On what would have been Lisa Marie Presley’s 56th birthday, her family, including her mother Priscilla Presley and daughter Riley Keough, came together to honor her legacy. Just a few weeks prior, the Presley family marked the one year anniversary of her untimely death at the age of 54. Lisa Marie passed away on January 12, 2023, following cardiac arrest caused by a small bowel obstruction from a previous gastric bypass surgery.
On this emotional milestone, both Priscilla and Riley took to Instagram to pay tribute to their beloved Lisa Marie. Priscilla shared a heartwarming black-and-white photo of her and Lisa Marie, seemingly taken in the 1980s. In the caption, she fondly referred to her daughter as “Yisa” and expressed how much she missed her. Many fans commenting on the post noted the striking resemblance between Lisa Marie and her iconic father, Elvis Presley. Riley also took the opportunity to share a throwback photo of her mother and wished her a happy birthday.
Graceland’s New Exhibit: Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley
To coincide with Lisa Marie’s birthday, Graceland, the legendary Tennessee home purchased by Elvis Presley in 1957, unveiled an expanded exhibit dedicated to her life. The exhibit, titled “Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley,” showcases a collection of her personal belongings, spanning from her childhood to her music career.
Visitors to the exhibit can see a range of items, including school photos, report cards, and the wallet Lisa Marie used in the late 1980s. Representing her musical journey are her tambourine, handwritten lyrics from her 2012 album “Storm & Grace,” and the gold record she earned for her 2003 album “To Whom It May Concern.” One of the highlights of the exhibit is the display of 45 outfits Lisa Marie wore throughout the years, including the black jumpsuit she donned for her last public appearance at the Golden Globes, just days before her passing. This notable event held special significance as Lisa Marie attended the awards show with her mother in support of the biopic “Elvis,” where Austin Butler won his first Golden Globe.
Joel Weinshanker, the managing partner and majority owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, expressed his excitement about the expanded exhibit, emphasizing Lisa Marie’s deep connection to Graceland. He recalled her emotional reaction upon seeing a quote from her father in the original exhibit, which described her as the greatest thing that had ever happened to him. He assured visitors that they would enjoy the remarkable exhibition as much as Lisa Marie did.
The Everlasting Value of Graceland
Graceland holds significant historical and financial value. Elvis Presley originally purchased the estate for $100,000 when he was just 22 years old. By the time of his death two decades later, it was reportedly worth $5 million. Today, the worth of Graceland has skyrocketed, largely due to Priscilla’s decision to open it to the public in 1982. In recent years, the estate has generated over $10 million annually. Rolling Stone reported in 2020 that its worth exceeds $500 million.
Lisa Marie Presley’s family, along with Graceland, came together to honor her on what would have been her 56th birthday. Both Priscilla and Riley expressed their love and remembrance for their cherished daughter and mother. Graceland’s expanded exhibit, “Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley,” provides visitors with a deeper understanding of Lisa Marie’s life, showcasing her personal belongings and mementos from her music career. Graceland continues to hold immense value as an important historical landmark and a significant source of income for the Presley estate. The legacy of Lisa Marie Presley lives on, as her family and fans remember her for her talent, beauty, and undeniable connection to the King of Rock and Roll.