Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman with a net worth of $10 million. She is widely recognized for her marriage to Elvis Presley and for her roles in “The Naked Gun” film trilogy and the TV series “Dallas.” In 1981, Priscilla founded Elvis Presley Enterprises and managed the company until the late 1980s.
Additionally, she is an accomplished author. Her 1985 memoir, “Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Between Priscilla Presley and the King of Rock N’ Roll,” became a New York Times bestseller.
As detailed below, Priscilla served as the trustee of Elvis’ estate from his death in 1977 until their daughter Lisa Marie’s 25th birthday in 1990. During much of the decade following Elvis’ death, the estate faced significant financial difficulties.
However, the estate eventually recovered through licensing deals and the sale of various assets, though Priscilla was never a major beneficiary of this resurgence.
After Lisa Marie Presley’s death in January 2023, Priscilla’s granddaughter Riley Keough was named the trust controller of Elvis’ Graceland mansion and given a 15% ownership stake in the late singer’s estate.
This decision reportedly infuriated Priscilla, sparking a $35 million trust fund dispute. Priscilla later dismissed the legal feud as “a bunch of BS,” and the matter was settled out of court.
When Priscilla and Elvis Presley divorced in 1973, the settlement proved to be quite lucrative for Priscilla. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she received a one-time payment of $725,000 as part of the proceedings.
In addition to this substantial lump sum, Priscilla was granted spousal support, child support, and a 5% stake in Elvis’ royalties. She also received half the proceeds from the sale of their Beverly Hills home, further enhancing her financial standing.
Interestingly, despite their divorce, Priscilla and Elvis remained close friends, which speaks to the enduring bond they shared even after their marriage ended. This amicable relationship likely facilitated Priscilla’s continued involvement in the Presley family’s business ventures and her efforts to preserve Elvis’ legacy.
Priscilla Presley’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished after her divorce from Elvis. In 1973, she teamed up with her friend and stylist, Olivia Bis, to open a clothing boutique in Los Angeles called Bis & Beau.
The boutique quickly gained popularity among celebrities such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, and Natalie Wood, providing Priscilla with an additional source of income during the post-divorce era.
Priscilla’s business ventures extended beyond fashion into the fragrance industry. She developed and marketed a line of Priscilla Presley-branded perfumes, available for purchase on various online platforms, including Amazon.
While the exact financial details of these perfume sales aren’t publicly known, they undoubtedly contributed to her overall net worth.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Priscilla Presley has enjoyed a successful acting and producing career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Jenna Wade Krebbs on the popular television series “Dallas,” a character she portrayed for several seasons.
Priscilla’s acting resume also includes appearances in the “Naked Gun” film franchise, where she played the love interest of the bumbling Lt. Frank Drebin, portrayed by Leslie Nielsen.
Priscilla’s involvement in the entertainment industry extends beyond acting. She has produced several film and television projects, including the 1988 TV movie “Elvis and Me,” based on her best-selling memoir of the same name.
The book’s success and its adaptation into a film likely provided Priscilla with additional revenue streams over the years.
When Elvis Presley passed away in 1977, his estate was in a precarious financial state, valued at only $1 million. As the executor of the estate and trustee for her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, Priscilla recognized the need to transform Elvis’ iconic Memphis home, Graceland, into a profitable tourist attraction.
With the assistance of CEO Jack Soden, Priscilla worked tirelessly to open Graceland to the public on June 7, 1982. This strategic move proved to be a resounding success. Graceland has since become a National Historic Landmark, attracting over 650,000 visitors annually.
Priscilla’s business acumen and dedication to preserving Elvis’ legacy were pivotal in the estate’s remarkable turnaround. By the time Lisa Marie Presley inherited it in 1993, the estate’s value had reportedly grown to over $100 million.
Priscilla’s involvement in the Presley family’s business ventures went far beyond the transformation of Graceland. She served as the president and chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the company responsible for managing and promoting the King of Rock and Roll’s extensive intellectual property rights and licensing deals.
Under Priscilla’s leadership, Elvis Presley Enterprises flourished. She strategically expanded the company’s portfolio to include a wide range of products and services featuring the Presley name and likeness.
This diversification likely contributed significantly to Priscilla’s net worth, as the company’s success was a direct result of her effective management and decision-making.
Priscilla Presley’s net worth has been further complicated by the tragic passing of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023. As the sole heir to Elvis’ estate, Lisa Marie’s death triggered a series of legal disputes and estate battles that directly impacted Priscilla’s financial standing.
According to reports, Lisa Marie’s will was amended in 2016 to exclude Priscilla as a beneficiary, naming her grandchildren, Riley Keough and her half-sisters, as the sole trustees instead.
This led to a highly publicized court battle between Priscilla and Riley, with Priscilla initially attempting to prevent Riley from becoming the sole heir of the estate.
After a prolonged legal dispute, Priscilla and Riley Keough reached a settlement in May 2023. The agreement granted Priscilla a $1 million lump-sum payment, an additional $400,000 to cover her legal fees, and a role as a “special adviser” to the Promenade Trust, earning her an undisclosed annual amount for the next 10 years or until her death.
Priscilla Presley’s net worth has been further bolstered by her astute real estate investments. In 2019, she sold her parents’ home in Los Angeles for $3.6 million, demonstrating her ability to capitalize on valuable property assets. Just a year later, she sold her longtime Beverly Hills residence for an impressive $13 million, a testament to her keen sense of market timing and value maximization.
