The Untold Truth Behind Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion

It's hard to grasp the fact Elvis Presley passed away more than 45 years ago. Thankfully, while the King of Rock ‘n' Roll might have been gone for years, his beloved home still keeps his memory very much alive. 

Graceland has been welcoming Presley's fans for over four decades, offering an insight into the life of a man they probably never got to meet. With new exhibitions constantly coming to provide fresh experiences, there's always a reason to visit. However, the untold truth behind Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion shows there’s a lot more to the place than meets the eye.

Lisa Marie Presley's grave is a recent and tragic addition to Graceland

One of the newest additions to Graceland is sadly one of the most tragic. On January 12, 2023, Elvis' only child - Lisa Marie Presley - passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest. The 54-year-old had reportedly been in high spirits just a few days earlier when she attended the Golden Globes to support the biographical drama film 'Elvis.'

Many people paid tribute at Graceland in the days and weeks after her sudden loss, with Lisa Marie being buried alongside her family at her father's iconic home. Those affected by the woman's loss can pay their respects to her when they visit for a tour of the place where she spent quite a few years of her life.

She left Graceland to her three daughters in her will

Given that Graceland was left to Lisa Marie after her father's passing, you might be wondering what happens to the property now that she's gone. Fortunately, she had the forethought to plan for this and wrote a will in which she declared that the property would go to her surviving children - Riley, Harper, and Finley.

Lisa Marie was very passionate about keeping Graceland in the family and previously stated her intentions about passing it on to her kids. What they'll do with it isn't clear. However, given that it provides a regular source of income and brings great joy to many fans around the world, it's unlikely that they'll change anything about the place.

Rumors claimed Priscilla Presley had been locked out of the house

Considering the loss that occurred at the start of 2023, you might think that Lisa Marie's loved ones would be closer than ever. However, not long after she passed away, reports claimed there was tension between her mother, Priscilla, and eldest daughter, Riley. Supposedly, the latter changed the locks to prevent her grandmother from gaining entry to Graceland.

Allegedly, Priscilla questioned the "authenticity and validity" of Lisa Marie's will, apparently prompting Riley to lock her out of her old home. However, in March 2023, reps for Graceland denied that any such changes had been made to the property. They stated that none of Elvis' family were banned from the premises, suggesting this was nothing but gossip.

Elvis reportedly bought Graceland to deal with his newfound popularity

Although Graceland has been open to the public since after Elvis Presley's passing, the property has been connected with the singer for more than 65 years now. He was reportedly 22 when he bought the place for just over $100,000 in the spring of 1957. The purchase came relatively quickly after he gained mass media attention.

In fact, it was his sudden popularity that apparently influenced the purchase in the first place. Although he was reportedly quite settled at his home in Memphis, the neighborhood couldn't cope with the number of fans coming to see him. So, Elvis searched for a more secluded spot to give himself greater privacy, which is how he found Graceland.

Elvis Presley put a lot of money into renovating Graceland

When Elvis purchased Graceland, it was already a sizable property. Reportedly covering 10,000 square feet, there was more than enough space for him and his loved ones. However, as his fame escalated and his needs grew, he felt like he had to renovate the property and make it bigger to ensure there was space for everything.

By the time he'd stopped adding to Graceland, it had apparently grown to be around 17,000 square feet. The cost of the renovations allegedly amounted to more than he'd actually paid for the property in the first place. As one of the biggest names in the world, though, that wasn't much of a concern.

It seems that Graceland has a history with music

Someone of Elvis' status could have easily had a place like Graceland created from the ground up. However, with his popularity skyrocketing and attracting significant attention from fans, he was eager to find a home quickly. So, he bought this property which was reportedly built in 1939. The original owners of this place were the Toof family.

It seems that passing the house on to Elvis was fitting, given it had already played host to a talented musician. The owner of the property had a daughter who was a harpist in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, so she'd once filled the halls with the sounds of her beautiful music. Still, those tunes were a little different from Presley's.

