History of Priscilla Presley in Timeline
Priscilla Ann Presley is an American businesswoman and actress. She is notably the ex-wife of the legendary singer Elvis Presley and cofounder of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), which transformed Graceland into a major tourist destination in the United States. In addition to her business achievements, Presley had a successful acting career, starring alongside Leslie Nielsen in the Naked Gun film trilogy and portraying Jenna Wade on the popular TV series Dallas.
August 10, 1944: Marriage of Ann Iversen and James Frederick Wagner
On August 10, 1944, Priscilla Presley's parents, Ann Iversen and James Frederick Wagner, got married after dating for more than three years.
May 24, 1945: Birth of Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Ann Presley was born on May 24, 1945. She would later become an American businesswoman and actress, known for her marriage to Elvis Presley and her role in turning Graceland into a major tourist attraction.
November 3, 1945: Death of James Frederick Wagner
Priscilla Presley's biological father, James Frederick Wagner, died in a plane crash on November 3, 1945, shortly after her birth.
1948: Marriage to Paul Beaulieu
In 1948, Ann married United States Air Force officer Paul Beaulieu. The couple raised Priscilla and her half-siblings, frequently relocating due to Beaulieu's military career.
April 17, 1950: Name Change to Beaulieu
Priscilla's surname was legally changed from Wagner to Beaulieu on April 17, 1950, following her mother's marriage to Paul Beaulieu.
1956: Family Relocates to Wiesbaden
In 1956, Priscilla's family moved to Wiesbaden, West Germany, due to her stepfather's military transfer, a change that upset her after forming connections in Del Valle, Texas.
September 13, 1959: First Meeting with Elvis Presley
On September 13, 1959, 14-year-old Priscilla met 24-year-old Elvis Presley at a party in Bad Nauheim, Germany. Despite initial objections from her parents, Priscilla and Elvis frequently saw each other until his departure in March 1960.
March 1960: Elvis Leaves West Germany
In March 1960, Elvis Presley left West Germany, marking a temporary end to his frequent meetings with Priscilla, whom he had met the previous year.
1962: Reunion with Elvis Presley
In 1962, Priscilla reunited with Elvis Presley in Los Angeles after her parents allowed her to visit for two weeks under strict conditions, including a first-class ticket and constant chaperoning.
March 1963: Move to Memphis
In mid-March 1963, Priscilla moved to Memphis to be closer to Elvis, with the agreement that they would eventually marry. She attended an all-girls Catholic school and lived with Elvis's relatives until her graduation.
May 1963: Permanent Residence at Graceland
By May 1963, Priscilla had her permanent residence at Graceland, living with Elvis's grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley, with her parents' eventual consent.
1965: Start of Priscilla Presley and Tom Jones' Friendship
Priscilla Presley and singer Tom Jones have maintained a long-standing friendship since 1965, originating from Jones' friendship with Elvis Presley. Despite recurring rumors, their relationship has consistently been described as platonic.
1966: Elvis Proposes to Priscilla
Shortly before Christmas 1966, Elvis proposed to Priscilla, prompted by his manager who highlighted the RCA 'morals clause'. The couple had been living together, but societal norms at the time pressured them into marriage.
May 1, 1967: Marriage to Elvis Presley
Priscilla and Elvis Presley married on May 1, 1967, at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. The wedding was a brief ceremony followed by a press conference and a reception, but it caused rifts between Elvis and some of his close friends.
February 1, 1968: Birth of Lisa Marie Presley
On February 1, 1968, Priscilla and Elvis Presley welcomed their only child, Lisa Marie Presley, born exactly nine months after their wedding.
1968: Dance Lessons and Affair
Around 1968, Priscilla began taking private dance lessons during which she had a brief affair with her instructor. She later reflected on the experience in her book 'Elvis and Me', realizing she needed more from her relationship with Elvis.
