Graceland
Oprah Winfrey is documenting her trip to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The media mogul is set to air An Oprah Special: The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley on CBS this fall, in which she tours the historic estate in Memphis, Tennessee, and interviews Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough. The interview comes more than a year after Keough’s mother and Elvis’ only child, Lisa Marie Presley, died on Jan. 12, 2023 at age 54 from natural causes due to the effects of a small bowel obstruction from bariatric surgery.
Before she died, Lisa Marie recorded stories of life for a memoir. Keough worked to compile the recordings into a posthumous memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which is set to be released on Oct. 8 via Random House Books, the same day Winfey’s special is scheduled to air.
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“Born to an American myth and raised in the wilds of Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley was never truly understood . . . until now,” read the memoir’s announcement back in January. “Before her death in 2023, she’d been working on a raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir for years, recording countless hours of breathtakingly vulnerable tape, which has finally been put on the page by her daughter, Riley Keough.”
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The upcoming interview with Keough will include memories of Lisa Marie, as well as never-before-seen family photos, videos and more.
The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley airs Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
A Missouri woman has been arrested for allegedly attempting to defraud the family of Elvis Presley and steal their ownership interest in Graceland, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday (Aug. 16).
The 53-year-old woman, whose name is Lisa Jeanine Findley but has gone by numerous aliases, has been charged with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the former charge and a mandatory minimum of two years on the latter; she made an initial court appearance in Missouri on Friday.
“As alleged in the complaint, the defendant orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland, falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged the historic landmark as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s criminal division, in a statement. “As part of the brazen scheme, we allege that the defendant created numerous false documents and sought to extort a settlement from the Presley family. Now she is facing federal charges. The Criminal Division and its partners are committed to holding fraudsters to account.”
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According to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Tennessee on Thursday (Aug. 15), Findley allegedly posed as three different people affiliated with a company called Naussany Investments & Private Lending in claiming that Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, had used the famed Memphis mansion as collateral to secure a loan of $3.8 million that she failed to repay. She also allegedly fabricated loan documents and forged the signatures of Lisa Marie and a notary public to file a false creditor’s claim with the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles and a false deed of trust with the Shelby Country Register’s Office in Memphis. The Justice Department also claims that Findley published a fraudulent foreclosure notice in the Memphis daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal announcing that Naussany Investments would auction Graceland on May 23.
The attempted auction was quickly blocked after Presley’s granddaughter and Lisa Marie’s daughter, Riley Keough — who took over as trustee of Promenade Trust, the entity that controls Graceland, following Lisa Marie’s death in January 2023 — won a court order halting it. Shortly thereafter, Findley allegedly wrote to Presley family representatives, the Tennessee state court and the media to falsely claim that the person responsible for the faud was an identity thief based in Nigeria.
“Fame and money are magnets for criminals who look to capitalize on another person’s celebrity status,” said Eric Shen, inspector in charge of U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group (USPIS), in a statement. “In this case, Ms. Findley allegedly took advantage of the very public and tragic occurrences in the Presley family as an opportunity to prey on the name and financial status of the heirs to the Graceland estate, attempting to steal what rightfully belongs to the Presley family for her personal gain. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners put an end to her alleged scheme, protecting the Presley family from continued harm and stress.”
Want to be a “Presley for a Day”? Here’s your chance. You and three of your closest friends can undertake a seven-hour insider experience at Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.
Before you get your heart set on the idea, we should warn you that this day doesn’t come cheap. The Presley for a Day Tour is $6,000 for a group of up to four people. (We tried to brace you so you wouldn’t get “All Shook Up,” though you may still choose to mark this one “Return to Sender.”)
A portion of the proceeds from each tour will go to support local Memphis charities through the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, with additional proceeds supporting Graceland’s ongoing commitment to the beautification, preservation, and enhancement of Presley’s home and grounds.
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Launching Sept. 6, the new Presley for a Day Tour will be limited to only eight guests per day and provide access to some of the Presley family’s favorite places on the Graceland grounds for the first time since it opened to the public in 1982.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy access to the family’s favorite activities with golf cart rides around the grounds, a horse photo op and guided walk through the home’s front pasture, and a “high-end dinner” at the newly renovated Moriah’s House, which is said to offer stunning views of Graceland’s landscape from the back pasture. (Moriah’s House was named after Lisa Marie Presley’s pony, which was once housed there.)
