Nanny Faye Chrisley became a household name as the sharp-tongued, casino-loving matriarch of the hit USA Network reality series Chrisley Knows Best. While her son Todd Chrisley built a flashy public empire that later collapsed under federal fraud convictions, Faye remained a fan-favorite fixture through her quick wit, unscripted humor, and unfiltered Southern charm. Yet, beneath her comedic television persona lies a private history defined by rural South Carolina roots, personal tragedy, and a very different era of family life long before Hollywood cameras started rolling.
Born Faye Ella Floyd on September 2, 1943, in Westminster, South Carolina, she grew up far away from the spotlight of Atlanta mansions and television studios. Her early years were shaped by working-class rural routines, strict Christian values, and community ties in Oconee County. Long before reality television producers discovered her comedic timing, she worked grueling hours to support her household, often balancing long work weeks while raising her children in small-town America.
Marriage to Gene Chrisley and Early Family Hardships
In the 1960s, she married Gene Raymond Chrisley, a United States Army veteran who served in the Korean War. Gene was several years older than Faye, and the couple built a life together in South Carolina. They welcomed sons Todd, Randy, and Derrick.
The family experienced profound sorrow early on. Their youngest son, Derrick, tragically passed away just four months after his birth in October 1971. Decades later, Gene Chrisley passed away in July 2012 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after a battle with cancer, ending a marriage that had lasted 45 years. These deep personal trials forged the resilient, no-nonsense attitude that later captivated millions of television viewers.
The Reality TV Phenomenon: Chrisley Knows Best
When Chrisley Knows Best premiered on the USA Network in 2014, Nanny Faye quickly emerged as its secret weapon. Viewers tuned in not just for Todd's meticulous control freak tendencies, but for Faye's rebellious streak. Whether she was sneaking off to local casinos to play slot machines, pranking her son, or doling out blunt advice to her grandchildren—Chase, Savannah, and Grayson—she refused to fit the mold of a traditional, quiet grandmother.
Her popularity led to appearances across franchise spin-offs, including Growing Up Chrisley, and special television holiday broadcasts. Fans grew to appreciate her authenticity in a genre frequently criticized for being heavily scripted or manufactured. Even as her family's wealth and real estate empire expanded, Faye maintained her down-to-earth persona, often choosing to live independently while remaining close to her children and grandchildren in the Nashville, Tennessee area.
Navigating Personal Health Battles and Legal Upheavals
In recent years, the Chrisley family faced severe legal and personal crises. In 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted on federal bank fraud and tax evasion charges, leading to multi-year prison sentences. Around the same period, Nanny Faye faced her own private health battles, publicly revealing a diagnosis of bladder cancer in 2021. Despite undergoing rigorous chemotherapy treatments, she maintained a resilient outlook, later sharing updates that her cancer had entered remission.
The sudden shift in the family's dynamic forced Faye into a new role off-screen. While she no longer films new seasons of the reality franchise, she remains a pillar of support for her remaining family members, frequently visiting her imprisoned son and daughter-in-law while continuing to connect with dedicated fans through social media and public appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nanny Faye Chrisley's real name?
Her maiden name is Faye Ella Floyd. She became Faye Chrisley following her marriage to Gene Raymond Chrisley.
How many children did Nanny Faye have?
She had three sons with her late husband Gene: Todd, Randy, and Derrick. Derrick passed away as an infant in 1971.
Where does Nanny Faye live now?
She lives in the Nashville, Tennessee area, maintaining her own household while staying closely connected to her grandchildren.
Is Nanny Faye still active on television?
Following the conclusion of Chrisley Knows Best and subsequent network changes due to her family's legal trials, she is retired from regular television production.
