Introduction
The Untold Stories Behind the Closed Doors of Graceland’s Mysterious Upstairs
Graceland, the iconic Memphis mansion of Elvis Presley, has been open to the public since 1982—but one part of it remains shrouded in mystery: the second floor. Preserved just as it was the day Elvis died in 1977, the upstairs quarters are strictly off-limits. Revered as sacred by the Presley family, this hidden level holds not just Elvis’s private bedroom and office, but also a treasure trove of personal history involving those closest to him.
While many fans know Lisa Marie Presley was raised there, few realize how deeply interwoven the lives of Elvis’s family members were with this secluded space. From the moment Elvis bought Graceland in 1957, it became a family sanctuary. His parents, Vernon and Gladys, occupied the master suite on the main floor. Upstairs, his paternal grandmother Minnie Mae Presley—affectionately called “Dodger”—was given her own bedroom, painted blue like many others in the mansion.
Dodger was a central figure in Elvis’s life, especially after the death of his mother. She followed Elvis and Vernon to Germany during his Army service, running the household and comforting him through grief and fame alike. After her passing in 1980, she was laid to rest beside Elvis and Vernon in Graceland’s Meditation Garden.
Priscilla Presley, Elvis’s longtime love and Lisa Marie’s mother, also lived upstairs after moving in at just 17. Over the years, Elvis hosted a steady stream of close friends and romantic partners in his private upstairs retreat. He customized nearly every room—adding a padded-walled office with a futuristic RCA desk, and a walk-in wardrobe with his signature flashy outfits.
Following their divorce, Priscilla and Elvis shared custody of Lisa Marie, who continued to stay in her upstairs bedroom during visits. One of the rooms was even converted into a nursery when she was born.
The final resident of Graceland was Aunt Delta, who lived there until her passing in 1993. Her presence kept the kitchen off-limits to guests until 1995.
The upstairs of Graceland remains one of the last untouched legacies of Elvis Presley—silent, private, and filled with memories known only to those who lived there.