The cost of maintaining Graceland was too much for Priscilla 

Elvis' renovations to Graceland meant that there were more than a dozen bedrooms for loved ones to stay in, alongside all the other rooms in the house. Unfortunately, making the place even bigger than before did have its downsides. For one, it meant that upkeep of the property was increasingly difficult, particularly after the singer's tragic passing.

Priscilla reportedly struggled to deal with the costs - which were around $500,000 a year - when she became executor of the estate on her daughter's behalf. With Lisa Marie's inheritance fading fast, it seemed likely that they'd have to give up the property to avoid losing all of their money. That was when Priscilla came up with an excellent plan.

Priscilla Presely opened Graceland to the public to pay for its upkeep

It wasn't unheard of for people to pay for the upkeep of famous residences by opening them to the public. As long as there was a demand to see the place, this could produce an income large enough to cover all of the bills. So, Priscilla followed their example and opened Graceland up to the wider world in 1982.

Evidently, it was a smart move, as people quickly flocked to Graceland to see the place that Elvis had called home. Not only did Priscilla save her daughter's inheritance, but she ensured that the property would remain in the family for many years to come. Since opening Graceland, it's welcomed over 20 million people, which is a truly astounding amount.

Plenty of famous faces have visited Graceland over the years

When it comes to iconic buildings in the US, Graceland ranks pretty high on the list. Supposedly, the only home that receives more visitors a year than Presley's estate is the White House, home of the president. Evidently, the King of Rock ‘n' Roll touched so many people's lives and continues to do so long after he's gone.

It's not just ordinary folk that like to pay the singer's home a visit either. Plenty of celebrities have been to Graceland to see where Elvis once lived, including members of the British Royal Family and Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney. Muhammad Ali, Paul Simon, and political figures from around the world have stopped by before, too.

The gates of Graceland offer a taste of what's inside

There's so much to see when you visit Graceland, and it all begins before you even step foot in the house. At the start of the driveway leading up to the property, you'll find the gates of Graceland, which Elvis reportedly installed in April 1957. The singer was new to the estate at the time, moving in one month earlier.

The musical design of these gates ensured that Presley instantly made his mark on the property and gave people no doubt about who lived there. They make for an amazing photo op for anyone who visits Graceland and offer a nice taste of what's to come once you step inside the place Elvis called home.

The second floor of Graceland is reportedly closed to the public

While Graceland is very much open to all members of the public, there are some places that only a select few are permitted entry to. This includes all rooms on the second floor, to which access is restricted to members of the Presley family. It's this part of the home that Riley supposedly changed the locks to keep out Priscilla.

Along with Elvis and Lisa Marie's bedrooms, this section includes the bathroom where the singer sadly passed away. It's somewhere that many fans would probably like to see, but which is closed off to avoid attracting improper attention and to be respectful to the family. Apparently, the room hasn't been touched since the tragedy in 1977.

Elvis' aunt Delta reportedly lived at the property years after he passed

Graceland might have been Elvis' house, but he was hardly the only one to live there. During his marriage to Priscilla, she also called the place home, as did their daughter. One relative that people might not know stayed there was the singer's aunt, Delta Presley Briggs, who actually stayed there long after the property opened to the public.

As she remained a resident there, parts of the mansion were kept off-limits to allow her privacy. For this reason, the kitchen reportedly wasn't accessible to visitors until after she passed away in 1993. This was presumably one of her favorite spots in the home, hence why it didn't become part of the tour until later on.

Elvis apparently had his funeral in Graceland's heavenly music room

Given that Elvis spent two decades at Graceland and really made the place his, it's no great surprise that he actually had his funeral here. This was apparently set in the mansion's music room, with the coffin available for public viewing. There was probably no room more appropriate for the occasion, given his immense career as a singer.

The space certainly offers a beautiful setting for a final goodbye, what with the stained glass peacock windows and mirrors adding plenty of light to the room. The golden curtains also add a royal element to the space, while the light furniture creates a bright, relaxing environment perfect for a farewell. The whole vibe is pretty heavenly.