The Presley for a Day Tour is just the first of many events, tours and expansions that will be announced over the next three years as Graceland prepares for the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ death on Aug. 16, 1977. The legendary star was just 42 at the time, and had been famous for half of his life. His death, in the era before Entertainment Tonight and TMZ, before the Internet and social media, still set off shockwaves. Presley had been a superstar on records, in films and on TV for 21 years, with tremendous highs, a few lows, triumphant comebacks and a tragic end that is still hard to accept.
The culmination of Graceland’s “On the Road to 50” will be Elvis Week 2027, when Graceland hosts the largest gathering of Elvis fans from around the globe.
The Presley for a Day Tour is a seven-hour experience for a group of up to four people (two tour groups per day available) that includes:
Personalized Concierge Service: Concierge will work with guests to plan out their experience before arrival.
Personal Tour Guide: Guests will have their own personal tour guide throughout their entire experience.
Guided Tours: Tours of Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex and Elvis’ Airplanes with their dedicated guide, plus exclusive photo opportunities and special “white-glove artifact experiences.”
Golf Cart Transportation: Guests will be chauffeured around the Graceland property on a golf cart by their guide and treated to an outdoor tour of the mansion grounds.
Graceland Stable Tour & Horse Experience: Tour of the Graceland Stables before a guided walk on a horse through Graceland’s front pasture and photo op with horse with Graceland Mansion as a backdrop.
Access to Moriah’s House: Guests will have access to this newly restored space, located in the Graceland pasture, to relax and enjoy dinner, while taking in views of Graceland Mansion and surrounding grounds.
Elevated Dining Experience: High-end meal at Moriah’s House while enjoying views of Graceland from the enclosed deck. From Southern BBQ favorites to gourmet delights, this exclusive dining experience will be tailored to guest preferences.
Graceland Archives Experience: Guests can get a glimpse into the archival work that goes on behind-the-scenes at Graceland — from conservation work on one of Elvis’ sequined jumpsuits or cataloging one of the more than 90,000 photos.
After-Hours Graceland Mansion Tour: After their meal, guests enjoy a guided after-hours tour of Graceland Mansion with exclusive photo ops and white glove experiences.
Exclusive Swag Bag: Each guest will receive a bag of items (valued at more than $450), exclusive to Presley for a Day Tour guests.
For an additional fee (!), fans can stay overnight at Graceland’s resort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland, and enjoy such treats as banana cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, a favorite of the king. A specialty suite package offers personalized service, including breakfast-in-room service any time of day, charcuterie and champagne upon arrival, turndown service, plus a private midnight movie screening in the Guest House Theater. (Elvis starred in 33 movies – 31 in which he acted, from Love Me Tender in 1956 to Change of Habit in 1969, followed by two concert documentaries.)
Presley for a Day Tours are now available to book for dates starting Sept. 6 through January 2025 at Graceland.com. Find details here.
Graceland is open daily for tours and offers a variety of tour options. More information can be found at www.Graceland.com.
Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough won a court order Wednesday blocking a looming foreclosure sale of the late singer’s historic Memphis home Graceland, after her attorneys argued that the bizarre effort to sell the home was “fraudulent.”
At a hearing in Memphis court, Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins granted Keough’s request for a preliminary injunction that will block the mysterious foreclosure proceeding – initially set for Thursday – until he can rule on her case, according to court records reviewed by Billboard.
As reported by CNN, the judge said during the hearing that Keough would likely win her arguments — and that allowing the sale of the legendary mansion to go through in the meantime would cause her so-called irreparable harm.
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“The estate is considered unique under Tennessee law, and in being unique the loss of the real estate will be considered irreparable harm,” Jenkins said in the hearing.
In a case filed in Tennessee court last week, Keough alleged that the foreclosure was triggered by phony demands from a company called Naussany Investments – an entity that allegedly claims her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, borrowed $3.8 million and used the famed mansion as collateral.
The alleged loans are recorded in documents supplied by Naussany that feature Lisa Marie’s signature, but Keough’s lawyers say those records are “forgeries” and that she “did not in fact sign the documents.”
“These documents are fraudulent,” Keough’s attorneys write in their May 15 complaint, obtained by Billboard. “Lisa Marie Presley never borrowed money from Naussany Investments and never gave a deed of trust to Naussany Investments.”
Naussany (Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC) could not immediately be located for comment on Wednesday’s order. An attorney for Keough also did not return a request for comment.
When Elvis died in 1977, his daughter Lisa Marie inherited his estate, including Graceland — a tourist mecca that pulls in millions of dollars a year in revenue. Until her death last year, she served as trustee of the Promenade Trust, an entity that controls the Memphis mansion. When she passed away, Keough assumed that same role and took control of the property.
