Priscilla Presley ‘emotional’ at launch of Elvis exhibition in Bendigo

Priscilla Presley says sharing the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition with an Australian audience in Bendigo is a “dream come true”, but reveals why it made her teary.

Priscilla Presley has become emotional and teary while looking through the Elvis: Direct From Graceland exhibition in Bendigo.

Priscilla, who was married to Elvis from 1967 to 1973, and oversees his empire, including his Graceland home, was the special guest of honour at the exhibition opening at the Bendigo Art Gallery on Friday.

“I got a little teary-eyed,” Priscilla said, of sharing the exhibition with Australian audiences. “To be able to share (the exhibition) and (for Elvis to be remembered) is a dream come true.

“This is very sentimental to me. It’s very difficult, even when I go back to Graceland. There are so many things there that touch me and do I get emotional.”

Elvis: Direct From Graceland features 300 authentic artefacts owned by Elvis Presley, direct from his Graceland home.

Priscilla Presley at the Elvis exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery. Picture: Rob Leeson

Priscilla says Elvis found peace and solitude at Graceland. Picture Rob Leeson

The rarely seen items include costumes from the famous 1968 comeback special, his jumpsuits. Picture: Rob Leeson

The rarely seen items include his military uniforms, a customised Harley-Davidson, costumes from the famous 1968 comeback special, his jumpsuits, Elvis’ wedding tuxedo and Priscilla’s wedding dress.

Priscilla said her wedding dress holds the most sentimental value for her.

She said Elvis knew he was popular worldwide, but feared being forgotten.

“There was small part of him that questioned himself: ‘How long will this last?’

She also explained Elvis’ reason for wearing flashy jumpsuits, accessories and jewellery during his so-called Las Vegas era.

“He wanted to face his audience; he wanted to give them something to take home, not personally, but in the show,” Priscilla said.

She criticised commentary that made fun of Elvis’s jumpsuit period, and compared him to Liberace.

But Priscilla said Elvis found peace and solitude at Graceland.

“That was our world. That was a sacred place for him … where he had fun, ride his horses, and hung out with the guys. We shut ourselves out of the world,” she said.