parents in the caption
Feelings of sadness: ‘In 25 years I have never spent a holiday without my dear mom and dad. Not only is this weekend Easter… it’s my dad’s birthday tomorrow,” she wrote in the caption
Looking at the bright side, “Pretending you’re not in pain and/or that it’s not a harder time of year is just not the truth for you.” But you can – and will – make it through the holidays,” the star added positively
Social media users expressed their support for Savannah in the comments section, including her brother Chase, who left a red heart emoji.
Fellow TV personality, Colton Underwood, wrote, “Sending you all the love. You are a blessing to so many people in your life.”
Earlier on Thursday, Savannah also shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her father, Todd, who celebrated his 54th birthday in prison.
She shared a loving family selfie she took with her mom and dad, as well as brothers Chase, 26, and Grayson, 16.
Chloe, 10, was also featured in the photo, which Todd and Julie adopted in 2016. She is the daughter of Todd’s estranged son Kyle and his ex, Angela Johnson.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!! I miss you more than you’ll ever know,” Savannah began in the caption. “It’s been 80 days… 80 days since I last received a “good night my angel” text or and “I love you more.”
‘Geezzz how I miss them!! My parents have also been together for almost 30 years… and in those 30 years they have never celebrated a birthday separately,” the media star added to her followers.
‘So today…I imagine we’re all in one bear hug circle together!! #happybirthday,” she added to close the post.
Earlier this month, Lindsie Chrisley, 33, the daughter of Todd and his ex, Teresa Terry, opened up about how her dad and Julie were doing.
In the latest episode of her The Southern Tea podcastshe stated, per Entertainment tonightMy parents were welcomed with open arms. I feel so blessed because I’ve heard from other people that it isn’t.’
Celebrating memories: Savannah also attached a clip to the post that showed a fridge covered in both family photos and bible quotes on the doors
Showing support: Social media users expressed their support for Savannah in the comments section, including her brother Chase, who left a red heart emoji
Special celebration: Earlier on Thursday, Savannah also shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her father, Todd, who celebrated his 54th birthday in prison
Missing her dad: “It’s been 80 days… 80 days since I last received a ‘good night my angel’ text or and ‘I love you more,'” Savannah reflected touchingly in a birthday tribute to her dad, Todd; seen in 2018 with mom Julie and dad Todd
The star visited Todd shortly after his prison sentence began with his mother, Nanny Faye. “I couldn’t stop telling him how good he looked.”
“I said, ‘Even your hair looks better a little longer and a little grayer.’ His nails aren’t quite bit off yet,” and later added, “I’m sure he’s in such a better place. His spirit is great.’
“He’s really just embracing the process there, making the best of the process there with the people who spend time with him there as well.”
“He’s made good friends. He talks about his friends there.’