Priscilla Presley is a prominent American businesswoman and actress, widely recognized for her marriage to music icon Elvis Presley. She has played a significant role in managing Elvis’s posthumous legacy, and her life story has been portrayed in various media.
Early Life and Meeting Elvis
Priscilla Ann Wagner was born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. Her biological father, James Wagner, a U.S. Navy pilot, died when she was six months old. Her mother, Ann, later remarried Joseph Paul Beaulieu, a U.S. Air Force officer, who adopted Priscilla. Due to her stepfather’s military career, Priscilla’s family moved frequently.
In 1959, her family was stationed in Wiesbaden, West Germany, where 14-year-old Priscilla met 24-year-old Elvis Presley at his home. Elvis was serving in the U.S. Army at the time, and a romantic relationship began. This continued after Elvis returned to the United States in 1960.
Life During Marriage and Divorce
Priscilla moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1963 to be closer to Elvis, with her parents’ permission. She completed her senior year at an all-girls Catholic school while living near Graceland. Elvis and Priscilla married in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967.
In February 1968, their only child, Lisa Marie Presley, was born. Life at Graceland brought challenges, including Elvis’s demanding schedule and infidelities. Priscilla herself had an affair with karate instructor Mike Stone. Priscilla and Elvis separated in February 1972, with their divorce finalized on October 9, 1973. Despite their separation, they remained close and co-parented Lisa Marie.
Post-Elvis Career and Legacy Management
After her divorce, Priscilla embarked on various professional endeavors. In 1973, she co-founded a clothing boutique in Los Angeles called Bis & Beau, which attracted celebrity clientele. Following Elvis’s death in 1977, Priscilla took on a significant role in managing his estate. In 1979, she became the co-executor of the Presley Estate.
Priscilla decided to open Graceland to the public as a tourist attraction in 1982, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise under Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE). This helped preserve Elvis’s legacy and generate revenue. She also pursued an acting career, notably starring as Jenna Wade on the television series Dallas from 1983 to 1988. She gained recognition for her comedic roles in The Naked Gun film trilogy alongside Leslie Nielsen. Her business ventures also included launching fragrance and luxury bed linen lines.
Personal Life and Family
Following her divorce from Elvis, Priscilla Presley had several relationships, though she never remarried. Her longest relationship was with Marco Antonio Garcia (also known as Marco Garibaldi), with whom she lived for 22 years. They welcomed a son, Navarone Garibaldi Garcia, in March 1987.
Her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, had four children: Riley Keough, Benjamin Keough, and twin daughters Harper and Finley Lockwood. Benjamin Keough passed away in 2020, and Lisa Marie herself died in January 2023. Priscilla continues to maintain a close relationship with her grandchildren.
Cultural Impact and Public Image
Priscilla Presley’s public image has evolved from being the wife of a global icon to a businesswoman and actress in her own right. Her distinctive style, particularly her fashion and beauty choices, continues to influence trends and inspire new generations.
Her life story has been a recurring subject in popular culture. She has been portrayed in various films and television series, including the 2022 biopic Elvis and the 2023 film Priscilla, based on her memoir Elvis and Me. Priscilla has also actively participated in projects that honor Elvis’s memory, furthering her public presence.