Introduction
Priscilla Presley Opens Up About Life and Marriage with Elvis
Priscilla Presley returned to Australia ahead of her appearance at Melbourne’s Arts Centre, where she plans to share intimate details about her marriage and life with the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Before the event, she sat down with Nine Melbourne reporter Nathan Curry for a one-on-one interview.
Charming as ever, Priscilla spoke fondly about her visits to Australia. Although Elvis never traveled to the country, Priscilla has happy memories here, last visiting in 2022 with her granddaughter, Grace. “Elvis never thought he would be remembered,” she recalled. “He loved the people, and I’ve had nothing but good times here.”
While touring to promote her latest book, Priscilla delved into her decision to leave Elvis, revealing the challenges she faced during their marriage. “It was a man’s world, and I had to make a decision,” she said. “Elvis did see other women. I couldn’t put up with it—it was too difficult. I had to leave for myself. But we remained very close, and I made sure he saw our daughter, Lisa, all the time.”
Reflecting on Elvis’s final performance of Unchained Melody, Priscilla remembered it as “wonderful,” recalling how deeply he connected with the music. Beyond her role as Elvis’s widow, Priscilla carved out her own Hollywood career, notably showing off her comedic talent in the Naked Gun films. She even made a cameo in the upcoming new installment.
Priscilla also shared pride in her granddaughter, Riley, who stars in Daisy Jones & The Six. “She has a little bit of me and a little bit of Elvis in her,” Priscilla said. “I’m so proud of her. She’s always been talented and serious about her craft.”
Since her last visit to Australia, Priscilla, now 80, has been navigating the loss of her daughter, Lisa Marie, while continuing to preserve Elvis’s legacy at Graceland. She’s heartened by the new generation of fans who still celebrate Elvis, even dressing up as him for events. “If he only knew today how big it’s gotten, it would put a huge smile on his face,” she said.
Through her efforts, Priscilla ensures that the King of Rock and Roll’s legacy continues to thrive—and that his influence remains strong for generations to come.
—Nathan Curry, Nine Melbourne