Riley Keough has taken legal action against the sale of her late grandfather Elvis Presley’s Graceland home, claiming it is being sold fraudulently. The sale of the Memphis estate was halted by a temporary restraining order just days before a scheduled foreclosure auction. The decision to sell the property stemmed from Lisa Marie Presley’s failure to repay a $3.8 million loan taken out in 2018, before her death. However, Keough argues that her mother never took out the loan with Naussany Investments and never signed a deed of trust with the lending company.
According to a lawsuit filed by Keough, Lisa Marie never borrowed money from Naussany Investments or gave them a deed of trust, alleging that the documents presented are fraudulent. She also claims that there are indications that the documents may be forgeries and that the notary mentioned in the deed never met Lisa Marie Presley or notarized any documents for her. An injunction hearing has been set for the case, where further details are expected to be presented to challenge the authenticity of the loan documents.
Upon Lisa Marie Presley’s death in January 2023, Riley Keough became the sole trustee of Graceland, inheriting the estate after legal battles with her grandmother, Priscilla Presley. The validity of Lisa’s will was questioned by Priscilla, leading to negotiations that resulted in Keough agreeing to pay over $1 million to Priscilla and cover $400,000 in legal fees. Despite the challenges, Keough now oversees the management of the Graceland property after the death of her mother.
Graceland has significant historical and personal importance as it is not only the former residence of Elvis Presley but also the final resting place of Elvis, Lisa Marie, and her son, Benjamin Keough. Additionally, Elvis’s parents, Vernon, and Gladys Presley, are also buried at the estate, making it a familial burial ground. Priscilla Presley, upon her death, is also expected to be buried next to Elvis at Graceland, fulfilling a longstanding request that initially faced denial. The estate holds sentimental value for the Presley family, and Keough is now responsible for maintaining its legacy.
The legal battle surrounding the ownership and sale of Graceland has drawn attention to the complexities of managing the estate of a cultural icon like Elvis Presley. With Riley Keough at the helm, there is a renewed focus on protecting the legacy and integrity of Graceland, ensuring that it remains a symbol of Elvis’s impact on music and popular culture. The legal proceedings surrounding the foreclosure and sale of the property underscore the challenges faced by heirs and trustees in preserving the heritage of prominent figures long after their passing, highlighting the need for transparency and authenticity in estate management.
As the legal dispute continues to unfold and the authenticity of the loan documents is brought into question, Riley Keough’s efforts to safeguard Graceland’s legacy reflect her commitment to upholding her grandfather’s memory and preserving his iconic home. The legal actions taken against the sale of the property demonstrate the importance of integrity and accuracy in estate transactions involving high-profile assets like Elvis Presley’s former residence. With a focus on honoring the wishes of her family members and maintaining the historical significance of Graceland, Keough remains steadfast in her dedication to protecting and preserving the iconic estate for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
