Priscilla Presley | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 26, 2024

Who is Priscilla Presley?

Priscilla Presley, born Priscilla Ann Beaulieu on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, is widely recognized as the ex-wife of legendary rock "n" roll star Elvis Presley and the mother of the late singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley. Their relationship began when she was just 14 years old, and they married on May 1, 1967. The couple's union lasted for six years and produced their only daughter, Lisa Marie, born in 1968. Despite their eventual divorce in 1973, Priscilla and Elvis maintained a close friendship until his untimely death in 1977, demonstrating a profound and enduring connection that influenced both their lives.

Beyond her marriage to Elvis, Priscilla has established herself as a successful businesswoman and actress. After Elvis's death, she became the executor of his estate, transforming it into a profitable enterprise and turning Graceland into a major tourist attraction. Priscilla gained fame for her role as Jenna Wade in the television series "Dallas" and starred in the "Naked Gun" movie franchise. Additionally, she authored the bestselling memoir "Elvis and Me," which chronicled her life with the iconic singer and served as the basis for a 2023 film directed by Sofia Coppola, further solidifying her legacy as a prominent figure in American pop culture.

Early Life and Education

Priscilla Ann Beaulieu Presley was born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. The daughter of Navy pilot James Wagner, who tragically died in a plane crash when Priscilla was just a few months old, she was raised by her mother, Ann, who later remarried Paul Beaulieu, an Air Force officer. As a result of her stepfather's military career, Priscilla’s family frequently moved, experiencing diverse environments that fostered her adaptability. During her adolescence, they were stationed in Germany, a setting that played a pivotal role in her later life as she first met Elvis Presley there.

Priscilla's life changed significantly when she met Elvis in 1959 while he was stationed in the Army. At just 14 years old, she was captivated by the charisma of the 24-year-old music icon. The pair began a clandestine romance, and despite her youth, she was determined to nurture this relationship. Priscilla's parents were initially wary but eventually permitted her to continue seeing Elvis, impressed by his charm and genuine affection toward their daughter. As she adjusted to life in the spotlight, Priscilla completed her education, focusing on high school while balancing her growing attachment to Elvis, setting the foundation for her future as both a public figure and a businesswoman.

Marriage to Elvis Presley

Priscilla Presley, born Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, met Elvis Presley when she was just 14 years old and he was serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Their relationship blossomed despite the significant age difference, with Elvis captivated by Priscilla's youthful innocence and beauty. Elvis pursued her attentively, and after years of a tumultuous courtship filled with both passion and control, they married on May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas. Their marriage was marked by extreme highs and devastating lows, as Priscilla found herself navigating the challenges of being married to the King of Rock "n" Roll.

The couple welcomed their only daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968, but as their family grew, so did the strain on their marriage. Elvis remained largely devoted to his career, often spending time away on tours and film sets, which led to feelings of isolation for Priscilla. The relationship deteriorated further as rumors of Elvis’s extramarital affairs emerged, prompting Priscilla to seek affection elsewhere. Ultimately, their differences proved insurmountable, leading to their divorce in 1973 after six years of marriage. Despite their separation, Priscilla has always maintained a deep love for Elvis, emphasizing that he was the love of her life, a bond that persisted even after their divorce.

Impact of Elvis’ Affairs on Their Marriage

The intricate dynamics of Priscilla and Elvis Presley’s marriage were heavily influenced by Elvis’ extramarital affairs, which ultimately contributed to their separation. Priscilla has openly discussed the emotional turmoil she experienced upon discovering letters from Elvis' fans detailing encounters with the King of Rock "n" Roll. These revelations shattered her trust and served as a precursor to the growing distance in their relationship. As she reflected on the situation, she acknowledged the challenges that came with being married to a legendary figure who attracted constant admiration from women. Despite her love for Elvis, these affairs created a fracture that neither could bridge comfortably.

Throughout their time together, Priscilla found herself grappling with both his fame and his infidelity. While Elvis emphasized her need to embody a certain image, his indiscretions echoed loudly in their lives, marking a clear distinction between their shared perceptions of love and loyalty. The birth of their only daughter, Lisa Marie, added further complexities to their relationship; Elvis struggled with the prospect of fatherhood while maintaining his demanding career. Even as Priscilla attempted to secure her own identity amid Elvis' expectations, the enduring impact of his affairs lingered, ultimately leading to their amiable divorce in 1973. Their story underscores the difficulty of harmonizing deep affection with the realities of fame and temptation in a marriage fraught with inherent challenges.

Career After Elvis - Acting and Business Ventures

After her marriage to Elvis Presley ended in 1973, Priscilla Presley carved out a successful career as an actress and businesswoman. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Jenna Wade on the popular TV series "Dallas", where she starred for five seasons, earning praise and a dedicated fan following. Priscilla later made a memorable mark in film, appearing in the "Naked Gun" movie franchise alongside Leslie Nielsen. These projects solidified her status in Hollywood and showcased her ability to navigate the entertainment industry as a talented performer.

