Introduction
Priscilla Presley and the Decision to Open Graceland – Elvis’s Eternal Legacy
In 1982, Priscilla Presley – the former wife of the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley – made a historic decision: to open Graceland, Elvis’s legendary home in Memphis, Tennessee, to the public as a memorial museum. At that time, their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was only 14 years old.
In an emotional press conference, Priscilla shared that while Graceland had long been a private family residence, financial realities and the need to preserve Elvis’s legacy compelled her to act. The cost of maintaining the estate was enormous, and without public access, its upkeep would be unsustainable. “We had to go beyond personal emotions to preserve a national icon,” she explained.
Priscilla emphasized that Elvis had always been proud of his home and loved showing it to guests. She believed he would be pleased to see it shared with fans worldwide. Importantly, the operation of Graceland remained in the hands of the family, free from city or state control. “We are doing this in a way that Elvis would love and appreciate,” she said.
Lisa Marie, at the time a typical teenage girl who enjoyed roller skating and living her youthful life, was already proud of Graceland and supported her mother’s decision. Priscilla believed that one day, Lisa might want to live there – and if she did, everything would be preserved just for her.
Opening Graceland to the public not only helped protect a musical landmark but also allowed millions of fans to connect with the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. With an entrance fee of just five dollars at the time, Priscilla hoped Graceland would always remain accessible to everyone – just as Elvis would have wanted.