Exploring Teresa Terry’s Journey as Todd Chrisley’s First Wife
When people hear the name Todd Chrisley, they often think of the charismatic, sharp-tongued patriarch from the reality TV show Chrisley Knows Best. However, long before the cameras started rolling, there was Teresa Terry—Todd’s first wife and the mother of two of his children. Unlike Todd’s current high-profile life, Teresa has chosen to remain largely out of the public eye, making her story intriguing for those curious about her life before, during, and after her marriage to a reality TV star.
In this article, we’ll explore Teresa Terry’s journey—from her early years and marriage to Todd Chrisley to her life beyond the spotlight. While Todd’s name may dominate headlines, Teresa’s story is one of resilience, growth, and finding peace beyond fame.

Early Life and Background: Who Is Teresa Terry?
Teresa Terry was born in 1971 in South Carolina, USA. Growing up in a small town, Teresa led a relatively simple life before crossing paths with Todd Chrisley. Details about her family, education, and upbringing remain private, reflecting her desire to keep personal matters away from public scrutiny.
Teresa’s early life was typical of many Southern families, grounded in community values, strong family ties, and traditional upbringing. This background shaped her character, giving her the strength to face the challenges that would come later in her life.
Unlike Todd, who always seemed destined for the spotlight with his outgoing personality and big ambitions, Teresa preferred a quieter life. However, fate had different plans when she met Todd during their teenage years.
Teresa Terry Quick Bio
Detail | Information |
Full Name | Teresa Terry |
Date of Birth | 1971 |
Age | 53 years old (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | South Carolina, United States |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Christianity |
Famous For | Being the first wife of Todd Chrisley |
Marital Status | Married (Todd Chrisley – ex-husband) |
The current Husband’s | Name is not publicly disclosed |
Children | Lindsie Chrisley, Kyle Chrisley, and two others from the current marriage |
Profession | Homemaker (Private life) |
Net Worth | Estimated around $5 million |
A Young Love Story: Teresa Terry and Todd Chrisley’s Marriage
Teresa met Todd Chrisley when they were both in high school in South Carolina. Their romance blossomed quickly, and by the time Teresa was just 19, she became pregnant with their first child, Lindsie. This unexpected pregnancy led to their decision to marry at a young age, long before Todd’s reality TV fame and fortune.
Their early years as a couple were typical of young marriages—filled with the pressures of raising a family while still growing up themselves. They welcomed their second child, Kyle Chrisley, shortly after. However, as the years passed, cracks began forming in their relationship.
Teresa has described their marriage as challenging. While Todd was ambitious and determined to build a successful career in real estate, his controlling nature created tension in their home. According to Teresa, Todd’s need for control extended beyond business and into their personal lives, leading to an emotionally draining environment.

Challenges Behind Closed Doors: Why Teresa and Todd Chrisley Divorced
By 1996, after several tumultuous years together, Teresa Terry made the difficult decision to file for divorce. Their split was anything but amicable, with Teresa later revealing details about the controlling dynamics that plagued their marriage. She cited emotional distress, alleging that Todd’s domineering personality made her feel trapped in the relationship.
Legal documents from their divorce hinted at a bitter custody battle over their children. Teresa sought primary custody, claiming that Todd’s strict and controlling behavior extended to his parenting style. Despite the difficult circumstances, Teresa fought for her children, determined to provide them with a stable and nurturing environment.
Their divorce marked the end of their chapter as a couple, but it was also the beginning of Teresa’s journey toward reclaiming her independence.
Life After Divorce: Rebuilding Away from the Spotlight
Following her divorce from Todd Chrisley, Teresa Terry chose a path far removed from the glitz and glamour of reality TV. She eventually remarried and settled in Oklahoma, where she embraced a quieter, more private life.
Teresa’s life after Todd has been shielded mainly from media attention. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities who capitalize on their former relationships, Teresa has remained low-key, focusing on her family and personal well-being. She and her new husband have two children together, and she has built a life centered around family values, far from the chaos that once defined her relationship with Todd.
While she rarely speaks publicly about her past, those close to her describe Teresa as resilient and grounded. Her decision to step away from the public eye reflects her desire to live life on her terms, free from the shadow of her ex-husband’s fame.
Teresa Terry’s Relationship with Her Children
Teresa shares two children with Todd Chrisley: Lindsie and Kyle. Their relationships have had ups and downs, influenced by the complexities of their family dynamics.
Lindsie Chrisley, who appeared on Chrisley Knows Best during its early seasons, eventually distanced herself from the show and her father. She has publicly spoken about family conflicts, hinting at strained relationships within the Chrisley family. However, Lindsie remains close to her mother, often sharing glimpses of their bond on social media.
Kyle Chrisley, on the other hand, has faced personal struggles, including battles with addiction and legal issues. His relationship with both parents has been complicated, though he has tried to reconcile with his father in recent years. Despite these challenges, Teresa has remained a constant in her children’s lives, providing support and stability whenever needed.
Career and Personal Achievements
Unlike Todd, whose career has been in the public eye, Teresa’s professional life is more private. She is believed to have primarily focused on being a homemaker and raising her family. While she may not have a high-profile career, her achievements lie in her resilience and ability to rebuild her life after a challenging marriage.
Teresa’s story is not defined by fame or fortune but by her strength in overcoming personal hardships. She created a new life for herself and her family, emphasizing the importance of mental health, stability, and personal growth.
Net Worth and Financial Independence
While Teresa Terry’s net worth is not publicly documented, estimates suggest she may have received a settlement from her divorce with Todd Chrisley. Additionally, her current financial status likely comes from her new life and family. Unlike Todd’s flashy displays of wealth, Teresa’s life reflects a more modest, grounded approach to financial independence.
Her story reminds us that financial security doesn’t always come from fame or fortune—it can also be quietly built through personal resilience and smart choices.
Media Presence and Public Perception
Despite her connection to a reality TV star, Teresa Terry has managed to maintain an impressively low media profile. She rarely publicly appears, avoids interviews, and stays off social media. This decision reflects her desire to separate her identity from Todd Chrisley’s public persona.
When she does appear in media coverage, it’s usually in the context of Todd’s legal battles or family controversies. However, Teresa has never sought the spotlight for herself, choosing to live a private, peaceful life instead.
FAQs
1. Who is Teresa Terry?
Teresa Terry is the first wife of reality TV star Todd Chrisley and the mother of his two eldest children, Lindsie and Kyle Chrisley. Since their divorce, she has maintained a private life away from the public eye.
2. Why did Teresa Terry and Todd Chrisley get divorced?
Teresa Terry and Todd Chrisley divorced in 1996 due to alleged emotional distress and controlling behavior within their marriage, which led Teresa to seek separation for the well-being of herself and her children.
3. Where is Teresa Terry now?
Teresa Terry lives a private life in Oklahoma with her husband and family, focusing on raising her children and staying out of the media spotlight.
Conclusion
Teresa Terry’s story is one of quiet strength. While her name is often mentioned in connection with Todd Chrisley, her life is defined by more than just her past marriage. She navigated the challenges of a complicated relationship, boldly decided to leave, and built a new life for herself and her family.
In a world obsessed with celebrity culture, Teresa’s journey is a refreshing reminder that fame doesn’t always measure success. Sometimes, it’s about finding peace, embracing personal growth, and living life on your terms—away from the cameras, the headlines, and the noise.
Her resilience, strength, and determination to create a better life for herself and her children are the true highlights of her journey.