Nanny Faye Chrisley became a breakout reality television icon through her sharp one-liners, rebellious streak, and unfiltered charm on the USA Network hit Chrisley Knows Best. Born Faye Hughes on September 2, 1943, in Westminster, South Carolina, she transitioned from a quiet Southern upbringing into a beloved matriarch whose quick wit captured millions of viewers. Far from just a scripted television persona, her actual life involves deep family roots, enduring hardships, and a resilience that shaped the entire Chrisley family dynamic.
Understanding who Faye Chrisley is means looking past the colorful wigs and casino pranks featured on screen. Her story encompasses her marriage to the late Gene Chrisley, her hard work raising children, her health battles, and her enduring role as the glue holding her family together through major legal and personal upheavals.
Early Life and Southern Roots
Long before cameras followed her daily routine, Faye grew up in rural South Carolina. Her early years on a farm instilled a strong work ethic that defined her adulthood. Before her family achieved financial success through real estate and television, Faye worked demanding hours—sometimes up to 60 hours a week—to help support her household.
She married Gene Raymond Chrisley, a Korean War veteran. Together, they raised their children, including Todd and Randy, navigating the everyday struggles of working-class life in the American South. Her husband passed away in July 2012, just as the family was moving toward the reality television spotlight that would change their lives permanently.
Rise to Fame on Chrisley Knows Best
When Chrisley Knows Best premiered in 2014, Todd Chrisley was positioned as the strict, fastidious patriarch of the family. However, Nanny Faye quickly emerged as the secret weapon of the show. Viewers tuned in not just for the family's opulent lifestyle, but to watch Faye undercut Todd's rigid control with her own brand of effortless rebellion.
Unlike many reality television personalities who carefully curate their image, Faye leaned into her flaws and eccentricities. She became famous for several running traits on the show:
- The Casino Habit: She regularly earned a reputation as an avid gambler, frequently sneaking off to local casinos to play slot machines against her family's wishes.
- Colorful Wigs: She frequently donned bright, unconventional wigs—ranging from vibrant blues to platinum blondes—either for comedic effect or disguise during pranks.
- Unfiltered Advice: She served as the emotional anchor and ultimate voice of reason, offering blunt, down-to-earth wisdom to her grandchildren, including Savannah and Chase.
Her ability to poke fun at her son Todd while fiercely protecting her grandchildren won over audiences, turning her into an internet meme fixture and a fan favorite across multiple generations. You can read more about her television timeline on TV Insider.
Facing Personal Hardships and Health Battles
Behind the humor and fast-paced television production schedule, Faye faced significant personal trials. She endured the heartbreaking loss of her youngest son, Derrick, and later grieved the loss of her husband Gene.
In 2021, she faced a major health crisis when she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Despite the private and public stress surrounding her diagnosis—which coincided with the legal trials and subsequent convictions of Todd and Julie Chrisley—Faye continued treatment steadfastly. In late 2023, she shared the positive news that her bladder cancer was in remission, demonstrating the same quiet strength that carried her through decades of hard work in South Carolina. Her medical journey and family support system have been heavily documented by outlets like Us Magazine.
Where is Nanny Faye Now?
Following the conclusion of Chrisley Knows Best, the family's media footprint shifted significantly as Todd and Julie Chrisley served federal prison sentences. Despite these dramatic legal shifts, Faye remained a central figure in the lives of her remaining family members, continuing to appear on podcasts and supporting her grandchildren as they navigate new media projects. She continues to reside primarily in the Nashville, Tennessee area, close to the family base that she spent her entire life nurturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Faye Chrisley?
Faye Chrisley was born on September 2, 1943, making her 82 years old.
Is Nanny Faye still married?
No, her husband, Gene Chrisley, passed away in July 2012 after a long marriage during which they raised their children in South Carolina.
Did Nanny Faye beat cancer?
Yes. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021 and announced that her cancer was in remission in 2023, though she continues routine medical monitoring with her family.
What is Nanny Faye's real name?
Her birth name is Faye Hughes, and she took the last name Chrisley upon her marriage to Gene Chrisley.
