The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Riley Keough named sole trustee of Lisa Marie Presley’s estate
Singer-songwriter died in January at the age of 54
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Actor Riley Keough has been named the sole trustee of Lisa Marie Presley’s estate.
Presley, Keough’s mother, died in January at the age of 54, from complications of weight loss surgery she had undergone years before.
According to court documents obtained by People magazine, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge officially approved a settlement that had been put forward by Ms Keough.
Ms Keough, 34, is the eldest grandchild of the late rock’n’roll icon Elvis Presley. She is best known for her roles in films such as American Honey, and TV series including The Girlfriend Experience and Daisy Jones & the Six.
Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis and mother of Lisa Marie, had been involved in a dispute with Ms Keough over the future of the estate.
The new ruling will also see Ms Keough take control of the sub-trusts for Finley and Harper Lockwood, her 14-year-old half-sisters from Lisa Marie’s marriage to guitarist Michael Lockwood.
Lisa Marie and Mr Lockwood were married between 2006 and 2021; previously, the singer-songwriter had been married to Nicolas Cage (2002 to 2004), Michael Jackson (1994 to 1996) and Danny Keough (1988 to 1994), Riley’s father.
In the court document, judge Lynn H Scaduto wrote: “The settlement is in the best interests of minors Harper Lockwood and Finley Lockwood, and confirms that Michael Lockwood’s signature on their behalf, as Guardian Ad Litem, is valid and binding.”
The judge’s approval comes after Ms Keough filed a 73-page petition, having reached an agreement between her, Ms Presley and Mr Lockwood over the future of the estate.
The famous Graceland estate in Memphis, Tenessee, formerly owned by Elvis until his death in 1977, will now belong to his granddaughter.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Reports suggest that the agreement reached will allow Ms Presley to remain involved with the trust as a special advisor.
Last month, Ms Keough shared a tribute to her late mother, as well as her brother, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide on 12 July 2020.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.