Lisa Marie – American Princess

I have spent too much time at Graceland to not be affected by the death of Lisa Marie Presley.  It’s not lost on me that any time that I’ve toured the house, I’ve been touring HER house.  She inherited that estate.  From what I’ve seen, the family would still use this property for private family functions, especially around the holidays.  Her mother’s involvement in the business helped to make it successful. And I am thankful to Lisa Marie for allowing this to be what has become a big part of my life.

Lisa Marie is a small but very significant player in this larger than life story of a man who’s impact on American culture is enormous.  He was reluctant to accept the title of King of Rock and Roll but influence on music and celebrity caused him to be treated as close to like royalty as what we see in America.  Lisa Marie is therefore an American Princess, daughter of royalty and adored by a legion of fans just because of her association to her famous father. Personal items from her childhood have been on display at Graceland for at least as long as I’ve been going to Graceland. Her crib and toys are on display like the crowned jewels of a princess. Her small record player looks similar to the one I listened to growing up.  Because she is six years younger than me, the 45 rpm records that are on display are for songs that I listened to and could have been the same as ones that I had at home.  Not only was she a princess, she was like my little sister in a lot of ways.

I was fortunate to see her at the Candlelight Vigil several times.  As she addressed the audience, she was grateful for the love of the fans. She also seemed a little uncomfortable with the situation of Elvis Week.  I don’t think she could really express what she thought of the whole affair even though she desired to be as honest as possible.  Wanting as much privacy as possible but also understanding that the love of the people she allowed to roam her family castle helped pay the bills.  They would be there regardless of what she said and did.  Like all good royalty, she accepted their attention with grace.

The life of princesses is always different. Always getting attention where normal people don’t. Closest relationships usually ending up with other royalty like Nicholas Cage and Michael Jackson.  Pressure and possible desire to follow in her father’s royal footsteps in entertainment.  Exposure to the negative influences present in that royal world that can take a toll on body and soul, potentially leading to a death many would consider too early.

Elvis had several nicknames for her.  He called her Yisa, Injun, Sweetcheeks, and Buttonhead. But I’m ready to declare her as our American Princess.