It’s been 40 years since Graceland opened for tours, about five years after Elvis Presley’s death in 1977. The king left the Memphis mansion to his only child, nine-year-old Lisa Marie, but with property that costs $500,000 a year. Looks like the family may have to sell. The enforcer, her mother, and Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla Presley made the drastic decision to open the house up as a tourist attraction to keep for their daughter.
This gamble paid off and Graceland proved not only highly profitable but also a great way to preserve the Elvis legacy.
In a new video marking the 40th anniversary, Priscilla recalled how terrifying opening day on June 7, 1982 had been for her. It was like sending an invitation to the world for $5 a pop with no response to the invitation.
The 77-year-old said, “We didn’t know at all if we had any guests. We had no idea. We were really worried if anyone would show up and to our surprise… It was nerve-wracking and a bit scary.” But I have to say, people were coming in in droves and we are here today.”
Today, Graceland and all of its contents are owned by Lisa Marie, who still considers the property her home. The 54-year-old enjoys visiting and occasionally having Thanksgiving dinner with her family in the dining room.
At her request, the upper floor of the palace was not part of the tour to this day, as it was a special place of Elvis in life. However, his bedroom and other rooms there (including the bathroom in which he died) are preserved as if he had just risen and left on August 16, 1977.
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