Priscilla Presley Charms Memphis Rotary Club at Keynote Speech
Memphis, a city known for its vibrant musical heritage and rich history, welcomed Priscilla Presley on Thursday as she took center stage at the Rotary Club convention held at the stunning Halloran Centre. The event was buzzing with excitement as members stood to give the iconic figure a warm standing ovation, celebrating her return to her roots along with her fascinating journey.
At 79 years young, Presley opened her heart to the audience. She reflected on her own past, sharing that, “At 14, I was shy and lonely.” Those feelings transformed when she met Elvis Presley, who was also shy. She described him as “the love of my life,” a person who would eventually become one of the most recognizable figures in the world. Her talk, lasting a little over 20 minutes, was a delightful journey through her life—not just as Elvis’s wife but also as a model, actress, and dedicated steward of the Elvis legacy.
Legacy, Love, and Livelihood
As she spoke, her passion for Graceland shone through. She opened the mansion to the public in 1982, just five years after Elvis’s passing. Presley noted that Graceland has transformed from a personal residence to the second most-visited home in America, right behind the White House. She excitedly recalled how Elvis considered it a tangible symbol of his journey from humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to living out his American dream. “Keeping it in the family was something Elvis would have loved,” she said, acknowledging her role in preserving his legacy.
Reflecting on the recent release of the much-talked-about memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown,” Priscilla expressed her feelings candidly. “To be honest, I haven’t read all of the book,” she admitted, but praised the portions she had encountered, saying, “I think it was done well.” Her granddaughter’s loss, Lisa Marie Presley, weighs heavily on her heart, and she expressed, “Her loss is very deep.”
Sharing Joy and Service
The atmosphere during her speech buzzed with camaraderie and lightheartedness. A key segment of her talk focused on the overlap between her personal beliefs and the Rotary’s mission of community service. “We need to use our God-given talents to make the world a better place,” she urged, connecting her former husband’s dedication to his craft with the Rotary’s focus on giving back. In her eyes, just like Elvis, one person can make significant changes in a community.
The Rotary Club of Memphis has a long-standing tradition of charitable service, and Priscilla’s presence only amplified this commitment. As part of the event, attendees enjoyed performances from local talents, including the delightful sounds of Kirk Whalum and Memphis Jones. It was a fitting tribute to a city whose musical roots run deep, and Presley’s involvement added a sprinkle of Hollywood magic.
A Personal Touch to Community and Memory
Presley didn’t shy away from sharing endearing moments from her life with Elvis. She spoke fondly of their youthful escapades, mentioning Libertyland, the amusement park where Elvis would rent out the entire place for all-night fun with friends. “I kept wanting to get off,” she laughed, reminiscing about endless rides on the Zippin Pippin roller coaster.
With joy in her heart, she stated, “I enjoy coming back to Memphis because I feel like this place is home to me.” It was clear that the city and its people hold a special place in her heart, as she thanked Rotarians for the continuous support and love they’ve shown over the years.
As the conference wrapped up, attendees left with a little more than just knowledge on strategic planning for leadership; they carried with them a renewed appreciation for community, legacy, and the incredible journey of a woman who has touched the lives of many. For Priscilla Presley, her commitment to Elvis and her love for Memphis shines brightly, still echoing through the heart of the city.
