Julie Chrisley Seen for the First Time in Public Since Prison Release

Her prison sentence was cut short, but it's the 52-year-old reality TV star's unexpected transformation that has people doing double-takes—and flooding social media with reactions.

Julie Chrisley has made her first public appearance following her release from federal prison. She was seen out in Nashville, Tennessee, just one day after receiving a last-minute pardon from President Donald Trump.

Known for her role on "Chrisley Knows Best," Julie had been serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. Her sudden release and public reemergence have sparked widespread online discussion, as fans and followers react to her altered appearance.

In the photos taken during her outing, Julie appeared in a relaxed, understated look. Her hair was styled in loose waves, revealing a natural silver-brown hue.

She wore a simple, light-toned top and smiled slightly while stepping out of a car, marking a significant contrast from the glamorous image she often portrayed on television.

Julie's return drew immediate attention on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where people had a range of reactions to her new look.

One person wrote, "Oh my! I did NOT recognize her, but understandable [sic]." Another mentioned, "Aging backwards! Looking you g and fresh! Cant wait to see her in her bouncy blonde locks next [sic]!!!"

One commenter shared, "Literally refreshing to see her without all the Botox and her natural hair color. I bet Todd doesn't let a pic slip of him until he’s seen a Dr [sic]."

Another said, "Omg her hair! Girl ik your ready for that appointment [sic]." A third viewer questioned, "What happened to her hair [?]" Another simply noted, "She looks weird."

One more fan commented, "She looks like a whole different person lord [sic]." One netizen added a positive note, "She's a brunette!! Wow I'm actually surprised! Her natural color hair looks good on her [sic]!"

While it remains unclear what the next steps are for Julie or whether she plans to return to television, her first appearance has already stirred public curiosity. Her outing comes shortly after the official confirmation of her pardon, a decision that has also received significant media attention.

Julie's reentry into public life appears to be a quiet one for now, but her return has clearly left an impression, both due to the circumstances of her release and her notably different appearance.

Adding to the buzz, Julie and Todd Chrisley's daughter Savannah offered a glimpse into a long-awaited family moment — sharing the first photo of her parents reunited after their time in prison. Posted to her Instagram Story, the image quickly drew attention from netizens.

The photo shows Julie and Todd sitting in the same room, captured from the waist down. Todd wears black pants, while Julie is in beige pants and white New Balance sneakers.

Savannah added a sticker to the image reading, "Reunited AND IT feels so GOOD!" Although their faces are not shown, the closeness and simplicity of the photo convey its emotional weight.

Savannah reuniting with her parents comes shortly after she picked them up from separate federal prisons, following a major development in their legal saga. They were released on Wednesday, May 28, according to People.

Todd, 57, had been serving his sentence at Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Pensacola, a minimum-security facility in Florida. Julie, 52, was housed at Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington in Kentucky, which provides medical care to inmates.

The couple had originally been reported to prison in January 2023 after being sentenced in November 2022 to a combined 19 years. Their sentences were later reduced in September 2023 as part of an ongoing appeal.

People online had mixed reactions to the photo Savannah shared. One netizen wrote, "are these real people? they look so … off [sic]," while another commented, "I bet that's a sight to see! No hair dye or makeup! 🤣🤣🤣." Another chimed in, "And refuse to show their faces yet till they get their botox [sic] again. That is obvious🤣."

Several others echoed similar observations. A viewer was disappointed that only Todd and Julie's feet were shown and said they wanted to see what their faces looked like after two years without Botox."

Of course they won't show faces. No Botox or hair coloring," one netizen noted. Some questioned their marital status, "Are they divorced?"

Criticism also emerged. "They should still be in prison. They stole money and didn't pay their taxes. As an average middle class American I wouldn't be able to not pay my taxes and get away with it [sic]," one commenter said. Others shared supportive messages, "That's amazing. So happy for them. They served enough time❤️❤️❤️."

The photo shared by Savannah offered only a glimpse, but the events leading up to it unfolded quickly and dramatically, following a decision from the highest office in the country.

Donald Trump has officially granted a full presidential pardon to Todd and Julie in their high-profile tax evasion and bank fraud case. The announcement was made public on May 28 by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor, through a post on X, sparking a buzz.

The president defended his decision by describing the couple's sentencing as "pretty harsh treatment." In a phone call to the couple's children, he stated, "It's a terrible thing, but it's a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean."

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, further elaborated on the decision in a statement released the same day. He explained that the president is "always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system."

Harrison added, "President Trump called Savannah and her brother from the Oval Office to personally inform them that he would be pardoning their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, whose sentences were far too harsh."

The pardoning sparked intense reactions online, particularly on Facebook, where many expressed divided opinions. One commenter wrote, "This is insanity." Another stated, "The best thing he's done in a while!! Welcome back Chrisleys [sic]!!" A third added, "He should, they could be doing more service outside of the cement wall [sic]!"

However, others strongly disagreed. One person said, "A president should not be allowed to interfere in the criminal justice system."

From a more personal perspective, one expressed, "From someone who has been to prison…. This isn't right…. They should have to serve their time just like everyone else." Suspicion over the motive behind the pardon was also raised. One commenter noted, "They paid him to pardon them cause he's all about money."

Others welcomed the decision with conditions. One person divulged, "Ok, now THIS is one thing I can get behind .. as long as that man gets back up on our screens!"

Another supported the action, mentioning, "The sentence was very extreme and the case was handled poorly by the judge. I think this is a great decision."

Hours after the official announcement that her parents had been pardoned, Savannah took to Instagram to share her emotional response. The 27-year-old, wearing a white "Make America Great Again" hat, confirmed that the president personally called her to deliver the news while she was "walking into Sam's Club."

"I have shed so many tears," Savannah said during the video. "The President called me personally... and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents." She added, "So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow."

Clearly overwhelmed, Savannah expressed, "I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the way."

She also acknowledged the efforts of her legal team and others who worked behind the scenes. "To the people who put in countless hours and effort and love for my family to make sure my parents got home, thank you."

The Chrisley family was preparing for Todd and Julie's return, Savannah noted. "We're putting clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs."

Savannah expressed gratitude for the supporters who stood by her family over the years. She also gave credit to various political allies, saying, "To all of the political figures I have come in contact with over the past two and a half years that believed in me and believed in my family, thank you."

Savannah became visibly emotional while reiterating her disbelief. "It still doesn't feel real," she admitted. "I'm freaking out. I am going to go prepare to pick up my parents, and I just can't thank you guys enough. They're coming home. My parents get to start their lives over."

"President Trump didn't just commute their sentences, he gave them a full, unconditional pardon. So for that, I am forever grateful."

Savannah concluded her message with a vow, "I will stand next to [Trump] and [his] administration and to stand up to the corruption and to continue fighting for the men and women that are in prison." Savannah's reaction followed months of public and legal efforts to secure clemency for Todd and Julie.