According to the lawsuit, Naussany alleges it made the multi-million dollar loan to Lisa Marie in 2018 and recorded the transaction in Florida. But Keough’s lawyers say that Naussany is “a false entity created for the purpose of defrauding the Promenade Trust,” orchestrated by a man named Kurt Naussany who has sent “numerous emails seeking to collect the purported $3.8 million debt.”
Keough’s attorneys say the evidence “strongly indicates the documents are forgeries” – most notably, that the notary who allegedly signed off on the transaction has confirmed that she did not do so. “Indeed, she confirmed she has never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarized any document for her.”
Following Wednesday’s ruling, the case will now proceed toward more detailed litigation over the Keough’s allegations, and eventually toward a final ruling.
Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, the actress Riley Keough, has filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking a looming foreclosure sale of the late singer’s historic Memphis home Graceland, calling the proceedings “fraudulent.”
In a case filed in Tennessee court last week, Keough alleged that the foreclosure was triggered by phony demands from a company called Naussany Investments – an entity that allegedly claims her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley, borrowed $3.8 million and used the famed mansion as collateral.
The alleged loans are recorded in documents supplied by Naussany that feature Lisa Marie’s signature, but Keough’s lawyers say those records are “forgeries” and that she “did not in fact sign the documents.”
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“These documents are fraudulent,” Keough’s attorneys write in their May 15 complaint, obtained by Billboard. “Lisa Marie Presley never borrowed money from Naussany Investments and never gave a deed of trust to Naussany Investments.”
The foreclosure sale for Graceland had been scheduled for Thursday, but according to court records, Keough’s attorneys won a temporary restraining order last week blocking any sale until the judge can rule on the dispute. A court hearing is set for Wednesday on Keough’s efforts to secure a longer-term injunction blocking the sale.
Naussany (Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC) could not immediately be located for comment. An attorney for Keough declined to comment. News of the lawsuit was first reported Monday by the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
When Elvis died in 1977, his daughter Lisa Marie inherited his estate, including Graceland — a tourist mecca that pulls in millions of dollars a year in revenue. Until her death last year, she served as trustee of the Promenade Trust, an entity that controls the Memphis mansion. When she passed away, Keough assumed that same role and took control of the property.
According to the lawsuit, Naussany alleges it made the multi-million dollar loan to Lisa Marie in 2018 and recorded the transaction in Florida. But Keough’s lawyers say that Naussany is “a false entity created for the purpose of defrauding the Promenade Trust,” orchestrated by a man named Kurt Naussany who has sent “numerous emails seeking to collect the purported $3.8 million debt.”
Keough’s attorneys say the evidence “strongly indicates the documents are forgeries” – most notably, that the notary who allegedly signed off on the transaction has confirmed that she did not do so. “Indeed, she confirmed she has never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarized any document for her.”
David Beckwith, the veteran publicist whose crowning achievement was his work representing Elvis Presley’s Graceland museum since it opened more than four decades ago, has died. He was 67.Beckwith died Friday in Phoenix (Jan. 19) after his hip replacement surgery was followed by sepsis, fellow publicist Lynn Weiss announced.Beckwith for many years also represented Wolfgang Puck, his annual Governors Ball dinner at the Academy Awards and Spago. With the chef and agent Swifty Lazar, he arranged a fine dinner at Spago for industry heavyweights who were not at the Oscars, complete with a large-screen TV for them to watch the show.When Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, was first opened to the public in July 1982, Beckwith helped manage the 700-plus members of the media there for the opening news conference with Priscilla Presley. He continued his work with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his death.Born on April 28, 1956, in Albion, Nebraska, Beckwith graduated from the University of Oregon as a journalism major. His began his career in 1979 at Rogers & Cowan and three years later lanched his own business, The Beckwith Co.In 1979, he arranged a deal for Moet & Chandon to serve as a sponsor and exclusive champagne of the Golden Globes, with magnums placed on all tables and the label prominently visible. It’s still the official champagne of the awards show.The publicist also represented Freddie Gershon and Music Theater International along with the entertainment attorney’s annual scholarship for teachers with the Kennedy Center and Stephen Sondheim.Beckwith was a pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community, serving on the local and national boards of the Human Rights Campaign, and was instrumental in creating Los Angeles’ Outfest, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival.Survivors include Dietrich Nelson, his partner of 42 years and husband of 15 years, and his pets Edie, Arlen, Daisy and Doris.
