Priscilla Presley Reflects on Elvis’s Legacy and Graceland’s Auction – A Glimpse Into the King’s World

In a heartfelt interview on Larry King Now, Priscilla Presley, the former wife of the legendary Elvis Presley, shared intimate insights into her life with the King of Rock and Roll, the lasting impact of his legacy, and the much-anticipated auction of Elvis’s personal items.

As the world commemorates Elvis’s life, which would have reached the age of 79, Presley reminisced about the man behind the legend and the continuing significance of his influence on modern culture.

Elvis Presley, known for his electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, was much more than a musical icon to Priscilla; he was a deeply passionate individual who struggled with the idea of being forgotten.

Presley explained that Elvis feared fading into obscurity as he neared 40, a milestone that, during the time, was often seen as the beginning of the end for an artist.

Reflecting on this, Priscilla mentioned how Elvis’s fear of aging and being forgotten was rooted in the pressures of youth-centric fame. “Reaching 40 was a big deal back in the day. You were over the hill,” Priscilla noted. She believes Elvis would have continued performing and creating music had he been alive today, as music was such an integral part of his identity.

One of the most significant moments in the interview was when Priscilla opened up about the challenges of sharing Elvis with the world. For decades, she has been the custodian of his memory and legacy, and although she recognizes the importance of preserving his story, it hasn’t always been easy.

“There’s a part of me that keeps so much to myself,” Priscilla admitted. She revealed that sharing personal details about Elvis, even in the form of items for auction, can feel like peeling away parts of her private life. Yet, despite these feelings, she acknowledges that keeping his memory alive is essential, especially for future generations.

As August 16th approaches, marking the 37th anniversary of Elvis’s death, Priscilla discussed the emotional weight that date carries. For her, the pain of losing Elvis doesn’t diminish with time.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago,” she shared, remembering the vivid memories of their life together. Elvis’s influence remains as strong as ever, especially through the upcoming auction of his personal belongings.

The auction, which will be held at Graceland, is set to feature iconic items such as Elvis’s first signature on a library card from his school in Tupelo, Mississippi, a diamond and sapphire gold ring, and even the marriage certificate from his 1967 wedding to Priscilla.

Priscilla clarified that these items come from a third-party collector, not from her personal archives or Graceland’s official collection, assuaging initial concerns about the sale of deeply personal artifacts.

In discussing Elvis’s generosity, Priscilla highlighted his tendency to give lavish gifts to friends, family, and even strangers. “Elvis owned more than 200 Cadillacs.

He bought cars for people, friends, family, even strangers,” she explained. His generosity extended to every aspect of his life. One notable story that Priscilla shared was about a concert in Miami, where Elvis gave a limousine driver the very car he had been driving, just because he felt like doing something kind.

“He wanted people to have things he never had growing up,” she reflected. This spirit of giving was central to Elvis’s character, and it’s something that Priscilla has worked hard to preserve in her efforts to manage his legacy.

Priscilla also spoke about the evolving ways in which Elvis’s influence continues to reach new audiences, particularly through the digital age. She described a collaboration with actor John Stamos for an interactive tour of Graceland, designed to bring the estate’s history into the modern era.

The new tablet-based tour allows visitors to experience rare footage and audio, providing a richer connection to the King of Rock and Roll. Stamos, an avid Elvis fan, guides the tour, making it a personal and immersive experience.

The tour offers glimpses into Elvis’s life that fans may never have seen before, including his early love for technology, from owning the first microwave in Memphis to using one of the first mobile phones in the 1960s.

One of the most exciting developments surrounding Elvis’s legacy is the forthcoming Shades of Elvis book, which features photographs of celebrities wearing Elvis’s signature sunglasses.

Priscilla expressed her excitement about this project, which showcases the cultural impact of Elvis’s style. Celebrities like Johnny Depp, Cher, and David Copperfield are featured in the book, each sharing their personal reflections on Elvis.

For Priscilla, this book is a celebration of the King’s lasting influence on both music and fashion, a testament to his role as a trendsetter.

Throughout the interview, Priscilla reflected on Elvis’s authenticity and the importance of staying true to one’s legacy. “You have to keep the DNA of who that person is,” she said, referencing her meticulous efforts to maintain the integrity of Elvis’s brand and memory.

This dedication extends to the preservation of Graceland, which was nearly sold in the 1980s before Priscilla stepped in to save it. Today, Graceland remains a must-visit destination for Elvis fans, attracting millions of visitors annually.

As Priscilla prepares for another year of preserving her late husband’s legacy, she continues to ensure that Elvis’s memory is celebrated in ways that honor who he truly was—not just as an entertainer but as a person.

With the Graceland auction, new interactive experiences, and the Shades of Elvis book, Priscilla is helping keep the King’s legacy alive for generations to come. Through her efforts, the memory of Elvis Presley will continue to shine brightly, ensuring he’s never forgotten.