Priscilla Presley has directly addressed persistent online theories suggesting her former husband, music icon Elvis Presley, is still alive. Nearly five decades after his death in 1977, Presley, now 80, stated that these speculations are untrue, expressing her wish that he were indeed still with them.
Key Takeaways
- Priscilla Presley denied theories that Elvis Presley is still alive.
- She reflected on her early romance with Elvis, which began when she was 14.
- Priscilla described her daughter Lisa Marie Presley's death as the second saddest day of her life.
- Lisa Marie died at 54 from a small bowel obstruction.
Priscilla Presley Refutes Ongoing Speculation
Priscilla Presley recently spoke about the enduring conspiracy theories surrounding Elvis Presley's death. She made her comments in a September cover story for People magazine. Her statement aims to clarify the facts for fans worldwide.
"There’s been so much that’s untruthful out there—things like Elvis is still alive and hidden somewhere," Priscilla told People. "I wish he was still alive." This direct quote highlights her stance on the matter.
Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. His official cause of death was cardiac arrest. Despite the medical findings, some individuals have long believed that he faked his death to live a private life. These theories have circulated online for many years.
Fact: Elvis's Legacy
Elvis Presley remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He sold an estimated 500 million records worldwide. His influence on music and popular culture is still significant today.
Reflections on Early Romance and Marriage
Beyond addressing the rumors, Priscilla Presley also shared details about her relationship with Elvis. Their romance began in 1959 when she was just 14 years old. Elvis was then a 24-year-old rising star.
She reflected on the impact of meeting him at such a formative age. "I met him at such a young age I didn't have time to think about life yet," she explained. "Even when dating him, I'd think, 'What am I going to do? I don't want to be a nurse. I don't want to be a teacher. I don't want to be a secretary. What can do?' Other things happened, and I love every moment."
Priscilla left her parents' home to live with Elvis in Memphis, Tennessee. They married in 1967. Their wedding took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nine months later, in February 1968, they welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. The couple divorced in 1973.
Life After Elvis
Priscilla Presley continued to manage Elvis's estate and preserve his legacy after his death. She played a key role in transforming Graceland into a major tourist attraction. This decision helped secure the Presley family's financial future and kept Elvis's memory alive for millions of fans.
"It's been a journey, one that I never expected. But I wouldn't change it for anything," Priscilla has often stated about her life's path.
Her work has ensured that Graceland remains a pilgrimage site for fans globally. The estate now draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is a vital part of American music history.
The Loss of Lisa Marie Presley
Priscilla also spoke about the profound grief she experienced after the death of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa Marie passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. Priscilla described this event as the second saddest day of her life.
"It was the second saddest day of my life, other than losing Elvis," Priscilla told People in the interview, which was published on September 17. "It took a long time to come to terms with the fact that Lisa was gone."
Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital after her ex-husband, Danny Keough, found her unresponsive at her home. Keough is the father of Riley Keough and the late Benjamin Keough. Medical reports later confirmed that Lisa Marie died from a small bowel obstruction. This obstruction developed years after she had undergone bariatric surgery.
Family Background
Lisa Marie Presley was the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. She followed in her father's footsteps, pursuing a career in music. She released three studio albums during her lifetime. She also had four children: Riley Keough, Benjamin Keough (who passed away in 2020), and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood.
A Mother's Grief
Priscilla recounted the difficult hours spent at the hospital. "Lisa really wasn't breathing, so she was on the ventilator," she recalled. "For hours we were there waiting, hoping and praying until the doctor came in and said, 'Priscilla, I'm so sorry, she's gone.'"
The news was devastating for the entire family. "We just couldn't believe it—didn't want to believe it," she added. "It was hard on all of us, it still is." This includes Lisa Marie’s 16-year-old twins, Harper and Finley Lockwood, whom she shared with her ex-husband Michael Lockwood.
The loss of Lisa Marie was a significant blow to the Presley family and to fans. She was a prominent figure in her own right, carrying on the family's musical legacy. Her passing left a void that is still felt deeply by those who knew her and admired her work.
Preserving the Family Legacy
Despite the personal losses, Priscilla Presley remains dedicated to preserving the legacy of Elvis and Lisa Marie. She continues to be a central figure in managing the Presley estate and ensuring their stories are told accurately.
The family has often appeared together at events celebrating Elvis's life and career. These events include handprint ceremonies and exhibits at Graceland. Such gatherings help keep the public connected to the Presley family and their history.
For example, in June 2022, Lisa Marie, her daughters, and Priscilla attended a handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. This event honored the family's contribution to entertainment. It also highlighted the strong bond between the generations.
- June 2019: Lisa Marie, her children Riley, Benjamin, Harper, and Finley posed for a photo, which she captioned "Mama Lion with cubs."
- February 2021: Lisa Marie shared a family photo with her daughters, expressing gratitude for their support after her 53rd birthday.
- August 2018: Lisa Marie and Riley unveiled a new Presley family exhibit at Graceland, offering insights into her life.
These moments show the family's commitment to each other and to their heritage. They also serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of Elvis Presley and his family on global culture.
Priscilla's recent comments underscore her role as a guardian of the family's truth. She continues to navigate public interest while honoring the memories of those she loved deeply. Her words provide clarity amid widespread speculation and offer a glimpse into her personal grief and reflections.