The Jungle Room was the perfect space for Elvis to record music

When you own a property like Graceland and have the sort of money that Elvis Presley did, you can create all sorts of rooms in your home. Like a lot of famous musicians, the King of Rock ‘n' Roll opted to turn part of his house into a recording studio, with the spot consequently referred to as the Jungle Room.

It's not hard to see where the name comes from. From the carpet that looks like a lawn to the furniture design and prevalence of greenery, it definitely feels like a space that belongs in a jungle. Of course, along with creating a natural aesthetic, the room is also perfectly designed for acoustics, hence why he recorded several albums here.

The wall of records showcases Elvis' incredible musical achievements

As Elvis passed away over 45 years ago now, people from younger generations might not be able to grasp why he was such a big deal. However, you only need to visit one room in Graceland to see why he has such an enduring legacy. We're talking about the place where the Wall of Records lives.

Once you see the vast array of achievements stretching up to the ceiling, you soon grasp why he'll always be considered the King of Rock ‘n' Roll. Presley made hundreds of records during his career, with nearly 200 of them being certified by the RIAA. Of these, over 100 went gold, more than 50 went platinum, and 25 went multi-platinum.

Some of Elvis' most iconic looks are on display at Graceland

When you're one of the biggest names in music, you can't afford not to look your best every time you leave the house. Luckily, Elvis had an amazing sense of style and more than enough money to afford looks that showed him at his best. He was a particular fan of flashy suits, some of which are at Graceland.

You can't see all of them, as pieces like his Blue Armadillo suit were sold privately. However, it wouldn't be a celebration of Presley's life if there weren't models of his most iconic looks. Graceland even introduced an exhibit in 2022 that featured over 100 jumpsuits, capes, jewelry, and more that Elvis wore during his later years.

The basement of Graceland is where Elvis apparently watched TV

Elvis could be quite an eccentric man - as evidenced by his suit collection - and was accustomed to doing things the average person probably wouldn't. That includes allegedly shooting his television to turn it off rather than switching it off normally. This was supposedly such a common thing that a graveyard was created out of all the TVs he destroyed.

You can see the room where he apparently enjoyed watching films and TV shows in the basement at Graceland. Boasting a black and yellow color scheme, a wall is lined with several television sets because one evidently wasn't enough for the singer. The decor also includes a painting of his logo and motto - “Taking care of business in a flash.”

A button underneath the dining table apparently called staff to Elvis

When you're as busy as Elvis Presley was and have a home as big as Graceland, you can't handle everything yourself. That's why the singer had staff to help him keep on top of everything and ensure his needs were met throughout the day. How did he summon these employees? Well, that depends on where the singer was.

Apparently, if he was dining at this table, he could press a button attached to the underside that would call people to him. Given Presley's love for food, from hotdogs and sauerkraut to ice cream and banana pudding, he presumably got plenty of use out of this button. It certainly saved Elvis from having to go to the kitchen himself.

A wide array of Elvis' vehicles are on display at Graceland

Many people love collecting stuff during their lifetime, whether that be stamps, trading cards, action figures, or something a bit more expensive. For Elvis, something that he reportedly liked building a collection out of was cars, which certainly wasn't the cheapest hobby. Of course, money wasn't a huge concern for a man who sold so many records.

He racked up enough vehicles in his lifetime for Graceland to put together an auto museum, which includes cars like his Mercedes limousine. There are actually several displays like this here, with another devoted to the motorcycles, golf cars, boats, and more that Presley drove around. Evidently, the man had a fondness for anything with a motor.

Elvis' pink Cadillac is a vehicle that stands out from the others

While Elvis might have amassed quite a few vehicles during his lifetime, there's one that he seemed to have a greater fondness for above all others. This was his pink Cadillac, which typically lives at Graceland's auto museum. It technically wasn't the first pink Cadillac that he purchased, but the original got destroyed in a fire.

