7 Little-Known Facts About Nanny Faye Chrisley When She Was Younger: From 60-Hour Weeks To South Carolina Farm Life

The Chrisley Knows Best matriarch, Nanny Faye Chrisley, is a beloved figure in reality television, known for her sharp wit, infectious laugh, and legendary love for the casino. Yet, for a woman whose life is now documented for millions, the details of her younger years remain surprisingly private. As of December 13, 2025, fans are more curious than ever to peel back the layers and understand the strong, hardworking woman who raised Todd Chrisley and became the spirited grandmother everyone adores.

The truth is, the "Nanny Faye" we see today was forged in a life far removed from the lavish mansions and high-end drama of Atlanta. Her youth was defined by a powerful work ethic, a deep commitment to family, and a humble South Carolina upbringing that instilled the resilience she still carries today.

Faye Chrisley: Complete Biographical Profile

Before she was a reality TV icon, Faye Chrisley was a devoted wife, mother, and a tireless worker. Her biography paints a picture of a woman who was the backbone of her family long before the cameras started rolling.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Faye Chrisley (Maiden name remains private in public records)
• Date of Birth: September 2, 1943
• Age: 82 (as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Westminster, South Carolina, U.S.A.
• Hometown/Upbringing: Grew up on a farm in South Carolina.
• Spouse: The late Gene Raymond Chrisley (married in the 1960s; he was a Korean War veteran).
• Children: Three sons, including Todd Chrisley and Randy Chrisley.
• Pre-Fame Career: Real estate investor and was the primary family "breadwinner" for a period.
• Fame: Matriarch of the Chrisley family on the reality series Chrisley Knows Best (USA Network).

The Untold Story: Nanny Faye's Life Before Chrisley Knows Best

The persona of Nanny Faye on the USA Network's Chrisley Knows Best is one of a carefree, fun-loving woman whose biggest worry is her next casino trip. However, her younger life was marked by incredible responsibility and sacrifice.

1. She Was The Family's Breadwinner, Working 60-Hour Weeks

One of the most surprising facts about Faye Chrisley's younger years is the sheer volume of work she put in to support her family. Long before the Chrisley family found wealth and fame, Nanny Faye was the primary source of income.

Multiple reports indicate that she was the family's "breadwinner" and regularly worked grueling schedules, sometimes clocking in up to 60 hours a week. This dedication showcases a tireless work ethic that is rarely mentioned on the show but is central to her character. This early life of hard work and financial responsibility is a stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyle portrayed on reality television and highlights her incredible strength and determination as a young mother.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

2. Her Childhood Was Spent on a South Carolina Farm

Faye Chrisley's roots are firmly planted in the soil of South Carolina. She was born and raised in Westminster, South Carolina, and spent her childhood on a farm. This rural, humble beginning is where the matriarch’s down-to-earth nature and resilience were first cultivated.

This farm life experience explains a lot about her practical nature and her ability to handle any situation—from dealing with Todd’s over-the-top antics to facing her own personal battles, such as her cancer diagnosis later in life. Growing up in a place like Madison, Oconee County, provided a foundation of grit that prepared her for everything life threw her way.

3. She Was Married to a Korean War Veteran for Over 45 Years

In the 1960s, Nanny Faye married the love of her life, Gene Raymond Chrisley. Their marriage was a long and dedicated partnership, lasting for over four decades until Gene's passing in 2012. Gene Chrisley was a military veteran who served in the Korean War, a detail that further roots the Chrisley family in a history of service and traditional values.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Faye and Gene raised their three sons, including Todd and Randy Chrisley, in Westminster, South Carolina. The foundation of their marriage was clearly one of mutual support, with Nanny Faye often taking on the role of breadwinner to ensure the family was provided for. This long-standing bond is a testament to the commitment of Nanny Faye’s younger self.

4. She Has a Documented Background as a Real Estate Investor

While her main claim to fame is reality TV, Faye Chrisley’s professional background before the show was in real estate investment. This detail connects her directly to her son Todd’s own career, suggesting that her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit may have influenced his path to becoming a real estate millionaire.

Her work as a real estate investor likely overlapped with her time as the primary breadwinner, showcasing her ability to manage complex business dealings while simultaneously raising a family. It’s a powerful, often overlooked, aspect of her younger life that proves she was a shrewd businesswoman long before she was a TV star.

5. Her Love for Gambling is a Lifelong Trait

One of Nanny Faye’s most endearing and well-known traits is her passion for gambling and casinos. While this is often played for laughs on the show, with her grandson Chase Chrisley often trying to rein her in, her spirited love for the casino is a genuine and lifelong part of her personality.

This playful, risk-taking side of her character contrasts with her hardworking, responsible youth. It suggests that once the financial burden of being the main breadwinner eased, her fun-loving, adventurous spirit—a side of her that was likely always there—was finally able to come out and play. This enthusiasm is one of the reasons she remains such a fan favorite.

6. She Is a Mother of Three Sons, Not Just Todd

While the show primarily focuses on Todd Chrisley and his immediate family, Nanny Faye is the mother of three sons. Her children include Todd and his brother, Randy Chrisley. She has always been a fiercely loyal and protective mother, a trait that has only deepened with age and has extended to her grandchildren, such as Lindsie Chrisley and Savannah Chrisley.

The role of a mother and grandmother is central to her identity. Her commitment to her family is the guiding principle of her life, a value she carried from her own humble upbringing on the South Carolina farm.

7. Her Resilience Was Tested Long Before Her Cancer Battle

In recent years, Nanny Faye has bravely and publicly battled bladder cancer, showing incredible strength and courage. However, her ability to face adversity was honed decades earlier. Between being the breadwinner working 60 hours a week, raising three sons, and dealing with the emotional toll of her husband Gene’s passing in 2012, her younger life was a constant exercise in resilience.

The woman who laughs in the face of a slot machine and stands strong for her family in the midst of legal challenges is the same woman who tirelessly worked to keep her family afloat in her youth. Her younger years were the training ground for the beloved and unbreakable matriarch we know today.