Determined to Defy the Odds: Savannah Chrisley's Inspiring Journey Into the 'Special Forces' Amidst Her Parents' Prison Sentences

PETE DADDS / FOX

Little did Savannah Chrisley know the immense anguish she would feel upon parting ways with her beloved family after consenting to be a part of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. This was particularly challenging since her parents were serving time in prison.

"I longed for my children and my parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, whom I spoke to daily. Not a single weekend went by without me visiting them [in prison]," shared Savannah, 26, exclusively with We when discussing her choice to depart from the Fox reality series early. "That was the hardest part. I questioned whether I wanted to spend any more time in this environment or if I was ready to return home. Life is short, and I wanted to be with my kids and see my parents."

Although initially a formidable contestant in season 2, Savannah ultimately decided to leave Special Forces, a show where celebrities attempt survival exercises led by ex-Special Forces operatives, during the episode on Monday, October 9th. While physically prepared, Savannah admitted that she struggled to mentally prepare herself due to her responsibilities towards her family back home.

"I was not mentally and emotionally prepared for it as I never expected to experience the range of emotions I did," she shared with Us. "Having already been away from my children for a week prior to the start of filming, and with my parents gone for several months, it was a challenging time."

In November 2022, Savannah shared that she had obtained custody of her 17-year-old brother Grayson and her half-brother Kyle Chrisley's daughter, Chloe, who is 10. This was a result of her parents, Todd (54) and Julie (50), facing legal troubles. They were charged with multiple counts of bank and wire fraud, as well as tax evasion in 2019. In June 2022, they were sentenced to 12 and seven years in prison, respectively. They began serving their sentences in separate prisons in December 2022.

Filming Special Forces in New Zealand and following a strict "no contact" rule was particularly difficult for Savannah, considering the significant losses her nephew Grayson and niece Chloe have already endured. Savannah's absence was especially tough on her niece, who expressed concern that Savannah might never come back. Savannah had to reassure her niece multiple times, assuring her that she would indeed return. This situation was particularly challenging for Savannah because her niece had become accustomed to people not coming back from a young age.

Savannah admitted that after three challenging episodes, she came to the realization that she had given her all and it was time to quit. "I showed up, I gave it my best shot, and it's okay to walk away," she stated. She also shared that she wasn't mentally in the right place and didn't want to succumb to a negative and depressive mindset. Reflecting on her experience on the show, Savannah acknowledged the importance of accepting failure and granting both herself and others more understanding and forgiveness.

"I'm always putting others before myself, but I've realized it's important to allow someone to do something for me once in a while," she confided in Us. "This experience has taught me to not only show compassion towards myself, but also towards others, as we never truly know what they may be going through. Even with both my mother and father being in federal prison, I never fully grasped the impact it would have on my life. However, now I understand that just because something doesn't directly affect us, it doesn't mean it's not happening."

Savannah acknowledged that her parents' prison sentences have taught her valuable lessons, transforming her into a more compassionate and empathetic person.

"I have successfully learned how to effectively manage my emotions and become an improved individual in every aspect of my life. Therefore, I have come to the realization that perhaps this was the necessary outcome," she expressed confidently.

Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for E3 Chophouse Nashville

Participating in Special Forces also aided the Chrisley Knows Best alum in acknowledging the lingering "emotional baggage" stemming from "my situation with mom and dad leaving" and the resulting "responsibilities" she was left to handle. She admitted, "I had been relentlessly pushing forward, without taking the time to process my emotions. ... Therefore, I was eager to return home to my children and have a conversation with my parents. That was my primary focus."

After leaving Special Forces, Savannah, who revealed during Monday's episode that she joined the show because her parents are avid viewers, shared that she has caught up with both Todd and Julie. She mentioned that it has been a wonderful way to bond with her mother. "My mom enjoys watching the show, and it allows us to connect even when we're apart. It doesn't mean we can't share our experiences and accomplishments in our lives. She was incredibly happy and proud of me," she stated. Todd, on the other hand, has yet to watch the show, as he wants to watch it together with Savannah.

"They each had their unique ways of coping with emotions, but both expressed their immense pride in me. Their unwavering support has always been present in my life, and continues to this very moment."

Catch Special Forces on Fox every Monday at 9 p.m. ET.

In this article

Julie Chrisley

Savannah Chrisley

Todd Chrisley

Special Forces: World's Toughest Test