Although he lent the car to a friend, the vehicle eventually found its way back to Graceland, where people can now marvel at the beautiful design. If it's not on display in the auto museum, it may be parked out the front like it was when the former US president visited the property with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

A football exhibit showcases Elvis' love for the sport

Over the years, Graceland has provided visitors with a wealth of exhibitions centered around the King of Rock ‘n' Roll. While some of these are permanent features at Presley's estate, others are only temporary. However, they all paint a picture of the singer's life, including elements that people sometimes forget or overlook because they weren't discussed that much.

That includes Presley's love of football, which Graceland brought attention to with X's & O's in the Haberdashery. Boasting sports equipment, handwritten plays, and more, it serves as a reminder that Elvis was a big football fan like many others across the nation are. He might have been busy with music, but he still had time for his favorite sport.

A temporary exhibit drew focus to Elvis Presley's love of karate

One of the temporary exhibits that Graceland has introduced in the past is the King of Karate, which was all about Presley's passion for this martial art. While Elvis' fitness may have been called into question later on in his life, the singer was greatly interested in karate after being exposed to it in the late 1950s.

Presley achieved a first-degree black belt at the start of the '60s, and by 1974, he'd earned his eight-degree belt. Around that time, he also opened the Tennessee Karate Institute in Memphis to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Artifacts at the exhibit included Elvis’ black belt certificates, a script from his 1974 karate documentary, and more.

One exhibit focuses on the making of the 2022 Elvis film

One of the newest exhibits added to the Graceland tour is one centered around the 2022 biopic, which received over half a dozen Academy Award nominations in 2023. Named The Making of Elvis, it offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the picture, taking people from the beginning of the creative process up to the finished product.

There are videos that were taken while filming the movie, early drafts of scripts, costumes that the actors wore, and even some of the sets. There's also an insight into the wider interest in the film, particularly the media frenzy that surrounded it. If you enjoyed how Baz Luhrmann brought Elvis' story to life, this exhibit is definitely worthwhile.

People can remember Lisa Marie Presley at an exhibit dedicated to her

As Elvis Presley's only child, Lisa Marie was someone that millions adored regardless of whether they knew much about her. So, her tragic passing in early 2023 left plenty of people heartbroken. Thankfully, there's a section of Graceland dedicated to her for those eager to learn more about her and celebrate the life that she led.

This exhibit wasn't opened in light of Lisa Marie's passing, but it's certainly become more beloved since her loss. Located inside the Haberdashery, it features a lot of items from her childhood, including clothes, roller skates, and her record player. It also explores the different roles she played in life, including as a mother, a singer, and a philanthropist.

An exhibit explores the years that Elvis spent in the US Army

Elvis had such a phenomenal career as a performer that it's easy to forget he wasn't constantly making music. After all, for several years at the end of the 1950s, the man fought for his country in the US Army. This is something that Graceland highlights with one of their exhibits - Private Presley - which includes memorabilia from this time.

That includes his suitcases, army foot locker, dress uniforms, helmets, and more. There's even the set of bongo drums that Priscilla gifted him when they met in Germany during this period. Visitors can also explore some of the music that Presley's record label continued to release in his absence to keep his music career alive and thriving.

Some exhibits aren't directly about Elvis but are related in some way

Surprisingly, not all of the exhibits at Graceland are directly about Elvis Presley. While that might seem confusing, given that visitors are there to learn all about the singer, there's a good reason for this. It appears that these exhibits are still linked to Elvis in some way; you just have to understand more about him to make the connection.

For instance, some of the exhibits they've introduced over the years include Muhammed Ali: Greatest of All Time and A Century of the American Motorcycle. People familiar with Presley's life will know that he and Ali were good friends, hence the first exhibit. As for the latter, it was no secret that Elvis enjoyed riding motorcycles and owned a few.

The stars inspired by Elvis are featured in the ICONS exhibit

When you look at big names in the music industry, it can be hard to imagine them looking up to other people. However, they were all small at some point and were inspired to follow their dreams by the singers that came before them. That's why there are so many prominent artists who all cite Elvis Presley as an influence.

