Priscilla Presley is a well-known figure in American pop culture. She’s famous for her marriage to Elvis Presley and her work in entertainment and business.
Priscilla Presley was born on May 24, 1945. She entered the world in Brooklyn, New York City.
Her birth name was Priscilla Ann Wagner. She later changed her last name to Beaulieu when her mother remarried.
Priscilla met Elvis Presley in 1959 when she was just 14 years old.
They got married in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967. Their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was born the next year.
The couple’s marriage ended in divorce in 1973, but Priscilla remained an important part of Elvis’s legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Priscilla Presley was born in 1945 in New York City.
- She married Elvis Presley in 1967 and had one child with him.
- After their divorce, she became a successful businesswoman and actress.
Early Life
Priscilla Presley’s early years were marked by frequent moves and a unique family situation.
Birth and Family Background
Priscilla Ann Wagner was born on May 24, 1945, at Brooklyn Naval Hospital in New York. Her biological father, James Wagner, was a U.S. Navy pilot who died in a plane crash when Priscilla was just six months old.
Priscilla’s mother, Ann, later married Air Force officer Paul Beaulieu. This union brought stability to young Priscilla’s life.
The family moved frequently due to Paul’s military career.
Priscilla’s heritage is diverse. Her maternal grandfather was Norwegian, while her grandmother had Scots-Irish and English roots.
Education
Priscilla’s education was influenced by her family’s frequent relocations. She attended various schools as they moved to different military bases.
In her early teens, Priscilla enrolled at Immaculate Conception High School, a Catholic school. This provided her with a structured educational environment.
The constant changes in schools and locations taught Priscilla to adapt quickly to new environments. These experiences likely contributed to her resilience in later life.
Move to Germany
In 1956, when Priscilla was 11, her stepfather was transferred to Wiesbaden, West Germany. This move would prove significant in shaping her future.
The family settled into life on the Air Force base. Priscilla continued her education at the base school.
It was during this time in Germany that 14-year-old Priscilla met 24-year-old Elvis Presley at a party. This chance encounter would change the course of her life dramatically.
Relationship with Elvis Presley
Priscilla Beaulieu met Elvis Presley as a teenager and their relationship quickly became the subject of intense public interest. Their courtship and marriage spanned nearly a decade, marked by both romantic moments and challenges.
Meeting Elvis
Priscilla first encountered Elvis in 1959 when she was just 14 years old. The meeting took place in Germany, where Elvis was stationed during his military service.
Despite the significant age difference, Elvis was drawn to Priscilla’s youth and beauty.
Elvis, then 24, began spending time with Priscilla. Her parents were initially concerned about the relationship due to the age gap. They eventually allowed Priscilla to see Elvis under strict conditions.
Romantic Development
After Elvis returned to the United States, he and Priscilla stayed in touch.
In 1962, Priscilla’s parents permitted her to visit Elvis in Memphis. She later moved to Graceland to finish high school, living with Elvis’s father and stepmother.
The couple’s relationship grew over the years.
Elvis took on the role of shaping Priscilla’s appearance and behavior to fit his ideal. This included influencing her clothing choices and makeup.
Publicity and Media Attention
Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship was constantly in the spotlight. The media closely followed their every move, fueling public fascination with the couple.
Their wedding in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967 was a major event.
The ceremony was brief, lasting only eight minutes. It was followed by a press conference and a champagne breakfast for guests. This high-profile union further cemented Elvis’s status as a cultural icon.
The couple’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was born nine months after the wedding. Her arrival brought renewed media attention to the family.
Marriage Life
Priscilla Presley’s marriage to Elvis Presley shaped her life in many ways. Their relationship involved living at Graceland, becoming parents, and eventually led to Priscilla’s business ventures.
Graceland Estate
Priscilla moved into Graceland in Memphis after marrying Elvis in 1967. The estate became their home and a symbol of their life together.
Graceland was a 14-acre property with a mansion. Elvis had bought it in 1957 for $100,000.
The couple lived there with Elvis’s father and grandmother. Priscilla helped decorate and manage the household.
Birth of Lisa Marie
Lisa Marie Presley was born on February 1, 1968. She was Priscilla and Elvis’s only child.
Her birth came nine months after her parents’ wedding. Lisa Marie grew up at Graceland, often traveling with her father on tour.
Priscilla balanced motherhood with her role as Elvis’s wife. She helped care for Lisa Marie while managing their busy lifestyle.
Business and Entertainment Ventures
After divorcing Elvis in 1973, Priscilla became a businesswoman and actress.
She helped turn Graceland into a popular tourist attraction.
