Julie Chrisley, the famous star of the reality television show ‘Chrisley Knows Best,’ has taken to her podcast to reveal a serious health challenge she faced while in prison. During an episode of ‘Chrisley Confessions 2.0,’ the 52-year-old shared that she developed a lung condition as a result of asbestos exposure during her 28-month stay at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Her husband, Todd Chrisley, also served time in prison in Pensacola, Florida, for bank fraud and tax evasion charges before being pardoned by President Donald Trump in May. The couple has been open about their experiences behind bars, emphasizing the difficulty of re-adjusting to life outside.
Julie’s claims about her health condition have sparked discussions regarding the conditions in federal prisons, with the Federal Bureau of Prisons issuing a statement about their commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and humane facilities. The statement also highlighted the importance of protecting both inmates and staff, as well as the broader community. However, the couple’s daughter, Savannah, had previously voiced concerns about the health and living conditions in prison. She had reported that the environment was harsh, with issues such as extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint. Her comments had garnered attention, particularly as she spoke out on behalf of her parents.
Life outside prison has proven to be more challenging for the Chrisleys than their time in federal custody. They have described the transition as difficult, with Todd noting that the outside world is ‘rougher’ than life behind bars. Julie has reflected on how her time in prison allowed her to prioritize self-care, focusing on her health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth, rather than the demands of parent life and family drama. She also mentioned that the absence from her children, while emotional, allowed her to find a sense of routine and personal focus, which she believes helped her cope with the harsh conditions of prison life. The couple has always maintained their innocence regarding their federal convictions related to bank fraud and tax evasion, and they remain public figures in the reality television industry, having returned to the spotlight after their release from prison.