You can see just how many people have looked up to the King of Rock ‘n' Roll over the years at the ICONS exhibit. This boasts artifacts from stars like Blake Shelton, KISS, Post Malone, Elton John, Kristin Chenoweth, and so many more who have felt Presley's influence in some way. Even John Lennon's piano is featured here.

Several film and TV sets are included in one of Graceland's exhibits

Elvis wasn't just an incredible singer. He also appeared in quite a few films over the years, so of course, there would be some reference to Hollywood at Graceland. You'll find the Hollywood Backlot exhibit here, which actually includes some of the sets used for productions about Elvis in more recent years. That includes the CMT drama series 'Sun Records.'

Another set that you'll find here is the one built exclusively for the romantic Christmas TV movie 'Christmas at Graceland.' Released on the Hallmark Channel in 2018, the picture was filmed at Elvis' home during the summer of that year and included a recreation of Presley's music room. A sequel film debuted the following year and featured Priscilla Presley.

Elvis owned a pet chimpanzee who had his own climate-controlled room

Not only is Graceland a large property, but the estate itself covers a wide area of land. It reportedly spans nearly 14 acres, which has made it easy to add new features and attractions for the public to enjoy. With there being so much land available, we're perhaps not surprised Presley opened his home to many animals during his lifetime.

Along with the dogs, pigs, chickens, and peacocks that reportedly lived here, he also had Scatter, the chimpanzee. The exotic animal wasn't exactly a conventional pet, but when you're as big a star as Elvis, you can get away with this sort of thing. Scatter reportedly lived the good life at Graceland, even having his own climate-controlled room there.

Graceland is still home to horses decades after Elvis passed away

As if all of these animals weren't enough for Elvis, the singer also apparently liked to keep horses at Graceland. He was reportedly very passionate about these creatures and always had a stable full of them when he was around. Unfortunately, much like Presley, the horses he once kept as pets have all since passed on.

Thankfully, the people of Graceland keep his love of these animals alive by bringing in rescues and giving them a home at the stables. If it's a nice day, you may well see these majestic creatures wandering around and enjoying themselves in the pasture. It's nice to know that stuff like this is still done in Elvis' name.

Elvis owned several planes, which are also on display at Graceland

We know that Elvis loved vehicles, which is why there are several exhibits at Graceland dedicated to his cars, motorcycles, and more. However, it seems there really was no limit to what he liked to travel around in, as the singer also apparently bought several planes during his lifetime. That includes the Lisa Marie, named after his daughter.

Boasting gold-flecked sinks, a bar, and a bed, it was seemingly a home away from home for Presley. Visitors can see the majestic aircraft for themselves when visiting Graceland, alongside the smaller Hound Dog II. It's a good thing the estate is so big; otherwise, we're not sure where they'd find the space to put these planes.

Members of Elvis' family are buried at Graceland, including his twin brother

Having a graveyard right outside your home might seem morbid. However, when you have around 14 acres to work with, and you're a star like Elvis Presley, why not have a small burial ground on the estate? It means all the important people in your life can rest in the same place once they depart this world.

Graceland's plot features Elvis' grave, along with those of his parents and paternal grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley. Now that Lisa Marie has tragically left us, she also has a spot at the burial ground, which apparently features one other person. This is Elvis' twin brother - Jesse Garon - who the world never got to meet because he was sadly stillborn.

Elvis nearly wasn't buried at Graceland due to zoning laws

Considering how long he lived at Graceland and the fact that he loved his home, we can understand why Elvis would want to be buried here. His millions of fans are also grateful that his eternal resting place is on the estate, too, as it means they can pay their respects when they visit his home.

However, it seems Presley nearly wasn't buried here as zoning laws stated that his body needed to be laid to rest in a graveyard. An exemption was swiftly made for the singer, though, when grave robbers attempted to steal his coffin. After the incident, Elvis was buried in his meditation garden, where his loved ones later joined him.

Graffiti is actually encouraged on the wall at the front of Graceland

You might think that leaving graffiti at Graceland would be a big no-no. However, it seems that it's actually encouraged, provided that you do it in the right place. The wall at the front of the property has acted as a canvas for people to sign their names, leave messages for Elvis, and more for many years now.

