Priscilla Presley Steps Out Amid Tense Will Dispute with Riley Keough Over Lisa Marie’s Estate

In the wake of deeply personal and publicly scrutinized family turmoil, the iconic **Priscilla Presley**, former wife of the legendary **Elvis Presley**, was recently observed making public appearances that offered a glimpse into her current state. At 77 years old, Presley found herself navigating the spotlight on Friday, February 17, as she exited a luxurious hair salon in Beverly Hills. Her outing comes amidst widespread reports of a significant and heartbreaking dispute with her eldest granddaughter, **Riley Keough**, concerning the substantial estate and will of her late daughter, **Lisa Marie Presley**. The images, initially obtained by the Daily Mail, captured Priscilla, known for her timeless elegance, presumably having her signature dark red hair refreshed, a small act of normalcy amidst the immense pressure of family conflict and profound grief. Her appearance, serene yet telling, quickly became a focal point for fans and media alike, eager for any insight into the ongoing and delicate situation.

Priscilla’s day unfolded in two distinct segments, each reflecting a different facet of her life and responsibilities. Her first appearance saw her embracing a more casual, practical aesthetic. She was spotted enjoying a peaceful morning walk with her beloved canine companion through the picturesque and bustling neighborhood of Century City in Los Angeles, an area where she resides. For this relaxed outing, she opted for a comfortable yet stylish ensemble: black pants paired with a black sweater, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, offering a glimpse of her natural, off-duty demeanor. Eschewing formal footwear, she chose practical leather sneakers with crisp white soles, complemented by a cozy charcoal scarf and a sophisticated black wool coat, suitable for the mild L.A. winter. This low-key look provided a stark contrast to her later, more polished salon visit. Upon exiting the Beverly Hills salon, she had transitioned into a subtly more refined outfit, maintaining the monochrome elegance with black pants and a chic black sweater featuring an eye-catching asymmetrical button detail. Her accessories included a stylish leather purse and sleek almond-toe boots with a chunky heel, perfectly framing her freshly styled hair. These public sightings, while routine for a celebrity, took on added significance given the intensely personal and legal battles unfolding behind the scenes, casting a somber yet resilient shadow over her every move.

The Contested Legacy: Lisa Marie Presley’s Will and Graceland

The core of the emotional and legal rift between Priscilla and her granddaughter Riley lies squarely in the contested will of the late **Lisa Marie Presley**, who tragically passed away on January 12, 2023. Lisa Marie, the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, left behind a legacy that included the iconic **Graceland** estate, Elvis’s former home and a beloved tourist attraction, along with significant assets. While a 2010 version of Lisa Marie’s will reportedly designated her mother, Priscilla, and a former business manager as co-trustees, a crucial amendment made in 2016 altered this arrangement. This later version removed Priscilla and the business manager, instead naming Lisa Marie’s three daughters – Riley Keough, 33, and her 14-year-old twins, **Harper** and **Finley** – as the primary beneficiaries and trustees of her estate, including the revered Graceland mansion. Priscilla Presley, however, has formally contested the validity of this 2016 amendment, arguing that it was not properly executed and that she was not notified of the change as required. Her legal challenge seeks to reinstate the 2010 will, a move that places her in direct opposition to Riley Keough and has fueled intense media speculation and public discussion about the intricate dynamics within the Presley family. The outcome of this dispute will not only determine the future stewardship of Graceland but also profoundly impact the relationships and inheritance of Lisa Marie’s heirs, marking a deeply painful chapter following an already immense loss.

Graceland, more than just a property, represents the enduring heart of the Elvis Presley legacy. It is a cultural landmark, a museum, and a poignant symbol of the King of Rock and Roll’s life and career. Its ownership and management are therefore of immense sentimental, historical, and financial importance to the Presley family and millions of fans worldwide. Lisa Marie Presley herself held a deep personal connection to Graceland, having inherited it upon her father’s death and dedicating much of her life to its preservation and promotion. The legal challenge initiated by Priscilla highlights the complexities often involved in celebrity estates, where vast wealth, iconic properties, and deep emotional ties intersect. It underscores the profound responsibility associated with protecting such a significant legacy, prompting questions about family consensus, legal diligence, and the best interests of future generations. This highly public disagreement has regrettably cast a shadow over Lisa Marie’s memory, pulling the family into a legal battle while still grappling with the raw pain of her sudden and untimely passing.