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This article originally appeared in THR.com.
For many, thoughts of the late, Tupelo, Mississippi-born music icon Elvis Presley center around his emotional, husky vocals, genre-defying catalog of enduring recordings, signature hip gyrations, electrifying performance style, jet black hair and bedazzled jumpsuits.
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But for another Southern-born singer-songwriter, the Tennessee and Georgia-raised Kane Brown — who to date has earned 10 Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 hits, including “Heaven,” “What Ifs” and most recently, “Bury Me in Georgia” — Presley’s name and music conjure thoughts of personal connection with a beloved family member.
“My nana is a huge Elvis fan and always has been,” Brown tells Billboard via email. “Growing up, I remember her carrying around a bag with Elvis’ face on it, and my earliest memories of Elvis and his music were of listening to him with her, and how excited she is and still gets hearing his music. My nana is a superhero, and so having that connection with and memory with her and his music is something that means a lot to me.”
On Wednesday (Nov. 29), Brown will be one of several performers helping to celebrate the legacy of the late Presley — as part of the new holiday special, Christmas at Graceland, which airs on NBC beginning at 10 p.m. ET and will be simulcast on Peacock.
Christmas at Graceland marks the first live musical televised holiday special of its kind at the late Presley’s 13.8-acre Memphis, Tennessee estate, and will feature never-before-broadcast footage of Presley. In 1982, Graceland was opened to the public as a museum, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to honor the life of Presley, who died in 1977 at age 42.
In addition to Brown, other artists taking part in the Christmas at Graceland special are Alanis Morissette, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, newly named CMA entertainer of the year Lainey Wilson, Lana Del Rey, Post Malone and 2024 Grammys best new artist nominee The War and Treaty.
Brown’s performance on Christmas at Graceland connects with his recently released holiday song, a version of Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” which features vocals from both Brown and Presley. Brown previously released a solo version of “Blue Christmas” last year, reaching No. 14 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
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Written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson, the tale of unrequited love was recorded by Presley as part of his 1957 Elvis’ Christmas Album project. Brown’s ties to the song as a country singer are notable, given that prior to Presley’s version, “Blue Christmas” had been a No. 1 Hot Country Songs hit for country singer Ernest Tubb in 1950.
Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough will make special appearances on Christmas at Graceland, and she will also serve as an executive producer under her Felix Culpa banner with partner Gina Gammell. Christmas at Graceland is produced by Done + Dusted, Authentic Studios and Felix Culpa.
Brown recently talked with Billboard over email, discussing his recording “Blue Christmas” alongside Presley’s own vocals, his experience performing as part of Christmas at Graceland, and his own favorite family holiday experiences.
Are you an Elvis fan, and if so, what are your favorite Elvis songs?
Elvis is an internationally recognized icon and paved the way in so many different areas for artists, but I think to me what’s been really cool is — as I got older, learning a lot more about his background growing up, and just how much he had to push the meter in so may different ways, and how many times he was told “no” before he powered through to become the legend he is today. Now being an artist, having a better understanding just how amazing what he was able to accomplish was, and how he did it with his talent and by being so unique — that’s still so inspiring. It would be hard to pick just one song, but it is still something I am trying to wrap my head around that I have a duet with ELVIS. And to hear my daughters sing it at home now too — what an amazing feeling.
What was the recording session for “Blue Christmas” like, and what did you think when you heard the finished version?
Really different, in the sense that you obviously don’t have the other artist in the room while you are recording it — but the first time I heard the final track, it gave me chill bumps.
What are your impressions of Graceland?
Visiting Graceland and being able to see where he lived and what was important to him and what life he was able to build for his family, having come from nothing, is something I really connect with. I feel his spirit so much there.
What are your favorite holiday traditions you have started with wife Katelyn and your children?
The girls love to sing, and having them be old enough to sing holiday songs together has meant so much.
Are there certain things you all love to do around Nashville for the holidays?
We love being at home and getting a chance to recharge and really live in gratitude for a minute. Sometimes you blink, and it’s already a year later when you’re out on the road. Touring is amazing, and I am so grateful for what I get to do for a living and all the fans that have been with me since day one and along the way. But getting that time at home when you’re often on the road is an amazing feeling to take the time to have those little moments like having breakfast together and really do the small stuff as a family helps recharge you, and then you feel like you’re ready to get back out there and give it your all on tour. We have such an exciting year coming up next year, and getting that space to be together as family beforehand is something we don’t take for granted.
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