Riley Keough Dedicates Herself to Preserving Graceland Legacy

Since August 2023, actress Riley Keough has undertaken the responsibility of stewarding the legacy of Graceland, the iconic Memphis mansion of her grandfather, Elvis Presley. At 35, Keough oversees the estate of her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away in January 2023, becoming the sole owner of the renowned property.

In an email to PEOPLE magazine, Keough expressed her desire to “continue what my grandmother Priscilla did, and then my mother did,” aiming to preserve the family home for future generations. Priscilla Presley, who played a pivotal role in saving Graceland by opening it as a public museum in the 1980s, handed the reins of the estate to her granddaughter after a period of legal disputes over Lisa Marie’s will.

Despite the challenges posed by financial difficulties and personal tragedies, Keough remains committed to her family’s heritage. She revealed to PEOPLE her ongoing efforts to complete her mother’s memoir entitled “From Here to the Great Unknown,” which promises insightful revelations about Lisa Marie’s life and struggles.

The memoir includes discussions on poignant episodes such as the death of her son Benjamin, Lisa Marie’s brother, in 2020, and her reflections on her relationship with her iconic father, Elvis Presley. To fulfill her mother’s literary ambitions, Keough delved into recordings and tapes that Lisa Marie left behind, capturing the essence of her mother’s multifaceted life.

Through her unprecedented access to her mother’s personal memories shared in tapes, Keough aims to bring to life the turbulent and vibrant spirit of Lisa Marie, providing a more personal perspective rarely seen in public narratives. “What she wanted to do in her memoir, and what I hope I’ve done in finishing it for her, is to go beneath the magazine headline idea of her and reveal the core of who she was,” Keough stated.

As the custodian of Graceland and the Presley’s broader legacy, Keough faces the future with a blend of reverence for the past and a commitment to maintaining the cultural and historical significance of the property. Graceland remains a cornerstone of American cultural heritage, attracting fans from across the globe, eager to connect with the history of Elvis and his family.

For those interested in exploring the personal narratives entwined with Graceland, the memoir, to be released on October 8, provides an intimate glimpse into the private and public lives of one of America’s most famous families. It is also hoped that the memoir will serve as an enduring testament to the Presley family’s impact on the music world and beyond.