Priscilla Presley is often remembered as the wife of Elvis Presley, but her life extends far beyond that role. She has built a legacy of her own—through acting, business, family, and resilience. From a teenage romance in Germany to becoming the guardian of a cultural empire, her journey is rich with growth, pain, reinvention, and grace. Here’s a human-touch look at the woman behind the name.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Priscilla Ann Wagner (Beaulieu Presley) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 24, 1945 |
| Age | 80 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | Lisa Marie Presley, Navarone Garibaldi |
| Grandchildren | Riley Keough, Harper & Finley Lockwood |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Elvis Presley, 1967–1973) |
| Occupation | Actress, Businesswoman, Producer |
| Notable Works | Dallas, The Naked Gun, Agent Elvis |
| Net Worth | $10–$50 million (estimated) |
| Social Media Presence | Limited / Private |
A Military Childhood and a Sudden Loss
Priscilla Ann Wagner was born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. Her early life was marked by tragedy—her biological father, James Wagner, was killed in a plane crash when she was just six months old.
Her mother, Ann Iversen, later married Paul Beaulieu, a U.S. Air Force officer. Priscilla took his surname and became part of a large, blended family with multiple half-siblings. The family moved frequently due to military postings—from Connecticut to Maine to Germany.
This transient upbringing taught Priscilla how to adapt quickly, blend in, and remain poised—traits that would later become essential as she entered the public eye.
Meeting Elvis Presley in Germany
When Priscilla was just 14 years old, her life took a remarkable turn. Living on a U.S. base in Wiesbaden, Germany, she was introduced to Elvis Presley, who was then serving in the U.S. Army. Despite their age difference, they formed a deep bond.
What began as an unusual teenage romance grew into a headline-making love story. After Elvis returned to the United States, their long-distance relationship continued with carefully monitored visits, often under the scrutiny of her parents.
In 1963, at just 17, Priscilla moved to Graceland to live with Elvis—with parental approval and under specific conditions, including finishing high school.
Marriage, Fame, and Life at Graceland
Priscilla and Elvis were married on May 1, 1967, in a private ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. The following year, they welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, into the world.
Living at Graceland was unlike anything Priscilla had known. She was surrounded by Elvis’s entourage, lavish lifestyle, and constant media attention. While she embraced the role of wife and mother, she also faced emotional strain from Elvis’s infidelity and the pressures of being married to one of the most famous men on Earth.
Despite their deep affection, the marriage was troubled. The couple separated in 1972 and finalized their divorce in October 1973. Yet, they remained close friends and co-parents. They famously left the courthouse together, hand in hand, a gesture of mutual respect and enduring care.
Stepping Into Her Own Spotlight
After her divorce, Priscilla began building her identity outside of Elvis’s shadow. She studied acting and eventually made her screen debut in 1983, playing Jenna Wade in the hit TV series Dallas. She remained on the show for five years, earning praise for her poise and performance.
In 1988, she starred opposite Leslie Nielsen in the comedy hit The Naked Gun, reprising her role in two sequels. Her comedic timing and elegant screen presence helped her transition from “Elvis’s ex-wife” to a respected actress in her own right.
Alongside her acting career, she built a successful business portfolio. She launched fragrance and fashion lines and became the driving force behind turning Graceland into a profitable tourist attraction. In 1982, Graceland opened to the public, and under Priscilla’s leadership, it became one of the most visited private residences in America.
Family, Loss, and Resilience
Priscilla has always been close to her children. Her daughter, Lisa Marie, was the center of her world. Later, she had a son, Navarone Garibaldi, from a 20-year relationship with screenwriter Marco Garibaldi.
In recent years, Priscilla faced profound loss. In 2020, her grandson Benjamin Keough died by suicide at 27—a tragedy that devastated the family. Then, in January 2023, Lisa Marie passed away at age 54 from cardiac arrest.