Beyond acting, Priscilla took significant steps to secure her financial future by actively participating in business ventures. She launched a line of fragrances and expanded into skincare and clothing, which proved to be popular amongst consumers. Priscilla also played a pivotal role in establishing Elvis Presley Enterprises, transforming Graceland into a major tourist destination. Her efforts significantly increased the estate's profitability, ensuring Elvis’ legacy would endure while also providing her with a robust income, which positioned her as a savvy entrepreneur and a respected figure in both entertainment and business circles.

Personal Life: Relationships and Children

Priscilla Presley, known for her marriage to the legendary Elvis Presley, has had a series of significant relationships throughout her life. After marrying Elvis on May 1, 1967, and welcoming their only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1968, their marriage faced numerous challenges, resulting in an amicable divorce in 1973. Despite their split, Priscilla retained a deep affection for Elvis, famously stating that she never had the desire to remarry, believing that "no one could ever match him." This poignant reflection highlights the lasting impact Elvis had on her life, shaping not only her personal choices but also her professional endeavors.

Following her divorce, Priscilla engaged in various relationships, including a notable partnership with her karate instructor Mike Stone and a long-term relationship with screenwriter Marco Garibaldi, which resulted in the birth of her son, Navarone Garibaldi Garcia, in 1987. Throughout her life, Priscilla has successfully balanced her roles as a mother and a businesswoman, primarily through her work with Elvis Presley Enterprises. Her commitment to preserving Elvis's legacy while nurturing her children is a testament to her resilience and strength in navigating both the public and private aspects of her life.

Net Worth and Earning: Business Success

Priscilla Presley, well-known as the ex-wife of Elvis Presley, has made a significant name for herself in the entertainment industry and beyond. In addition to rearing her daughter Lisa Marie, Priscilla has successfully navigated various avenues to cultivate wealth. After her divorce from Elvis in 1973, she received a substantial one-time payment of $725,000, along with additional support that included spousal, child support, and a percentage of Elvis’ royalties. These initial earnings provided a solid foundation from which she would build her future.

Priscilla's entrepreneurial aspirations led her to create a line of fragrances and skincare products, which proved quite profitable in the late 1990s. Beyond product lines, she ventured into the entertainment world with notable roles in the television series "Dallas" and the "Naked Gun" film franchise. Her ability to leverage her celebrity status and connection to Elvis further transformed her into a savvy businesswoman. In 1982, she opened Graceland to the public, turning Elvis Presley Enterprises into a multimillion-dollar operation that still generates significant revenue today, securing her place in the business realm.

As of 2023, Priscilla's net worth is estimated at approximately $50 million. This impressive figure is attributed not only to her earnings from acting and product lines but also to the financial success derived from Elvis' estate. Following her daughter's untimely death and subsequent estate disputes, she has continued to play an essential role in managing and advising on the multifaceted aspects of Elvis’ legacy, solidifying her financial standing while ensuring his influence remains prominent in the cultural landscape.

FAQs

Who is Priscilla Presley?

Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman best known as the ex-wife of music icon Elvis Presley. Born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, she made a significant impact in the entertainment industry while also managing Elvis' estate after his passing. Priscilla shares a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, with Elvis and has maintained a strong connection to his legacy.

What was Priscilla's relationship with Elvis like?

Priscilla and Elvis Presley first met in 1959 when she was just 14 years old, and they married in 1967. Their relationship was complex and involved moments of love, conflict, and challenges, particularly with Elvis' infidelities and Priscilla's struggles for independence. Despite their divorce in 1973, they remained close until his death in 1977.

What is Priscilla's most notable work?

Priscilla is known for her acting roles, particularly her character Jenna Wade on the TV show "Dallas" and her appearances in the "Naked Gun" movie series. Additionally, she wrote the memoir "Elvis and Me," which chronicles her life with Elvis and inspired the 2023 film "Priscilla," directed by Sofia Coppola.

How has Priscilla managed Elvis's estate?

After Elvis' death, Priscilla became the executor of his estate and played a crucial role in transforming Graceland into a profitable tourist attraction. Under her management, Elvis Presley Enterprises grew significantly, ensuring the King's legacy continued to thrive and remain a relevant cultural touchstone.

What is Priscilla’s current net worth?

As of 2024, Priscilla Presley's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth stems from her successful acting career, her involvement in the family business, and her real estate ventures. Despite challenges in her family life, she has maintained a stable financial position.

Is Priscilla currently married?

No, Priscilla Presley has not remarried since her divorce from Elvis in 1973. Although she has had several relationships over the years, she has chosen to remain single and has often stated that no one could ever match Elvis in her heart. She focuses on preserving his legacy and spending time with her family.