Riley Keough, the 35-year-old actress and eldest granddaughter of Elvis Presley, has expressed her commitment to preserving the iconic Graceland mansion as her family's home. Following the passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023, Riley inherited the renowned Tennessee estate.
In an interview, Riley stated, 'My hope is to continue what my grandmother [Priscilla Presley] did, and then my mother did, which is simply to preserve our family home.' This sentiment reflects her dedication to upholding the legacy established by her grandmother and mother.
Legacy of Graceland
Graceland, which Elvis Presley acquired in 1957, has been a central part of the Presley family's history. After Elvis's death in 1977, Lisa Marie Presley maintained ownership of the estate. Riley, who has been the sole trustee of her late mother's estate since August 2023, is determined to continue this tradition.
Riley also oversees the sub-trusts of her 15-year-old sisters, Finley and Harper Lockwood, who are Lisa Marie's daughters from her marriage to Michael Lockwood. This family connection underscores Riley's role in preserving not just the physical property but also the family's heritage.
Legal Battles and Family Unity
Riley has faced legal challenges in her quest to preserve Graceland. In May, she filed a lawsuit to prevent the estate from being auctioned off by Nauss Investments and Lending, which claimed the Promenade Trust owed $3.8 million for an unpaid loan. Riley alleged the documents presented were 'fraudulent,' and a judge ultimately ruled in her favor, ensuring the family could retain the property.
Initially, there were disputes between Riley and her grandmother Priscilla Presley over the trustee designation in Lisa Marie's will. However, these issues have been resolved through a one-time settlement. Priscilla has expressed her confidence in Riley, stating, 'I think Riley will be great. She has asked me a few things about what to do, and well talk about it. I want to help her with Graceland.'
Completing Lisa Marie Presley's Memoir
In addition to her role as the owner of Graceland, Riley has also been involved in completing her mother's memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown . The memoir, set to be released on October 8, provides a detailed and personal account of Lisa Marie's life, including her relationship with her father Elvis, her struggles, and her experiences as a mother.
Riley listened to tapes of her mother's recorded memories to finish the memoir, aiming to 'go beneath the magazine headline idea of her and reveal the core of who she was.' This project is a way for Riley to honor her mother's legacy and provide a comprehensive portrait of Lisa Marie Presley's life.
Riley looks forward to the day when her 2-year-old daughter, Tupelo, can read the memoir, describing it as 'one of the biggest privileges of the whole thing.' This reflects her desire to keep the family's story alive for future generations.
