Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputes

17 May 2023 , 17:41
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Presley family feud explained - from locking up Graceland to court disputes (Image: Getty Images North America)
Presley family feud explained - from locking up Graceland to court disputes (Image: Getty Images North America)

The Presley family feud has been publicly reported on since the devastating death of Lisa Marie in January.

The 54-year-old was the only child of rock legend, Elvis Presley and his ex-wife Priscilla. She died after suffering from an apparent cardiac arrest at her home.

Shortly after her death, her mother filed a petition in Los Angeles questioning the "authenticity and validity" of a 2016 amendment to her daughter's will, and ultimately asked a judge to set aside the change.

According to Priscilla's lawyers, the amendment document misspelled Priscilla's name and had a signature that appeared unusual, Priscilla's lawyers argue.

A series of issues escalated the feud between the family members as they went head-to-head in the legal battle.

Priscilla Presley vows to 'protect' grandkids on Lisa Marie Presley's birthday qhiddtittirdinvPriscilla Presley vows to 'protect' grandkids on Lisa Marie Presley's birthday
Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesThe feud kicked off after Lisa Marie passed (Getty Images North America)
Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesLisa Marie passed in January (AFP via Getty Images)

Locks changed at Graceland

Lisa Marie's daughter, Riley Keough, reportedly "changed the locks on the upstairs doors and archives" while on a trip to Memphis.

Angie Marchese, Priscilla and Lisa Marie had the only keys, according to RadarOnline, and Priscilla is said to have grown furious upon learning she was allegedly "banned" from the iconic estate.

However, Graceland denied the rumours, telling Entertainment Tonight: "These reports are entirely untrue.

"No locks at Graceland have been changed since Lisa Marie’s passing."

Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesElvis bought the iconic estate after rising to fame (Michael Ochs Archives)
Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesElvis is buried on the grounds (Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images)

Removed as trust manager

During the legal battle, Priscilla claimed she was removed as a trustee along with Lisa Marie's former business manager Barry Siegel. The pair were replaced by Lisa Marie's children Riley and Benjamin Keough.

Benjamin sadly died in 2020 at the age of 27, meaning Riley was the sole executor of the will, which Priscilla contested.

She claimed she was removed with the use of an 'inconsistent' signature used to rubber stamp documents. Lisa Marie executed a living trust on January 29th 1993 which was then amended on January 27th 2010.

Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesLisa Marie's kids Benjamin and Riley were placed as trustees (AFP via Getty Images)

Heartbreaking fallout

A source close to the family previously said Riley has been left "heartbroken" by the reported feud.

The source told Entertainment Tonight: "Riley has been mourning the loss of her mother and is heartbroken to have to deal with a trust dispute with a family member.

"Priscilla is adamant that she has a valid case and that she will prevail in court. Riley and Priscilla aren't communicating at this time, but have been in communication through lawyers."

Priscilla Presley almost became a Kardashian when marriage to Elvis endedPriscilla Presley almost became a Kardashian when marriage to Elvis ended
Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesRiley was reportedly "heartbroken" by the feud (Charbonneau/REX/Shutterstock)

Eventual resolution

Lawyers for Priscilla and Riley - who is currently starring in the hit Prime TV series Daisy Jones and the Six - announced that the two had "reached a settlement."

“The parties would like to report that they’ve reached a settlement,” Ronson Shamoun, Priscilla Presley ’s attorney, told Judge Lynn Scaduto at a court hearing in Los Angeles.

Outside the court, the lawyer added: "They have reached a settlement. Families are happy."

Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesThe family reached a settlement (Exclusive by Getty Images)
Presley family feud explained - from 'locking up Graceland' to court disputesLisa Marie's insurance policies are thought to total $35million (Corbis via Getty Images)

Riley's attorney, Justin Gold, echoed a similar message, saying: "She would not have agreed to the settlement if she was not happy with it. She is very content.”

The 33-year-old was reportedly furious at her grandmother's move to take the matter to court, but didn't file an objection to Priscilla's challenge.

It's now become clear that the two have buried the hatchet and settled their differences.

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Lauren Gordon

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