Priscilla Presley’s impact on popular culture extends far beyond her relationship with Elvis Presley. She has established herself as a respected actress, successful businesswoman, and dedicated philanthropist. Her efforts to preserve Elvis’s legacy, alongside her own achievements, have cemented her place in cultural history.

In March 2025, Priscilla was awarded Tennessee’s highest civilian honor, the Colonel, Aide de Camp, at a ceremony held at the Tennessee State Capitol. The award recognizes her contributions to Memphis music tourism and her steadfast support for the relocation and expansion of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Notably, Elvis received the same honor in 1961.

Priscilla became a fan favorite portraying Jenna Wade on Dallas, one of the most successful primetime dramas of its time. During her five seasons on the series, she became one of its most beloved leading ladies. She went on to display her comedic talents in the box office hit The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, reprising her role in the sequels The Naked Gun 2½ and The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.

Beyond acting, Priscilla has proven to be a visionary businesswoman. In 1979, she was named co-executor of the Presley Estate and helped transform it from a modest operation into a globally recognized brand. Under her leadership, the estate expanded to include the world-famous Graceland Mansion, a robust licensing and merchandising program, music publishing ventures, and numerous television and video projects. She helped spearhead the 2005 partnership with Bob Sillerman and CKX Entertainment to expand the Graceland brand and later worked with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) to continue growing Elvis’s global legacy. Graceland is now one of the most visited private homes in America, thanks in large part to her stewardship.

Priscilla also oversaw the design of The Guest House at Graceland, a 450-room hotel that opened in 2016 as the largest Memphis hotel project in nearly a century. The hotel has become a major tourism draw and a key part of Memphis’s cultural and economic revival.

Her role as a steward of the Elvis legacy continues through her work as executive producer of two No. 1 Elvis albums (If I Can Dream and The Wonder of You) and the accompanying sold-out arena tour across the UK and Europe. 

Priscilla has also been involved in two notable film projects related to her life with Elvis Presley. She served as an executive producer for the award-winning film Elvis (2022), directed by Baz Luhrmann. The film Priscilla (2023), directed by Sofia Coppola, was an adaptation of Priscilla’s memoir Elvis and Me, which details her life with Elvis. She also was an Executive Producer on the Sony/Netflix animated series Agent King, fulfilling the dream of Elvis always wanting to be a federal secret agent.  

Her memoir, Softly As I Leave You recently debuted as a New York Times bestseller, further cementing Priscilla’s reputation as an accomplished author whose words continue to resonate deeply with readers around the world.