1968: Elvis' Career Takes Off Again
In 1968, Elvis Presley's career experienced a resurgence following his television special. This led to increased touring and performances in Las Vegas, but also coincided with Elvis having affairs and Priscilla staying home to care for their daughter.
December 1971: Priscilla's Affair with Mike Stone Begins
In December 1971, Priscilla began an affair with Mike Stone, a karate instructor she had met backstage at one of Elvis's concerts. This affair marked a turning point in her relationship with Elvis, leading to their separation.
February 24, 1972: Priscilla and Elvis Separate
After years of marital strain, Priscilla and Elvis officially separated on February 24, 1972.
1972: Priscilla Begins Karate Lessons with Mike Stone
Initially taking up karate at Elvis's suggestion, Priscilla began lessons with Mike Stone in 1972. This eventually led to a romantic relationship between them.
January 8, 1973: Elvis Files for Divorce
On his 38th birthday, January 8, 1973, Elvis filed for divorce from Priscilla to protect her and their daughter's safety.
October 9, 1973: Priscilla and Elvis' Divorce Finalized
After months of legal proceedings, Priscilla and Elvis' divorce was finalized on October 9, 1973, marking the end of their marriage.
1973: Priscilla Presley Opens Bis & Beau Boutique
In 1973, after separating from Elvis, Priscilla Presley, along with her friend and stylist Olivia Bis, established a clothing boutique named Bis & Beau in Los Angeles. The boutique thrived, attracting a clientele of high-profile individuals until it closed in 1976.
1973: Priscilla's Interview with Ladies' Home Journal
In a 1973 interview with Ladies' Home Journal, Priscilla suggested that she and Elvis were happy living together but felt societal pressure to marry.
1975: Priscilla and Mike Stone Break Up
Following her separation from Elvis, Priscilla Presley was in a relationship with karate instructor Mike Stone. The couple broke up in 1975.
1976: Bis & Beau Boutique Closes
After enjoying three years of success, Priscilla Presley and Olivia Bis's Los Angeles clothing boutique, Bis & Beau, closed its doors in 1976.
1977: Elvis Presley's Death
In 1977, Elvis Presley died. His father, Vernon Presley, became an executor of his estate, which was to be held in trust for Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie. Priscilla Presley was appointed to succeed Vernon in managing the estate.
1978: Priscilla's Relationship with Michael Edwards Begins
In 1978, Priscilla Presley began a six-year on-and-off relationship with model Michael Edwards.
1979: Portrayed in 1979 TV Movie
Since 1979, Priscilla Presley has been portrayed by various actresses in screen and TV films focusing on her life with Elvis Presley, starting with Season Hubley in the TV movie 'Elvis.'
1979: Priscilla Becomes Executor of Elvis' Estate
Following the death of Elvis Presley's father, Vernon, in 1979, Priscilla Presley assumed the role of executor of Elvis's estate. Facing financial challenges, she made the pivotal decision to open Graceland to the public, transforming it into a successful museum and tourist attraction.
1980: Television Debut
In 1980, Priscilla Presley made her television debut as co-host of 'Those Amazing Animals,' marking the beginning of her acting career.
June 7, 1982: Graceland Opens to the Public
On June 7, 1982, under Priscilla Presley's supervision, Elvis Presley's former residence, Graceland, was opened to the public, becoming a popular tourist destination and significantly contributing to the preservation of Elvis' legacy.
1983: First Professional Acting Role
In 1983, Priscilla Presley had her first professional acting role in a season 2 episode of 'The Fall Guy' titled 'Manhunter,' further establishing her acting career.
1984: Priscilla Presley and Marco Garibaldi's Relationship Begins
Priscilla Presley and screenwriter Marco Garibaldi began their 22-year relationship in 1984 after meeting through a mutual acquaintance. Garibaldi had written a script that Presley was interested in producing.
1985: Publication of Elvis and Me
In 1985, Priscilla Presley published her autobiography, Elvis and Me, detailing her life with Elvis and her personal experiences.