The Emotional and Legal Landscape: A Family Divided

The ongoing trust dispute has undoubtedly plunged the Presley family into a period of profound emotional distress. A source close to the situation, speaking to Entertainment Tonight, candidly described the atmosphere as “a very tense and heartbreaking few weeks for both Riley and Priscilla.” For Riley Keough, the pain is multifaceted; she is not only grappling with the immense grief of losing her mother but is now also forced to navigate a challenging legal conflict with a beloved family member. This adds an unimaginable layer of stress to an already devastating period. The source elaborated on Riley’s emotional state, stating she is “heartbroken to have to deal with a trust dispute with a family member.” Meanwhile, Priscilla Presley remains steadfast in her position, reportedly “adamant that she has a valid case and that she will prevail in court.” This unwavering resolve underscores the deep convictions on both sides of the family regarding Lisa Marie’s final wishes and the rightful control of her estate. The source further confirmed the strained nature of their relationship, revealing that “Riley and Priscilla aren’t communicating at this time but have been in communication through lawyers.” This reliance on legal intermediaries highlights the severity of the disagreement and the emotional distance that has unfortunately emerged between grandmother and granddaughter during this sensitive time. It’s a stark reminder of how even the strongest family bonds can be tested under the pressures of grief, legacy, and significant financial matters.

The complexities of this situation extend beyond mere legal arguments; they touch upon the very fabric of family trust and the interpretation of a loved one’s final wishes. For Priscilla, challenging the amendment may stem from a desire to honor what she believes were Lisa Marie’s true intentions or to ensure what she perceives as the most stable and beneficial management of the estate for all involved, especially her younger granddaughters, Harper and Finley. Conversely, Riley’s position is likely rooted in respecting what she understands to be her mother’s most recent and explicit instructions. The public nature of this dispute only amplifies the pressure on both women, forcing them to contend with personal grief under the harsh glare of the media spotlight. Each public appearance, each legal filing, is scrutinized, adding layers of speculation and public opinion to an already fragile situation. The involvement of lawyers signifies a formalization of the dispute, suggesting that a quick, amicable resolution may be difficult to achieve without significant negotiation or judicial intervention. Ultimately, the hope remains that the family can find a path to healing and resolution, preserving the memory of Lisa Marie Presley and the incredible legacy of her father, Elvis, in a way that honors everyone involved.

Riley Keough’s Quiet Resilience Amidst the Storm

As the legal and emotional drama continues to unfold, **Riley Keough** has also made efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy in her life, despite the overwhelming circumstances. Shortly after reports of the family dispute surfaced, Riley was seen stepping out on Friday, February 17, for a grocery run at the upscale health food store Erewhon. She was accompanied by her husband, **Ben Smith-Petersen**, offering a quiet display of solidarity and support. The couple appeared casually dressed, embodying an air of understated resilience as they navigated the aisles. They were observed picking up various items, including a green juice for Riley, suggesting a focus on health and well-being amidst the stress. Their subdued demeanor spoke volumes about the weight they are carrying, yet their shared presence indicated strength and mutual reliance. After their shopping, the pair quietly headed back to the parking area, presumably returning to their private lives to process the ongoing family challenges away from the public eye. This low-key outing served as a poignant reminder that even in the midst of high-stakes legal battles and profound personal grief, individuals must continue to engage in everyday activities, finding solace and strength in routine and the unwavering support of loved ones. Riley’s appearance underscored her quiet determination to push through this difficult period, focusing on her own well-being and the stability of her family unit while navigating the profound legacy left by her mother, Lisa Marie Presley.

The shared moment between Riley and Ben highlighted the importance of partnership during times of crisis. Ben Smith-Petersen, an Australian stuntman and actor, has been a steadfast presence in Riley’s life, and his quiet support during this tumultuous period is undoubtedly invaluable. Their low-key approach to public outings reflects a desire for privacy and normalcy, a stark contrast to the high-profile nature of the Presley family’s legal battles. For Riley, who has had to contend with the sudden loss of her mother, this familial discord adds another layer of emotional complexity. Her resilience, evident in her continued engagement with daily life, speaks to her inner strength and determination to navigate these difficult waters. The broader implications of this family dispute for the future of the Presley estate and the public perception of the family remain significant. Yet, through these personal moments of quiet strength, Riley Keough continues to project a sense of grace and determination, a tribute to her own character and the enduring spirit of her lineage.