Introduction:
Lisa Marie Presley Honors Her Father with Intimate New Graceland Exhibit
More than three decades after the death of Elvis Presley, his legacy continues to resonate not only through music history but also through the deeply personal memories of his only daughter. Lisa Marie Presley has unveiled a new Graceland exhibit titled Elvis Through His Daughter’s Eyes, offering an intimate tribute to the King of Rock and Roll as seen through the lens of family rather than fame.
The exhibit, which opened on Lisa Marie’s birthday, marks 35 years since Elvis’s passing and reveals a side of the global icon rarely seen by the public. Ahead of its opening, Lisa Marie gave NBC’s Cameron Mathison a private tour, candidly reflecting on her father, her family, and her own journey through loss, healing, and motherhood.
Born in 1968 to Elvis and Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie was just nine years old when her father died. Despite the short time they shared, her memories of him remain vivid and deeply emotional. One of her most treasured recollections is Elvis singing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” to her, a song that has since become inseparable from his legacy. She also fondly recalled late-night golf cart rides around Graceland—moments that may have broken routine but created lifelong bonds between father and daughter.
Now a mother herself, Lisa Marie has found new meaning in sharing Elvis’s story with her children. Her young twins already recognize their legendary grandfather, dancing to his music and proudly calling him “my grandfather.” She is also the mother of actress Riley Keough and a son who bears a striking resemblance to Elvis, reinforcing the enduring presence of the Presley legacy across generations.
Graceland remains a place of comfort and emotional grounding for Lisa Marie. She describes the estate as somewhere she can finally exhale—a refuge from the pressures of public life. In recent years, the home has also become a gathering place for family traditions, including Thanksgiving celebrations that she hopes to turn into an annual custom.
The exhibit itself showcases never-before-seen family memorabilia, including childhood toys, personal notes, and intimate items from Elvis’s life. Among the most touching artifacts is a scarf bearing a handwritten message from Elvis: “I love my Lisa, Daddy.” The exhibit also features a detailed recreation of Elvis’s closet, filled with his iconic fashion pieces, offering visitors a glimpse into his personal style as remembered by his daughter.
One particularly meaningful addition is Elvis’s personal travel kit, containing photographs and mementos he carried with him. For Lisa Marie, it represents the closest physical connection to her father’s inner world—an object of profound emotional significance.
In addition to honoring her father, Lisa Marie spoke openly about her own evolution as an artist. Once driven by anger, her music has softened over time, shaped by maturity and motherhood. Her third album, Storm & Grace, reflects that transformation and was even photographed at Graceland, further intertwining her personal and artistic journeys.
Set to run for two years, Elvis Through His Daughter’s Eyes is expected to draw millions of visitors. As the second most visited home in America after the White House, Graceland once again proves that Elvis Presley’s story—especially when told through his daughter’s heart—remains as powerful and compelling as ever.