Introduction
The Sacred Space: Unveiling the Intimacy of Graceland’s Upstairs
Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley, remains an enduring symbol of rock-and-roll majesty, yet its second floor—the area housing Elvis’s bedroom and private office—has been famously kept off-limits to the public since his death. This sacred space is where the King lived, read, and spent his final hours, and its secrets are primarily held by his descendants. Through the reflections of his daughter, Lisa Marie, and his granddaughter, Riley Keough, we gain intimate glimpses into this private world, revealing a place of deep connection and surprisingly flamboyant taste.
Riley Keough, who continues to champion the Presley legacy, fondly recalled using the mansion for private family moments. She noted that the family would wait for the public tours to finish before having their own private, closed-down dinners, often around Christmas time. This tradition speaks to the family’s efforts to keep Graceland a home, not just a museum.
Lisa Marie’s memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, co-authored by Riley, provides the most detailed account yet. Lisa Marie, who lived upstairs until she was nine, described Elvis not just as a parent but as a divine figure, commencing her book with the powerful quote: “I felt my father could change the weather. He was a God to me, a chosen human being.” She also revealed the intellectual side of Elvis, whose connecting office and bedside tables were constantly stacked with religious books and Bibles, reflecting his lifelong, intense spiritual search.
The physical appearance of Elvis’s private sanctuary was a stark contrast to the mansion’s more subdued main floor. Lisa Marie confirmed her father’s bedroom was “showy,” decorated dramatically in his favorite colors: red, black, and gold. Every detail was custom-made, from the oversized 8×8-foot bed to the custom 12-foot headboard covered in black lacquer and white faux leather. The bed featured corduroy bedspreads with his initials stitched in using trapunto quilting. Perhaps the most unusual feature was the two heavy televisions installed directly into the ceiling, allowing him to watch TV while lying down—a design choice that, given the weight of 1970s consoles, was surprisingly precarious.
Although few photos exist—mostly thanks to Linda Thompson’s friend, Jeanie Lame, who documented the famous red, black, and gold redecorations—they serve as invaluable records. Today, Riley’s commitment to her grandfather’s heritage is clear; she champions the memoir, wears jewelry symbolizing three generations of Presleys, and named her daughter Tupelo, after Elvis’s birthplace, a child Lisa Marie called “our little light.” While the public cannot ascend the stairs, the enduring fascination has led to a popular replica of the iconic bedroom at the Guest House at Graceland hotel, ensuring the magic of this legendary, private space lives on.