Priscilla Presley on family, fame and the search for her identity | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Leaving Elvis Presley: Priscilla Presley's decision to leave Elvis due to his lifestyle and her concerns about infidelity.
• Elvis's Drug Addiction and Health: The detrimental impact of Elvis's drug use on his health, culminating in his death.
• "Unchained Melody" Performance: A significant memory of Elvis's final concert, highlighting his unique ability to embody a song.
• Relationship with Lisa Marie Presley: The complex and evolving relationship between Priscilla and her daughter, marked by emotional, financial, and legal challenges.
• Lisa Marie's Book and Statements: Revelations from Lisa Marie's posthumously published book, including critical remarks about Priscilla.
• Scientology: Priscilla's past involvement with Scientology, her acknowledgment of troubling rumors, and her current stance.
• Graceland: Priscilla's instrumental role in preserving Graceland as a monument to Elvis and a major tourist attraction.

Leaving Elvis Presley and Lifestyle Concerns

Priscilla Presley explains her decision to leave Elvis Presley was driven by an inability to tolerate his lifestyle. She expresses constant worry about infidelity during his tours and performances, stating, "I wasn't going to take that." Despite her deep love for him and the fact that he was Elvis Presley, capable of having anyone he desired, she prioritized her well-being and that of their child.

Elvis's Health and the "Unchained Melody" Performance

The transcript details Elvis Presley's severe medical problems, largely attributed to his addiction to drugs. Priscilla recalls his last concert in South Dakota in 1977, specifically his rendition of "Unchained Melody." She describes the performance as deeply moving, noting how Elvis "lived it, thinking it, believing it," and that "only Elvis could do" that level of emotional connection to a song. She found the performance to be "beautiful in many ways, sad in many ways."

Relationship with Lisa Marie Presley

Priscilla discusses the emotionally, financially, and legally fraught relationship she had with her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. She recounts Lisa Marie's early realization of Elvis's fame when she accompanied him to shows in Las Vegas. Witnessing the adoration from fans, particularly women crying and approaching the stage, was a profound experience for a young child. Priscilla suggests this exposure may have contributed to Lisa Marie feeling a sense of "little power."

Lisa Marie's Posthumous Book and Critical Remarks

The interview addresses statements made by Priscilla's granddaughter, Riley Keough, in a book compiled from recordings by Lisa Marie Presley. Priscilla acknowledges reading difficult lines from her daughter, such as, "It was a one-two punch. My dad is dead and I'm stuck with her." Priscilla describes these remarks as characteristic of Lisa Marie's personality, stating, "She just let everything out." She explains that Lisa Marie would express her feelings intensely when upset, sometimes leading to periods of estrangement. While acknowledging the pain of reading such words, Priscilla emphasizes that her daughter was honest about her feelings at the moment, even if she later apologized.

Involvement with Scientology

Priscilla Presley discusses her past involvement with Scientology, admitting to hearing "troubling rumors" about the organization. When questioned about whether celebrities like her should have done more to address credible allegations of forced abortions, enslavement, and human trafficking within Scientology, given its use of celebrities for recruitment, Priscilla states she has not been affiliated with the organization "in a long time." She acknowledges that there were "some good things" she and her daughter gained from it, but also things she "didn't go along with." She maintains that her involvement was "different back then" and she is unaware of its current practices. She does not express regret for her past involvement, reiterating her current distance from the organization.

Preserving Graceland

A significant achievement discussed is Priscilla Presley's role in securing Graceland as a monument to Elvis Presley. After Elvis's death and the passing of his father, Vernon, Priscilla was put in charge of the estate. Attorneys advised selling Graceland due to financial concerns, but Priscilla vehemently refused, stating, "that will never happen ever." She actively sought individuals who would provide the necessary funds to save the property, ensuring all investors were repaid. She attributes the continued draw of Graceland to its status as Elvis's home, his "pride and joy," and a place he cherished. She believes "there's something very special about Graceland" that continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.