Faye Chrisley, known to many fans as “Nanny,” is Todd Chrisley’s mother and a beloved figure from the reality series Chrisley Knows Best. Todd has often spoken publicly about his close bond with her, including a Mother’s Day tribute in 2021 in which he said he felt blessed that God chose her to be his mother and praised the love, hope, faith, and confidence she brought into his life.
Born in September 1944, Faye grew up in South Carolina and later married Gene Chrisley, an Army veteran. The couple had three sons: Todd Chrisley, Randy Chrisley and Derrick Chrisley. Derrick died when he was a baby, and Gene died in 2012. Faye’s family history has been marked by both love and loss, but she has remained a central and resilient presence in the Chrisley family.
On Chrisley Knows Best, Faye became a fan favorite for her sharp sense of humor, her easygoing personality and her lively scenes with her sister Frances, who died in 2022. Viewers also watched her dating adventures, advice-giving moments and social outings, all of which helped define her as one of the show’s most entertaining personalities. Whether she was visiting the casino, enjoying a glass of wine or spending time with family, she often showed a carefree spirit that resonated with audiences.
Behind the lighthearted moments, however, Faye has also faced serious hardships. In 2021, she was diagnosed with bladder cancer, adding another difficult chapter to a family already dealing with major legal troubles involving Todd and Julie Chrisley. Despite those challenges, Faye later shared positive news about her health. In 2023, she said on Lindsie Chrisley’s podcast The Southern Tea, via People, that she was in remission and doing her best to stay active and positive.
Faye has often described her outlook on life as one of persistence and resilience. Speaking on Savannah Chrisley’s podcast Unlocked, she said that life does not always hand people good circumstances, but the best response is to keep going, brush yourself off and continue forward. That attitude has helped shape her public image as someone who meets adversity with honesty, strength and humor.
For fans of the Chrisley family, Faye remains an enduring presence whose personality, candidness and toughness have made her a standout figure. Her story reflects not only her role as a mother and grandmother, but also her ability to navigate grief, illness and family turmoil while still maintaining the wit and warmth that made her a television favorite.