1985: Declined Bond Girl Role
In 1985, Priscilla Presley was offered the role of Bond girl Stacey Sutton in 'A View to a Kill,' but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts. The role went to Tanya Roberts.
March 1, 1987: Birth of Navarone Garibaldi
On March 1, 1987, Priscilla Presley and her long-term partner, Marco Antonio Garcia (also known as Marco Garibaldi), welcomed their son, Navarone Garibaldi. This event was even incorporated into the storyline of the TV show "Dallas", in which Priscilla was starring at the time.
1988: Left Dallas TV Show
In 1988, after five years, Priscilla Presley left the primetime soap opera 'Dallas,' where she played the role of Jenna Wade.
1988: Michael Edwards Publishes Book About Relationship with Priscilla
Michael Edwards, known for his relationship with Priscilla Presley, published "Priscilla, Elvis, and Me" in 1988, detailing their romance and her life after Elvis.
1988: Priscilla Presley Launches "Moments" Fragrance
Expanding her entrepreneurial pursuits, Priscilla Presley launched her own fragrance, "Moments", in 1988. This marked her entry into the world of celebrity fragrances.
1988: Portrayed in Elvis and Me Miniseries
In 1988, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Susan Walters in the TV miniseries 'Elvis and Me,' based on her life with Elvis Presley.
1988: Starred in The Naked Gun
In 1988, Priscilla Presley starred opposite Leslie Nielsen in 'The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!' as Jane Spencer. Her performance was praised by critic Roger Ebert for her 'light comic touch.'
1990: Acted in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane
In 1990, Priscilla Presley acted in 'The Adventures of Ford Fairlane' alongside Andrew Dice Clay, continuing her successful acting career.
1991: The Naked Gun 2½ Release
In 1991, Priscilla Presley reprised her role as Jane Spencer in 'The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear,' which performed well at the box office.
1993: Priscilla Presley Releases "Experiences" Fragrance
In 1993, Priscilla Presley released "Experiences," a new fragrance that followed her successful 1988 release, "Moments."
1993: Portrayed in 1993 TV Movie
In 1993, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Kehli O'Byrne in the TV movie 'Elvis and the Colonel,' continuing her depiction in media.
1994: The Naked Gun 33⅓ Release
In 1994, Priscilla Presley acted in 'Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult,' the third movie in the popular series, which also performed solidly at the box office.
1996: Priscilla Presley Releases "Indian Summer" Fragrance
Continuing her successful fragrance line, Priscilla Presley released "Indian Summer" in 1996.
1997: Portrayed in Elvis Meets Nixon
In 1997, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Alyson Court in the TV movie 'Elvis Meets Nixon,' highlighting another aspect of her life with Elvis.
1998: Doctor of Humanities Degree
In 1998, Priscilla Presley was conferred the degree of Doctor of Humanities by Rhodes College, acknowledging her accomplishments and contributions.
1998: Priscilla Presley Releases "Roses and More" Fragrance
Priscilla Presley rounded out the 1990s with the release of her fourth fragrance, "Roses and More," in 1998.
September 2000: Elected to MGM Board of Directors
In September 2000, Priscilla Presley was elected to the board of directors at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, marking a significant career milestone.
2003: Became Ambassador of Dream Foundation
Since 2003, Priscilla Presley has been the Ambassador of the Dream Foundation, a Santa Barbara-based organization that grants wishes to terminally ill adults and their families.
2006: Portrayed in 2006 TV Miniseries
In 2006, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Antonia Barnath in the TV miniseries 'Elvis,' showing the enduring interest in her life and relationship with Elvis.
2006: Priscilla Presley Debuts Bed Linen Line
Priscilla Presley, in partnership with Australian designer Bruno Schiavi, launched her own line of bed linens, "The Priscilla Presley Collection," in Sydney, Australia, in 2006.
2006: Inaugurated Narconon's Stonehawk Rehabilitation Center
In 2006, Priscilla Presley helped inaugurate Narconon's Stonehawk Rehabilitation Center in Michigan, demonstrating her support for drug rehabilitation initiatives.
