Priscilla Presley Opens Up About What 'Freed' Her from Being Known as Just Elvis Presley's Wife

Mar. 15, 2025

Priscilla Presley attends The Humane Society of The United States to the Rescue! Los Angeles Gala 2019 at Paramount Studios on May 04, 2019 in Hollywood, California.Photo:Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic

Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic

Priscilla Presleymanaged to carve out an identity of her own separate from her famous ex-husband, rock legendElvis Presley— and she’s now reflecting on the projects she believes have contributed to that.

During a solo panel atRhode Island Comic Conon Friday, Nov. 1, the actress and businesswoman opened up about various aspects of her life, including her late former husband Elvis. Amid the Q+A portion of the session, a fan had asked Priscilla about the many projects she went on to do following her divorce from the “Jailhouse Rock” crooner, which one she felt best represented herself “as Priscilla rather than Elvis’s ex.”

“I think the movies that I’ve done. I think of just, basically, it was my choice,” Priscilla, 79, said before referencing specific projects. “The movies I loved and, I mean,Naked Guns. Being onDallaswas great.”

“That really freed me a bit of being my own person,” she added.

Priscilla’s career as an actress led to her playing Jane Spencer in theNaked Gunfilm trilogy and Jenna Wade inDallas. She also had roles in major projects likeMelrose Place,Spin CityandAgent Elvis.

Outside of acting, she is the co-founder and former chairperson of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Priscilla Presley attends a photocall for the movie “Priscilla” at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 04, 2023 in Venice, Italy.Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImage

Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImage

Elsewhere during the panel, Priscilla spoke to the legacy her former spouse — who died on August 16, 1977, at age 42 — built throughout his own career, even sharing her thoughts on her favorite era of his music.

Also, on the topic of people covering Elvis' music, Priscilla said: “I don’t mind it.”

Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley on their wedding day on May 1, 1967.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty

“It’s certainly not Elvis, but I think it’s keeping his name out there with the younger people, and I know a lot of people who have taken their kids to see the cover, the, what do you call it? Impersonators. And these little kids are loving it,” she added. “At first, I didn’t like it. Then, I was seeing what’s happening with these kids, young kids who are dressed like Elvis. Five-year-olds. I’m thinking it’s keeping him in the picture, alive, and so, I don’t mind it.”

Priscilla met the King of Rock & Roll when she was 14 years old while he was 24. However, they didn’t go on to wed until May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas when she was 21.

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They welcomed one child together, daughterLisa Marie Presley, in February 1968 before their 1973 divorce. Lisadiedin January 2023 at age 54. (Priscilla also shares sonNavarone Garibaldiwith ex Marco Garibaldi.

source: people.com