Priscilla Presley Confidently Passes the Baton: Granddaughter Riley Keough Set to Excel in Graceland Leadership
Priscilla Presley entrusts granddaughter Riley Keough to run Graceland, despite their past legal dispute over sole trusteeship following Lisa Marie Presley's passing A hopeful and harmonious resolution for the iconic estate's future
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Priscilla Presley thinks granddaughter Riley Keough is up for the task of managing Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate.
In an interview for TalkTV's Piers Morgan Uncensored, which aired on Thursday, November 2, Priscilla expressed her confidence in Riley's abilities. She also mentioned that Riley has sought her advice on a few matters, particularly regarding the management of Graceland. Priscilla acknowledged Riley's own successful career alongside her responsibilities as the sole trustee of the late Lisa Marie Presley's estate. Lisa Marie's unexpected passing in January at the age of 54 led to Riley's appointment as the trustee. It was later disclosed that Lisa Marie's death was a result of complications from gastric bypass surgery, specifically a small bowel obstruction.
Priscilla challenged her daughter's will after Lisa Marie's death, asserting that the 2016 amendment, which appointed Riley and her late brother Benjamin Keough as trustees instead of her, was a forgery. Additionally, Priscilla claimed that she was never informed about the alteration in the estate's management. Priscilla and Riley reached a resolution in their legal dispute in May, with Priscilla being awarded a lump sum of $1 million. Lisa Marie's twin daughters, Finley and Harper, who are 15 years old, were also appointed as sub-trustees.
Priscilla and her granddaughter, despite appearing to clash over their family's inheritance, established that they had always maintained a strong bond and harmonious relationship while navigating through the complexities of Lisa Marie's will.
"On Thursday," Priscilla stated, "Riley has always been someone I have been close to and had a great rapport with. We have had numerous conversations, and I have complete faith in her abilities. I believe she is more than capable of handling certain responsibilities, particularly those related to Graceland, whether we need to be present together or if she can independently manage."
Riley also expressed similar feelings about the challenges of navigating her family's situation. In an interview with Vanity Fair in August, she described the aftermath of her mother's passing as a chaotic and unsettling time. It felt as though everything had been upended and the ground beneath them had disappeared. She explained that there was a collective panic within the family as they grappled with how to move forward and comprehend the complexities of their circumstances.
The star of Daisy Jones & The Six acknowledged the significant business aspect associated with the Presley legacy and expressed understanding for Priscilla's deep concern.
Ultimately, Riley emphasized her grandmother's sole desire to cherish and safeguard Graceland, the Presley family, and their legacy. Riley acknowledged that this responsibility has always been at the core of Priscilla's life, and she has strived to fulfill it. Prior to this, their relationship had been that of a simple grandmother-granddaughter bond. Riley also acknowledged that it was Priscilla's own initiative to share Graceland with the world.