This wall allows visitors to see just how many people Presley has touched with his generous heart and iconic music. Visitors from all over the world have written on this landmark and made it one of the most noteworthy spots across the entire estate. It's definitely worth adding your own contribution if you visit the place.

Dining options are plentiful at Graceland, and boast some Elvis specialties

You can easily spend an entire day at Graceland visiting all the exhibits and reveling in the surroundings that Elvis Presley once called home. If you're going to be there for that long, though, you'll probably want to eat at some point. Luckily, the estate caters to such needs, with various dining options available to people visiting the property.

Some of the newer spots include the TCB Food Hall and the Jungle Room Bar, the latter of which boasts replicas of Jungle Room furniture. There are also spots like Gladys' Diner and Vernon's Smokehouse, both named after Presley's parents. These are great for anyone hungry for Southern soul food or Elvis' beloved grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Elvis Week is celebrated with numerous events and a poignant candlelit vigil

There's never a bad time to visit Graceland if you want to see where Elvis spent much of his later years. However, there are definitely certain times of the year that are worth heading this way if you really want to get the most out of the experience. Elvis Week, which occurs in mid-August every year, is one of them.

During this period, Presley's most passionate fans flock to Graceland to enjoy concerts, panels, and more that all celebrate the singer's incredible life. One of the standout moments of Elvis Week is definitely the candlelight vigil, where everyone quietly walks to his grave with a candle. It's a poignant moment that marks the anniversary of his untimely passing.

Elvis' birthday is also a time for celebration at Graceland

Elvis Week is a wonderful celebration of the singer's life, although the fact that it centers around his passing may be too sad for some fans. Fortunately, there are other times of year to visit Graceland when the festivities are much more upbeat, such as early January. After all, this marks the anniversary of Presley's birth.

As with Elvis Week, things like concerts and special guests are common around this time of year as people celebrate the occasion. However, Presley's birthday also comes with a monumental cake that's definitely suited to a king. Plus, on the morning of January 8, people stand on Graceland's lawn and sing the customary birthday song for their idol.

Loved-up couples can apparently tie the knot at Graceland

There's a lot that you can do at Graceland, from exploring exhibits and paying your respects to watching concerts and enjoying a good meal. Something else you can apparently add to that list is getting married, with Graceland's Chapel in the Woods providing loved-up couples with the perfect place to tie the knot. Well, why not?

If you're passionate fans of Elvis and want a charming location to say your vows, this spot is definitely worth considering. It was even featured in the 2019 Hallmark Channel romantic movie 'Wedding at Graceland.' We'd say getting married here certainly beats doing it in Las Vegas with someone dressed as the King of Rock ‘n' Roll officiating the ceremony.

Kids can follow in Elvis' footsteps at Graceland's performing arts camp

Younger generations will never get to grow up in a time when Elvis Presley was alive. However, that doesn't mean they can't still fall in love with his music and appreciate his legendary existence all these years after his passing. That's why Graceland has its own performing arts camp to nurture the talents of future Elvis'.

During the summer, young Presley fans can hone their acting, singing, and dancing skills at this camp that's taught by both local and Broadway stars. As it's based at Graceland, kids can expect a unique rock 'n' roll experience, with opportunities to demonstrate their talent during various performances on the estate. It's an amazing opportunity for any aspiring young star.

Graceland sometimes holds auctions for people to buy special Elvis memorabilia

Have you ever wanted to own a piece of Elvis memorabilia? If so, then Graceland is definitely a place to check out, given that they sometimes hold auctions for people to get their hands on rare items. The goods aren't actually provided by Graceland themselves but rather by third-party collectors who have picked up legitimate artifacts over the years.

Representatives for Graceland will actually bid on items themselves sometimes if they want to add something to their exhibits. Otherwise, it's members of the general public with enough money to burn that get to walk away from these auctions with something special. For those interested, these events tend to happen as part of Elvis Week or Presley's birthday celebrations.