Introduction
📝 Article: The View from the Top: Riley Keough Reveals the Secrets to Upstairs Graceland
For decades, the second floor of Graceland has been locked away, a silent sanctuary preserved exactly as Elvis Presley left it on the day he died. It is the most sacred and mysterious space in rock and roll history. Now, Riley Keough, Elvis’s granddaughter and the current owner of the estate, is offering the world a rare, intimate look at the secrets held within those upstairs rooms.
Keough, who inherited the estate after the passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, has become the fiercely protective curator of her grandfather’s private world. She emphasizes that the decision to keep the upstairs permanently closed to the public is less about mystery and more about preserving its authenticity as a place of refuge for Elvis.
During rare interviews, Keough revealed that the upstairs is anything but the glittering monument the public sees below. It is a time capsule of the King’s final days:
The Bedroom: It remains untouched, with the original bedding and furniture. Keough describes the atmosphere as “incredibly heavy” and quiet, reflecting the intense privacy Elvis sought there.
The Office/Dressing Room: This space shows Elvis’s personal interests and routines. Keough has mentioned stacks of unread books, including spiritual and philosophical texts, and the original, mundane clutter of a man trying to find peace away from the spotlight.
The Bathroom: This is the most poignant room, preserved as the site where Elvis was found unresponsive. The family maintains it as a stark reminder of the tragedy and the absolute need to honor his final moments with silence.
Keough shared that she is dedicated to allowing only those closest to the family access. She occasionally visits the upstairs to “feel his presence,” describing it as a space that feels more like a lived-in home than a museum exhibit.
Riley Keough’s revelations confirm that the legendary secrecy surrounding Graceland’s second floor is ultimately a matter of respect. It serves as the final barrier between the public image of the King and the vulnerable man who just wanted to retreat. For Keough, guarding the upstairs is an act of love, ensuring that the King’s final private haven remains exactly that: his alone, forever.