Priscilla Presley is making headlines once again as she addresses the ongoing speculation regarding her relationship with her granddaughter, Riley Keough. Following the passing of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023, rumors surfaced suggesting a feud between Priscilla and Riley. In a recent interview, Priscilla set the record straight, emphasizing that the rift was largely exaggerated and focusing instead on the real conflict at hand—a legal matter involving business partners.
Priscilla stated, “Riley and I have never had a problem.” Her comments come in response to a $50 million lawsuit brought by Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, who claim that Priscilla acted unethically in her role related to Lisa Marie’s estate. They allege that Priscilla was trying to manipulate circumstances surrounding Lisa Marie’s mortality to regain control over Elvis Presley’s estate, leading to accusations of fraud and breach of contract. The lawsuit claims there was tension between Priscilla and Keough during this turbulent time; however, Priscilla reassured the public that her relationship with Riley remains strong and supportive.
In the face of these challenges, Priscilla reflected positively on her bond with Keough, stating, “We’re very close.” She took a moment to express joy over her role as a great-grandmother, celebrating Riley’s two children with husband Ben Smith-Petersen. “I love her babies,” Priscilla added, indicating her happiness for Riley and her family.
The rumors of strife between Priscilla and Riley appear to have escalated after Keough filed a petition concerning the legitimacy of her mother’s will, which named Riley as a primary beneficiary. While the specifics of their legal arrangements have remained mostly private, it has been reported that the two reached an undisclosed settlement, allowing Riley to assume the role of executor of her mother’s estate—a position Priscilla affirmed was appropriate.
Notably, Riley allegedly agreed to provide her grandmother with $1 million, as well as cover $400,000 in legal fees, to assure her status as the sole beneficiary of the estate, including iconic assets like Graceland and interests tied to Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Compounding these tensions, an emotional letter from Riley surfaced as part of the court proceedings, revealing her distress over the swiftness of the posthumous actions surrounding Lisa Marie’s estate. In the letter, Keough articulated her heartache over receiving calls regarding the will less than 24 hours after her mother’s passing, highlighting that she had been striving to mend the family’s broken relationships for years.
In response to the accusations arising from the legal dispute, Priscilla and Riley joined forces to convey a united front, stating, “Our family is, and always has been, united in love and respect for one another.” The duo expressed their commitment to honoring Lisa Marie’s memory while protecting Elvis’s legacy against “outside voices.” This joint statement was designed to quash rumors of familial discord and reaffirm their bond.
Despite the complexities of their family dynamics, both women appear to be focused on maintaining a supportive relationship amid the pressures of legal challenges. Priscilla indicated that family unity remains paramount, emphasizing her desire to live a fulfilling life while supporting her granddaughter and great-grandchildren.
While the road ahead may involve legal struggles, the assertion from both Priscilla and Riley conveys a message of love and solidarity, separating personal feelings from the tumultuous business affairs that have emerged since Lisa Marie’s death. This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families dealing with loss while navigating the often-treacherous waters of inheritance and legacies.
Overall, Priscilla Presley’s clarification sheds light not only on her commitment to family but also on the resilience needed to face public scrutiny and legal battles. By expressing openness and warmth towards her granddaughter, she underscores the importance of family bonds in a time of sorrow, proving that together they can weather the storms that come their way. As the story continues to evolve, many fans and observers look forward to seeing how this family navigates its shared legacy while embracing its past and the future together.
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