Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley, is more than just a mansion; it's a memorial that invites fans and historians alike to delve into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Did you know that Graceland is also the burial site of Elvis and several of his family members?
Naturally, here comes the next question: who is buried at Graceland?
Trust & Will will uncover who of the King's family were laid to rest at Graceland, a somber yet historically significant aspect of visiting his estate. We will also explore the impact these burials have had on the Presley family legacy.
Who Is Buried at Graceland?
Graceland is the former home of Elvis Presley that sits on 200,000 square feet of land in Memphis, Tennessee. After his death, Graceland was converted into an "entertainment complex" featuring attractions for fans and superfans of the King alike.
Gracelend hosts over 600,000 annual visitors. Along with tours of the mansion and other features, visitors often make a stop at Meditation Garden to pay their respects. This is the final resting place of Elvis and his closest relatives. This serene corner of Graceland serves as a poignant reminder of the history behind Elvis's public persona, inviting contemplation and remembrance.
Here are the members of the Presley family who are enshrined at Graceland:
Elvis Presley
Gladys Presley
Vernon Presley
Minnie Mae Presley
Benjamin Presley
Lisa Marie Presley
In the following sections, we will expand upon each family member, their relationship with Elvis, and their significance within the Meditation Garden.
Elvis Presley
It's no surprise that Elvis Presley, often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," is the most celebrated figure buried at Meditation Garden. His resting place is marked by a distinctive gravestone that is frequently adorned with flowers and mementos left by the fans who visit Graceland each year. The grave is a site of pilgrimage for music lovers from around the globe, serving as evidence of Elvis's impact on music and popular culture long decades after his passing.
Here's an interesting fact to tuck away for your next Elvis-themed Trivia night: the King was originally entombed at Forest Hill Home & Memorial Park, but he had to be buried at Graceland due to an immense influx of fans and subsequent public safety concerns.
His body was moved to the Meditation Garden, a space designed by Bernard Grenadier. What was once a place of reflection for Elvis, the garden is now a solemn and sacred spot that allows visitors to pay their respects to the icon.
Surrounding the central figure of the garden, Elvis's gravestone, are the graves of several family members. This can be perceived as a representation of the familial bonds that were important to Elvis. The layout of the garden and the final resting places were arranged with thoughtful intention, providing a semblance of togetherness for the Presley family in death as in life.
At the head of his tombstone an eternal flame remains lit, symbolizing the perpetual flame of his influence that continues to burn in the hearts of his admirers. Also accompanying his burial site is an epitaph that captures the love and loss felt by those who loved him. Meditation Garden also features a bronze plaque that lists some of Elvis's significant achievements, reminding visitors of the monumental impact of his relatively short time on earth. The garden remains one of the most visited gravesites in the United States, a clear indicator of Elvis Presley's long-lasting legacy.
Gladys Presley
Gladys Presley, Elvis Presley's mother and longtime resident of Graceland, was laid to rest at Meditation Garden after she passed away at the age of 46. Her burial site is next to Elvis'. Many interpret this as a testament to their strong bond and tremendous influence she had on his life.
Gladys's death in 1958 was a defining moment for Elvis, marking one of his most profound personal losses. Visitors often leave flowers and tributes at her grave, a gesture that indicates the shared affection felt within the Elvis community for the Presley matriarch.
Adjacent to her grave, a headstone marks the area where Gladys rests. It is modest in comparison to her son's memorial, making it a symbol of the humility and grounded nature she is often remembered for.
Vernon Presley
Vernon Presley, Elvis' father, was laid to rest in the Garden in 1979 at the age of 63, not far from his son and wife. His burial site is marked with a simple yet dignified marker that quietly speaks to the humility and resilience he was known for throughout his life. Vernon played an important role in the management of Elvis's career, especially after the passing of Gladys, and his steadying presence was a significant factor behind the King of Rock and Roll's world-renowned success.
Minnie Mae Presley
Elvis reportedly had "inordinate affection" for his grandmother Minnie Mae Presley. Affectionately known as "Dodger" within the family, Grandma Presley was also laid to rest in the Meditation Garden at Graceland. Her final resting place is yet another testament to the close-knit family dynamics of the Presleys. Minnie Mae was emblematic of Southern matriarchy — strong, supportive, and a source of comfort and stability that Elvis leaned on immensely in his formative years.
Benjamin Keough
Benjamin Keough, Elvis Presley's grandson, is also buried at Meditation Garden. Benjamin's story is one that ended in tragedy.
Born to a world of fame and luxury, Benjamin was no stranger to tabloids and headlines. He was known to have an uncanny resemblance to his grandfather, and was adored by his mother Lisa Marie, Elvis' only daughter.
