Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley Shutterstock (2)
Riley Keough's connection with her grandmother Priscilla Presley has faced intense scrutiny following the death of Lisa Marie Presley. However, the two are now working towards improving their relationship. In her September 2023 Vanity Fair cover story, the 34-year-old Keough discussed the complexities of her family dynamics. The article was published on Tuesday, August 8, just four days after Keough was officially designated as the sole beneficiary of Lisa Marie's estate and the new owner of Graceland.
After my mother's passing, our lives were filled with chaos across all areas. It felt as though all stability had vanished and we were left bewildered. We were all in a state of panic, trying to grasp the next steps and unravel the intricate details of the situation, as it was quite complex."
Furthermore, Keough stated, "Not only are we a close-knit family, but there is also a significant business aspect within our family dynamic. Therefore, it was essential for us to attain a clear understanding."
Keough revealed that she and 78-year-old Priscilla have achieved a sense of "clarity" after a prolonged legal dispute. When questioned about their current relationship, Keough confidently stated that the drama has calmed down.
"Grandma and I will have a joyous bond," she expressed to the magazine. "Our happiness has always remained unwavering."
Keough hinted at the possibility of a lengthy discussion about her relationship with her grandmother but aimed to keep her thoughts concise. She acknowledged that there were some disruptions after her mother passed away, but now everything is returning to its previous state. Describing Priscilla as a stunning woman, Keough emphasized her significant role in preserving her grandfather's legacy and maintaining Graceland, which holds great importance to her grandmother. Priscilla considered Elvis to be the love of her life.
Priscilla was married to Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973. Following the singer's death in 1977, their daughter, Lisa Marie, inherited Graceland. Nonetheless, Priscilla's connection to the property remains remarkably sentimental.
At the core, her sole desire is to offer love and safeguard Graceland, the Presley family, and their enduring heritage," Keough revealed about her grandmother. "This yearning encompasses her entire existence. Consequently, she shoulders the weight of this significant duty earnestly. Previously, all those extraneous matters had never permeated our relationship. She had simply been my beloved grandmother... Sharing Graceland with the world had always been her own original vision."
Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and Riley Keough pose in this photo. Keough shared her memories of staying at Graceland as a child, recalling the times when they spent the night there. While the iconic Memphis landmark is accessible to visitors, the second floor, where Elvis tragically suffered a heart attack, remains off-limits.
Keough recollected how the tours would commence in the morning, prompting them to conceal themselves upstairs until they concluded. The security personnel would kindly bring them breakfast, resulting in a cherished memory. Their preferred meal of sausage and biscuits would be ordered as they remained hidden during the tourists' visit.
Following Lisa Marie's unfortunate passing in January at the age of 54, Priscilla disputed her daughter's will and asserted that a forged 2016 amendment had replaced her as the trustee. Priscilla claimed that she had never been informed about the alteration that placed Keough and her late brother, Benjamin Keough, in control of the estate.
In May, Priscilla and Riley reached an agreement to resolve the dispute. As part of the settlement, Priscilla received a one-time payment of $1 million from the account. Subsequently, Lisa Marie's 14-year-old twin daughters, Finley and Harper, were appointed as sub-trustees. According to an exclusive source, Riley and Priscilla have found peace in their relationship after the trying experience. Despite initial difficulties, they were able to reach a compromise that satisfies both parties.