Despite unimaginable grief, Priscilla has shown strength and grace. She issued heartfelt public statements asking for privacy, remembering her daughter as “the most passionate, strong, and loving woman I have ever known.”
She continues to play an active role in the lives of her grandchildren, including actress Riley Keough and the twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, who recently turned 16.
A Legacy Beyond Elvis
Priscilla’s influence goes far beyond her marriage. She’s a successful entrepreneur, cultural steward, and advocate for causes close to her heart.
As Chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises, she played a central role in securing Elvis’s legacy. She also served on the Board of Directors at MGM and was executive producer of several Elvis-related projects, including music remixes and documentaries.
In 2023, she co-created and voiced a version of herself in Netflix’s animated series Agent Elvis, showcasing her creative vision and humor.
She’s also a philanthropist. Since 2003, she’s served as an ambassador for the Dream Foundation, helping fulfill wishes for terminally ill adults. She has also spoken out against animal cruelty and supported various environmental causes.
Public Presence and Personality
Though Priscilla tends to value her privacy, she occasionally makes public appearances, always radiating elegance. Her recent appearance in Bel Air—at age 80—was a reminder of her timeless beauty and grace.
She stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) and often maintains a classic style. Her poise has made her a style icon over the decades.
Unlike many celebrities, she avoids frequent social media use, but her public statements are always warm, thoughtful, and genuine.
Net Worth and Recognition
As of 2025, Priscilla Presley’s estimated net worth ranges between $10 million and $50 million, depending on the source. The variance comes from her numerous ventures in entertainment, business, and licensing rights connected to the Elvis estate.
Regardless of the figure, her wealth reflects her hard-earned success—not inherited fame. She has made thoughtful, long-term decisions that preserved both financial stability and cultural impact.
She has received numerous awards and honors over the years, including recognition from civic organizations and arts institutions for her contributions to entertainment and historical preservation.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Full Name: Priscilla Ann Wagner (later Beaulieu through adoption).
- Children: Lisa Marie Presley and Navarone Garibaldi.
- Grandchildren: Riley Keough, Benjamin Keough (deceased), Harper and Finley Lockwood.
- Astrological Sign: Gemini.
- Philanthropy: Ambassador for the Dream Foundation, advocate for animal rights.
- Cultural Appearances: Portrayed in multiple biopics, including Elvis & Me (1988) and Priscilla (2023, directed by Sofia Coppola).
- Entrepreneurship: Founder of fashion lines, perfumes, and lifestyle branding initiatives.
Conclusion: A Life of Grace and Strength
Priscilla Presley’s story is not just about being a part of Elvis’s life—it’s about what she made of her own. From a military upbringing to global recognition, she has gracefully navigated the storms of celebrity, personal tragedy, and reinvention.
Her journey shows us that identity doesn’t have to be tethered to someone else’s fame. Through her business savvy, on-screen charisma, and unwavering family loyalty, Priscilla Presley has shaped a legacy of her own—quietly, confidently, and undeniably.
Her story continues to inspire, reminding us that resilience, self-belief, and inner strength are the true marks of a legend.
FAQ’S
1. How did Priscilla Presley meet Elvis?
Priscilla met Elvis in 1959 while living in Germany with her military family. She was just 14, and he was stationed there with the U.S. Army. Their connection sparked instantly and led to a long-distance relationship that evolved over the years.
2. What is Priscilla Presley best known for besides Elvis?
Beyond her marriage to Elvis, Priscilla is widely recognized for her role on the TV series Dallas, the Naked Gun film trilogy, and for transforming Graceland into a major cultural destination.
3. How many children and grandchildren does Priscilla Presley have?
Priscilla has two children: Lisa Marie Presley (now deceased) and Navarone Garibaldi. She is also a grandmother to Riley Keough, Benjamin Keough (deceased), and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood.
4. What is Priscilla Presley’s current net worth?
Estimates vary, but her net worth is reported between $10 million and $50 million, earned through acting, business ventures, and her role in managing Elvis’s estate.
