In a landmark legal decision, Riley Keough, the 34-year-old granddaughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, has been granted full control over her late grandfather’s historic estate, Graceland. The ruling came after a bitter legal battle that ensued following the unexpected death of Riley’s mother, Lisa Marie Presley, in January of this year.
Initially, an older version of Lisa Marie’s will had appointed her mother, Priscilla Presley, and a former business manager as trustees of the Graceland estate. However, a 2016 amendment to the will listed Riley, along with her late brother Benjamin (fathered by Lisa Marie’s ex-husband Danny Keough), and her twin half-sisters Finley and Harper, as the new beneficiaries.
Months of silence and legal wrangling followed, with Priscilla fighting for control of the Graceland property and associated businesses. Ultimately, in May 2023, Riley was named the sole trustee, and on Friday, August 4th, she was officially declared the sole owner of Graceland.
The settlement marks the end of the contentious legal feud between Riley and her grandmother, Priscilla. Despite the disagreements, it has been reported that Priscilla will still be allowed to be buried at Graceland next to Elvis upon her death, honoring the wishes of the Presley family.
The passing of Lisa Marie Presley was a devastating event for the family, and it also led to revelations about the cause of her death. On July 13, it was confirmed that Lisa Marie died from a small bowel obstruction following two consecutive heart attacks. Additionally, opioids were found in her blood, according to a TMZ report.
The Graceland estate holds immense historical and sentimental value for the Presley family and Elvis’ dedicated fans. As the sole trustee and owner, Riley Keough now carries the responsibility of preserving her grandfather’s legacy and ensuring that his and her mother’s wishes are respected.
The legal battle may have caused tensions within the family, but Priscilla Presley expressed her belief that Elvis would be proud of their resolution. In a court declaration filed in June 2023, Priscilla stated, “We have learned that the fans realize that we are ‘Just a Family,'” emphasizing the importance of unity and honoring the wishes of their late loved ones.