Continuing her real estate ventures, in 2021, Priscilla purchased a $4.8 million penthouse in the prestigious Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles. This acquisition not only provided her with a luxurious living space but also solidified her status as a savvy real estate investor.
These strategic property transactions have undoubtedly contributed to the growth of Priscilla’s overall net worth, showcasing her ability to navigate and profit from the fluctuating real estate market. Her real estate portfolio highlights her financial acumen and her knack for making lucrative investments, further enhancing her impressive financial standing.
In addition to her extensive business ventures and legal battles, Priscilla Presley has devoted significant time and resources to philanthropic efforts, showcasing her deep commitment to giving back to the community.
Since 2003, she has served as the Ambassador of the Dream Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting wishes to terminally ill adults. Through her work with the Dream Foundation, Priscilla has played a vital role in bringing joy and comfort to those facing the most challenging times in their lives.
Priscilla’s philanthropic endeavors have significantly enhanced her public image, demonstrating her as a multifaceted figure whose contributions extend far beyond her past relationship with Elvis Presley or the complexities surrounding the Presley family’s estate.
Her dedication to charitable work underscores her compassion and willingness to use her influence to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Beyond her role with the Dream Foundation, Priscilla has been involved in numerous charitable activities and causes over the years. She has supported various organizations focused on children’s welfare, animal rights, and education, reflecting her broad commitment to improving society.
Her efforts haven’t only provided much-needed assistance to those in need but have also inspired others to engage in philanthropic work.
Priscilla’s dedication to philanthropy highlights a side of her that’s often overshadowed by her more high-profile endeavors. It shows a woman who, despite her fame and the challenges she has faced, remains deeply connected to the well-being of her community.
This commitment to service and support is a vital part of her legacy, illustrating that her influence isn’t limited to the entertainment industry or the business world. Her philanthropic work, combined with her business acumen and personal resilience, paints a portrait of a woman who is both driven and compassionate.
Priscilla Presley isn’t solely defined by her association with Elvis or her management of his estate but also by her enduring efforts to help those in need. Her life story is a testament to the power of giving back and the profound impact that one individual can have on the world.
As Priscilla continues to expand her charitable activities and support various causes, her legacy as a benefactor and humanitarian grows even stronger. Her multifaceted contributions to society underscore her role as a true icon, not just in the realm of entertainment and business, but also in the hearts of those she has touched through her generosity and kindness.
Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir, “Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Between Priscilla Presley and the King of Rock N’ Roll,” became a New York Times bestseller and has sustained public interest in her life story over the decades.
The memoir’s success and its adaptation into the 2023 biopic “Priscilla,” directed by Sofia Coppola, have likely bolstered Priscilla’s net worth through royalties, production fees, and renewed fascination with her life.
The “Priscilla” biopic, featuring Cailee Spaeny in the lead role, has rekindled public interest in Priscilla’s early years and her relationship with Elvis. As an executive producer on the film, Priscilla has played a significant role in shaping the narrative of her own life and the broader Presley family legacy.
Her involvement in the production ensures that her perspective is accurately portrayed, and her story is told with the depth and nuance it deserves.
The success of the book and the biopic underscores Priscilla’s enduring influence and the public’s fascination with her life.
It also highlights her ability to navigate and thrive in the entertainment industry, further contributing to her financial and professional achievements.
This renewed interest in her story, coupled with her ongoing business ventures and philanthropic efforts, continues to enhance her status as a prominent and multifaceted public figure.
As of May 2024, Priscilla Presley’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This impressive figure is a testament to her savvy business acumen, successful acting and producing career, and strategic management of the Presley family’s vast estate and intellectual property rights.
While recent legal disputes surrounding Lisa Marie’s estate have added complexity to Priscilla’s financial landscape, her diverse income streams, real estate holdings, and ongoing involvement in preserving the Presley legacy have allowed her to maintain a comfortable financial standing.
As the Presley family’s saga continues to unfold, Priscilla’s net worth remains a subject of fascination and speculation, reflecting the complexities and triumphs that have defined her remarkable life.
Her ability to navigate these challenges and sustain her financial stability highlights her resilience and multifaceted expertise.
Priscilla Presley’s net worth is far more than just a figure on a balance sheet. It’s a testament to her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication to preserving the Presley family’s legacy.
From her high-profile divorce settlement to her strategic business ventures and philanthropic efforts, Priscilla has navigated the challenges and triumphs of her life with grace and determination.
Her savvy management of Elvis Presley’s estate transformed Graceland into one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, showcasing her business acumen and dedication to honoring Elvis’s legacy.
This move not only ensured financial stability for the Presley estate but also solidified her role as a key figure in maintaining the cultural significance of Elvis’s contributions to music and entertainment.
Beyond her business ventures, Priscilla’s successful acting career, including notable roles in “Dallas” and the “Naked Gun” film series, further exemplifies her versatility and talent.
Her ability to transition seamlessly from managing a vast estate to performing on screen highlights her multifaceted skill set and dedication to her craft.
As the Presley family continues to navigate the complexities of their shared inheritance, Priscilla’s role as a trusted advisor remains pivotal. Her ongoing involvement in the family’s affairs indicates that her influence and financial standing aren’t only intact but thriving.
Priscilla’s story is a powerful example of resilience and entrepreneurship, underscored by the enduring allure of the Presley name.
Judith Harvey is a seasoned finance editor with over two decades of experience in the financial journalism industry. Her analytical skills and keen insight into market trends quickly made her a sought-after expert in financial reporting.