2006: Priscilla Presley's Dating Life After Marco Garibaldi
Following her separation from Marco Garibaldi in 2006, Priscilla Presley was romantically linked to several individuals, including British TV executive Nigel Lythgoe until 2009.
2006: Priscilla Presley and Marco Garibaldi End Relationship
After 22 years together, Priscilla Presley and Marco Garibaldi ended their relationship in 2006. As a precaution, Presley had Garibaldi sign a confidentiality agreement at the start of their relationship, preventing him from publishing any details about their time together.
2009: Priscilla Presley and Nigel Lythgoe's Relationship Ends
After dating for a few years, Priscilla Presley and British TV executive Nigel Lythgoe ended their relationship in 2009.
April 27, 2012: Godmother of American Queen
On April 27, 2012, Priscilla Presley was named the godmother of the American Queen, the largest river steamboat ever built, during a christening ceremony at its home port in Memphis.
2012: Pantomime Debut
In 2012, Priscilla Presley made her pantomime debut in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' at the New Wimbledon Theatre in London, starring opposite Warwick Davis.
2013: Spoke Against Tennessee Ag-Gag Bill
In 2013, Priscilla Presley voiced her opposition to the Tennessee Ag-Gag Bill in a letter to Governor Bill Haslam, expressing concern that the bill would hinder animal cruelty investigations and reduce protections for farm animals.
2014: Reprised Pantomime Role
In 2014, Priscilla Presley reprised her role as the Wicked Queen in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' at the Manchester Opera House.
2015: Executive Producer and USPS Stamp Dedication
In 2015, Priscilla Presley became the executive producer of a 14-track album titled 'If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.' She also dedicated an Elvis 'forever' stamp with U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan, making Elvis Presley the first musical artist to be featured in two different commemorative stamp collections.
2016: Distanced from Scientology
In 2016, it was reported that Priscilla Presley had distanced herself from the Church of Scientology, following her daughter Lisa Marie's departure from the church.
2016: Portrayed in Shangri-La Suite
In 2016, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Ashley Greene in the movie 'Shangri-La Suite,' further extending her depiction in various media.
October 2017: Denied Leaving Scientology
In October 2017, a representative of Priscilla Presley denied reports that she had left the Church of Scientology, clarifying her stance on the matter.
2018: AutoZone Liberty Bowl Distinguished Citizen Award
In 2018, Priscilla Presley received the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Distinguished Citizen Award, recognizing her contributions to the community.
August 16, 2019: Agent Elvis Series Announcement
On August 16, 2019, it was announced that Priscilla Presley, along with John Eddie and Sony Pictures, would create and produce 'Agent Elvis,' a Netflix adult animated series where Elvis works as a spy by night and musician by day.
June 15, 2022: First Teaser of Agent Elvis Series
On June 15, 2022, the first teaser for 'Agent Elvis' was published on the official Elvis Instagram account, showing an illustrated Elvis in a black trench coat. Priscilla Presley also voices her own character in the series.
July 22, 2022: Honored by Theatre Memphis
On July 22, 2022, Theatre Memphis honored Priscilla Presley with a gala titled 'Honoring Priscilla Presley: The Artist, The Woman,' celebrating her contributions to Memphis art and tourism.
2022: Portrayed in 2022 Film Elvis
In 2022, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Olivia de Jonge in the film 'Elvis,' continuing to highlight her influence and legacy.
2022: Priscilla Presley Becomes a Great-Grandmother
In 2022, Priscilla Presley's granddaughter, Riley Keough, gave birth, making Presley a great-grandmother.
January 12, 2023: Lisa Marie Presley's Death
On January 12, 2023, Priscilla Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, passed away at the age of 54 due to cardiac arrest and complications from bariatric surgery.
2023: Portrayed in Priscilla
In 2023, Priscilla Presley was portrayed by Cailee Spaeny in the film 'Priscilla,' focusing on her life and legacy.