Priscilla became executor of Elvis’s estate in 1979. She formed Elvis Presley Enterprises to manage his image and assets.
As an actress, she appeared in the TV show “Dallas” and the “Naked Gun” film series. Priscilla also produced a few Elvis-related projects.
Her business skills helped grow the Presley brand. She ensured Lisa Marie would inherit a valuable estate when she turned 25.
Career Development
Priscilla Presley’s career spans acting, writing, and business management. She took on various roles in entertainment and commerce, building a diverse professional portfolio.
Acting and Production Roles
Priscilla Presley’s acting career began in the 1980s.
She landed a recurring role as Jenna Wade on the popular TV series “Dallas” from 1983 to 1988. This part helped establish her presence in television.
In 1988, Presley starred in “The Naked Gun” film series. She played Jane Spencer, a comedic role that showcased her versatility as an actress. The movies were box office hits.
Presley also took on production roles. She served as an executive producer for several Elvis-related projects. These included documentaries and TV specials about the rock icon’s life and career.
Memoirs and Biographies
Priscilla Presley penned her memoir “Elvis and Me” in 1985.
The book offered an inside look at her life with Elvis Presley. It became a New York Times bestseller.
The memoir was later adapted into a television movie.
Presley served as an executive producer for this project. It aired in 1988 and received positive reviews.
She has since contributed to other books and documentaries about Elvis. These works have helped maintain public interest in the Presley legacy.
Business and Managerial Roles
After Elvis Presley’s death, Priscilla took on significant business responsibilities.
She became a co-executor of Elvis’s estate in 1979. This role involved managing Graceland and other Presley properties.
Presley co-founded Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) in 1982.
As chairwoman, she oversaw the transformation of Graceland into a major tourist attraction. Under her leadership, EPE grew into a successful business entity.
She also launched several Elvis-themed products and services. These included fragrances, collectibles, and live entertainment shows. Her business acumen helped preserve and grow the Elvis Presley brand.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Priscilla Presley faced many challenges after marrying Elvis. She dealt with divorce, loss, and raising a family in the public eye.
Divorce from Elvis
Priscilla and Elvis divorced in 1973 after six years of marriage.
The split was difficult for Priscilla. She had to adjust to life outside Graceland.
The divorce settlement gave Priscilla:
- $725,000 in cash
- 5% of Elvis’s publishing companies
- Half the income from their Beverly Hills home sale
This helped Priscilla build financial independence. She worked to create her own identity separate from being Elvis’s ex-wife.
Coping with Elvis’s Death
Elvis died in 1977, just four years after their divorce. This shocked Priscilla deeply.
She had to deal with intense grief while supporting their daughter Lisa Marie.
Priscilla took charge of Elvis’s estate.
She turned Graceland into a tourist spot to save it from bankruptcy. This move preserved Elvis’s legacy and provided for Lisa Marie’s future.
Raising Children and Family Affairs
Priscilla raised two children as a single mother:
- Lisa Marie Presley (with Elvis)
- Navarone Garibaldi (from a later relationship)
She worked to give them normal lives despite their famous last name.
Priscilla faced challenges balancing work, family, and public attention.
As Lisa Marie grew up, Priscilla managed her inheritance. She became the executor of the Presley estate. This role came with tough choices about Elvis’s legacy and business dealings.
Impact and Legacy
On Elvis Presley’s Estate
Priscilla Presley played a key role in managing Elvis Presley’s legacy after his death.
She became the executor of his estate when Vernon Presley passed away in 1979.
Priscilla turned Graceland into a popular tourist attraction, opening it to the public in 1982.
This move helped stabilize the estate’s finances.
She co-founded Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) to manage Elvis’s image and likeness.
Under her leadership, EPE grew into a successful business, overseeing merchandise, licensing, and media projects related to Elvis.
Cultural Influence
Priscilla’s iconic bouffant hairstyle and fashion choices influenced trends in the 1960s and beyond.
Her look in films like “Viva Las Vegas” became widely imitated.
As an actress, she starred in the “Naked Gun” film series and appeared on TV shows like “Dallas.”
These roles helped establish her own identity separate from Elvis.
Priscilla’s memoir “Elvis and Me” offered insights into their relationship and life at Graceland.
The book became a bestseller and was adapted into a TV movie.
Ongoing Projects and Pursuits
Priscilla continues to be involved in preserving Elvis’s legacy. She has produced films and stage shows about his life and music.
She remains active in charitable work, supporting causes like Dream Foundation and the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation.
Priscilla has also ventured into business outside of EPE. She launched her own line of fragrances and bedding products.
In recent years, she has been involved in discussions about biopics and documentaries about Elvis, ensuring his story is told accurately.
