7 Shocking Secrets Of Elvis Presley's Graveyard: Who Was Just Buried Next To The King In 2025?
The final resting place of Elvis Presley is one of the most visited gravesites in the world, drawing millions of fans to Graceland’s serene Meditation Garden in Memphis, Tennessee. As of 2025, the site remains a profound memorial, but its history is marked by tragedy, a shocking crime attempt, and, most recently, the heartbreaking addition of new family members, which has renewed global interest in the King’s legacy and his family’s story.
The story of the Elvis Presley graveyard is not just about a simple burial; it is a complex tale of security, devotion, and the enduring power of the Presley family name. This article explores the seven most compelling facts about the gravesite, detailing the original burial, the dramatic relocation, and the complete list of family members now interred on the hallowed grounds of Graceland.
The King of Rock and Roll: Elvis Presley's Complete Biography Profile
Elvis Aaron Presley remains one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, universally known as "The King of Rock and Roll." His life was a whirlwind of music, film, and unparalleled fame that continues to influence artists today.
- Full Name: Elvis Aaron Presley (originally Aron)
- Born: January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi
- Died: August 16, 1977, in Memphis, Tennessee (Age 42)
- Parents: Vernon Elvis Presley (Father) and Gladys Love Presley (Mother)
- Twin Sibling: Jesse Garon Presley (Stillborn twin brother)
- Spouse: Priscilla Beaulieu (Married 1967; Divorced 1973)
- Child: Lisa Marie Presley
- Occupation: Singer, Musician, Actor
- Nickname: The King, Elvis the Pelvis
- Residence at Death: Graceland Mansion, Memphis, Tennessee
The Shocking Reason Elvis's Body Was Moved from Its Original Burial Site
One of the most compelling and little-known facts about the Elvis Presley graveyard is that Graceland was not his original final resting place. The dramatic circumstances surrounding his initial burial and subsequent relocation highlight the intense public reaction to his death and the need for extraordinary security measures.
1. The Original Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery
Following his death on August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley was initially interred two days later at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. He was buried alongside his beloved mother, Gladys Presley, who had passed away in 1958.
2. The Attempted Body Theft That Forced a Relocation
Just weeks after his burial, a shocking attempt was made to steal Elvis's body from the Forest Hill Cemetery. The security risk was deemed too great, and the family, including his father Vernon Presley, decided that the only way to ensure The King's peace and safety was to move the remains to a more secure location.
3. The Permanent Resting Place: Graceland's Meditation Garden
In October 1977, Elvis and Gladys's remains were exhumed and secretly moved to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. This move transformed Elvis’s private home into a permanent family compound and a public pilgrimage site. The Meditation Garden, located just east of the main mansion, is now protected by the entire Graceland complex and its extensive security, ensuring the family's eternal peace.
The Complete List of Family Members Buried at Graceland
The Meditation Garden is not just the grave of Elvis Presley; it is a true family plot. It serves as the final resting place for multiple generations of the Presley family, a tradition that tragically continued recently with the burial of his only child, Lisa Marie Presley. Currently, six members of the Presley family are interred in the garden.
4. The Foundation: Elvis, Gladys, and Vernon Presley
The core of the family plot consists of Elvis and his parents:
- Elvis Aaron Presley: The King of Rock and Roll.
- Gladys Love Presley (1912–1958): Elvis's mother, who was the most important person in his life. Her remains were moved from Forest Hill Cemetery with Elvis's.
- Vernon Elvis Presley (1916–1979): Elvis's father, who passed away two years after his son. He was interred in the Meditation Garden upon his death.
5. The Matriarch: Minnie Mae Presley
Also buried in the garden is Minnie Mae Hood Presley (1899–1980), Elvis's paternal grandmother. Affectionately known as "Grandma Dodger," she lived at Graceland until her death and was a significant figure in Elvis's life.
6. The Tragedy: Benjamin Keough and Lisa Marie Presley
The most recent additions to the family plot are the most poignant, representing the next generation of the Presley line:
- Benjamin Storm Keough (1992–2020): Elvis's only grandson, the son of Lisa Marie Presley. He was interred at Graceland after his passing in 2020.
- Lisa Marie Presley (1968–2023): Elvis's only child. Following her untimely death in January 2023, she was laid to rest in the Meditation Garden next to her son, Benjamin. This recent burial solidified Graceland as the sacred family burial ground for the entire lineage.
7. Visiting Elvis Presley's Grave: What You Need to Know
The ability for fans to pay their respects to Elvis Presley and his family is a cornerstone of the Graceland experience. The Meditation Garden is included as the final stop on all Graceland mansion tours, allowing millions of fans to visit the gravesite every year.
The graves are marked by simple, elegant bronze plaques set into the ground, except for Elvis's, which is a larger monument. Fans often leave flowers, letters, and small tributes daily on the graves, a tradition that has continued uninterrupted since the relocation in 1977.
Graceland Tour and Access Details
The Meditation Garden is typically accessible during the regular operating hours of Graceland Mansion, which are generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week, though hours can vary seasonally.
For those who wish to visit the gravesite without taking the full paid mansion tour, Graceland has historically offered a limited free-of-charge "Walk-Up" service to the Meditation Garden during the early morning hours, before the official tours begin. This tradition allows fans to approach the graves in quiet reverence. However, visitors should always check the official Graceland website for the most current schedule and access policies, as they are subject to change.
The atmosphere in the Meditation Garden is deliberately tranquil and reflective. It is a place of profound silence, offering a stark contrast to the glitz of the mansion and the museum exhibits. For many, standing at the graves of Elvis and his immediate family—especially the recently added Lisa Marie and Benjamin—is the most emotional and powerful part of the entire Graceland experience, connecting them directly to the human story behind the legend.
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