Priscilla Anne Presley, popularly known as Priscilla Persley is one of the most famous Hollywood icons. She became well known for being the wife of former American singer Elvis Presley.
Furthermore, she is also the co-founder and former chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE). The company is responsible for making Graceland one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.
During her acting career, Presley starred opposite Leslie Nielsen in her first film ‘The Naked Gun series, ‘Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!’ She also took on the role of Jenna Wade on the long-running television series Dallas.
Therefore, in this article, we shall take a look at the life facts of Priscilla Persley. Additionally, we will discuss her personal life and career. So, now is the time to look through this article and find out everything that you need to know about Priscilla Persley.
Early Life
Priscilla Presley was born in 1945, on May 24th, in Brooklyn. She lost her biological father, James Wagner, in a plane crash when she was six months old. In the wake of her mother’s remarriage to US Air Force officer Paul Beaulieu, she spent her childhood moving around to various military bases. She despised relocation because of the difficulties that came with adjusting to a new city.
Her father was sent to Austin, once more in 1956. The transfer orders, this time to Germany, arrived just as Priscilla was settling in and making friends at her new home. At this point in time, Priscilla met Elvis Presley for the first time. While he was serving in the 3rd Armoured Division of the American Army.
Priscilla’s beauty and charm astounded Elvis Presley. Despite being ten years junior, she created a significant impact on him. They dated until his departure in March 1960.
The next four years marked Elvis Presley’s spectacular rise as a singer and actor. Despite being extremely busy with his career. The two used to take out some time for themselves. In fact, Priscilla visited him in the United States during the summer of 1962.
She moved to America permanently in March 1963. Here, she attended Immaculate Conception High School in Memphis and lived with Presley’s parents there. After graduation in June 1963, she began living with her boyfriend, Elvis Presley.
Family Details of Priscilla Persley
The maternal grandfather of Priscilla Persley was a native of Egersund, Norway. As a young man, he immigrated to the United States and fell in love with a Scottish- Irish and English descent woman named Lorraine Davis. The couple tied the knot in 1903 and continued to live together till 1984. Their only child was Anna Lillian Iversen, precisely called Ann, who was born in the year 1926.
On August 10, 1944, at the age of 23, Priscilla’s father James Fredrick Wagner married Ann, after dating for more than three years. James Fredrick Wagner, a US Navy pilot. He was born to Kathryn and Harold Wagner in Pennsylvania.
One year later Ann gets pregnant and she gives birth to Priscilla. She also has a sister named Michelle Beaulieu Hovey.
Personal Life of Priscilla Persley
On May 1, 1966, Priscilla Persley and Elvis Persley tied the knot, and exactly nine months later, she gave birth to their only child, Lisa Marie. She had a happy married life despite Presley’s periodic love affairs. However, as Presley rose to fame, the marriage deteriorated because Elvis spent most of his time touring and having several love affairs.
Presley’s lack of interest in the marriage prompted Priscilla to fall in love with her karate instructor, Mike Stone.
On February 23, 1972, Priscilla and Presley separated, putting the marriage in jeopardy. They filed for divorce, which was finalized on October 9, 1973. In addition to receiving $725,000, Priscilla also received spousal support, child support, 5% of Presley’s new publishing company, and the proceeds from the sale of their Beverly Hills home.
Following her divorce in 1973, Priscilla had far too many love relationships. She began living with her boyfriend, Mike Stone, immediately after her divorce. However, the romance did not last long. Because she again fell in love with Mike Edwards, a model and actor.
The Career of Priscilla Persley
Immediately after her divorce from Presely in 1973, she began her career as a proprietor. She started a boutique along with her designer friend and stylist Olivia Bis. However, the name of her boutique was Bis& Beau.
She took the risk of turning Graceland into a tourist destination, and it paid off handsomely. The estate was opened to the public on June 7, 1982, as part of Elvis Presley Enterprises, of which she was president. Under her leadership, the business expanded to become a multimillion-dollar trust.
Priscilla Persley began selling her own fragrances in 1988. She quickly followed it up with her own line of linens. She also produced a few movies in the meantime, including “Breakfast with Einstein” and “Finding Graceland.” However, she was added to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer board of directors in 2000.
Her first appearance in front of the camera was for the 1980 television show ‘Those Amazing Animals.’ She was the show’s co-host.
She appeared as a special guest in the 1990’s on the television shows Melrose Palace,’ ‘Touched by an Angel,’ and ‘Spin City.’ She also participated in the “Dancing with the Stars” competition.
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