In his teenage years and into young adulthood, Benjamin struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. He had a $5 million record deal with Universal Music Group that sadly never came to life. He fought a long battle with depression and substance abuse, thought to be rooted in the pressures brought about by living in his grandfather's constant shadow. Some fans and historians also believe that an unstable childhood contributed to his struggles.
On July 12, 2020, Benjamin took his own life at the young age of 27.
Benjamin was brought to rest alongside his predecessors at Graceland, and serves as a somber reminder that wealth and the limelight do not equate to happiness.
Lisa Marie Presley
The King of Rock 'n' Roll was known for his grandiose life and the tight-knit dynamics of his family members. It is an interesting juxtaposition that he should have only one daughter, who was Lisa Marie.
She was well-loved by the public, not only for her famed lineage but also for own artistic endeavors. Her death in January 2023 shocked the world. She was just 54 years old, and her autopsy report revealed that she passed away due to complications resulting from bariatric surgery, a weight loss procedure.
Lisa Marie's Instagram bio reads, "Lisa Marie Presley is at heart a simple Southern girl. Singer, Songwriter, Philanthropist, Mother and Daughter of ‘the King’." It also provides a link to a People article with the headline, "Lisa Marie Presley Said She Was 'Destroyed' by Son Benjamin's Death but Kept 'Going for My Girls'." It is very much frozen in time, a haunting and somber portrayal of the end of Lisa Marie's timeline.
One could say that Lisa Marie was reunited with her beloved son Benjamin, along with her father whom she adored at Graceland, her childhood home.
Where is Graceland?
Graceland is located in Memphis, Tennessee, recognized as a beacon of music history in the U.S. Set on a 13.8-acre estate, the mansion was purchased by Elvis in 1957 and rapidly became an iconic symbol of the legend's life and career. It stands as a museum and memorial, drawing fans from across the world to pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll and several of his loved ones.
Commonly Asked Questions About Elvis and the Graceland Burials
The Graceland burials hold a deep significance not just for the Presley family, but for fans who feel a strong connection to Elvis and his legacy. Below you'll find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Elvis Presley's burial site and the other family members who are honored alongside him.
Where is Elvis buried?
Elvis is buried at Graceland in the Meditation Garden, a peaceful area he was known to visit often for reflection. The garden is the final resting place for Elvis and several members of his family, including his parents, grandmother, daughter, and grandson. Visitors are welcomed to pay their respects as part of the Graceland tour, an experience cherished by fans worldwide.
Is Elvis actually buried at Graceland?
Yes, Elvis Presley is indeed buried at Graceland. Initially, he was interred in a mausoleum at Forest Hill Cemetery. However, after an attempt to steal his body, his remains were moved to Graceland. Since then, Graceland has been the final resting place for Elvis, allowing fans to honor his memory at the home he loved so much.
Can you visit Elvis Presley's grave?
Yes, you can pay your respects to Elvis Presley. His grave is located at Meditation Garden at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, and you can even visit for free during certain times of the day.
Who is buried next to Elvis?
Adjacent to Elvis in the Meditation Garden rest the graves of his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, as well as his grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley. Additionally, his grandson, Benjamin Keough, who passed away in 2020, and daughter, Lisa Marie who passed away in 2023, are also memorialized alongside Presleys.
Where is the original burial of Elvis Presley?
Elvis Presley's original burial place was at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was laid to rest alongside his mother, Gladys. After security concerns arose, including an attempted theft of his remains, both Elvis and his mother were reinterred at Graceland, which has been his final resting place ever since.
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Who is buried at Graceland?
We hope that if you've made it this far, that we've answered your burning question. Elvis Presley and several of his family members are buried at Graceland. More specifically, they were laid to rest in Meditation Garden, a place that the King utilized often for quiet reflection during his lifetime.
What may have surprised you is that Elvis and his mother Gladys were originally buried elsewhere, but were moved back home to Graceland as a result of public safety concerns. Keep this information in your back pocket for an interesting conversation starter.
Fans who wish to pay their respects to Elvis and his family members can do so by paying a visit to Graceland. There are certain hours where you can enter and visit the Meditation Garden for free.
If the conversation around Elvis and his family's burial site evoked any type of emotion from you, it could be what inspires you to take charge of your own estate planning. An estate plan will allow you to ensure that your wishes are respected, including those about your final resting place. Further, having your wishes laid out will spare your loved ones from the burden of making difficult decisions during an emotional time. To help you start the process, take our quiz to get matched with the estate plan that meets your needs at Trust & Will. You'll also find comprehensive resources and guidance to create an estate plan that clearly outlines your wishes, including other essential end-of-life considerations.
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