If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you might have seen those annoying, clickbaity headlines that hint at "tragic news" for the Presley family. It's enough to make anyone panic-search. But let’s clear the air immediately: Priscilla Presley is very much alive.
Honestly, she’s doing a lot more than just "getting by." As of January 2026, the woman who famously captured the heart of the King of Rock and Roll is still a major force in the entertainment world. She isn't just sitting back in a rocking chair at Graceland. She’s touring, writing, and fiercely protecting her family's massive legacy.
The Numbers: How Old Is Priscilla Presley?
People are always shocked by her age because she has maintained such a specific, polished look for decades. Priscilla was born on May 24, 1945. This means that right now, in early 2026, Priscilla Presley is 80 years old.
She’ll be hitting her 81st birthday this coming May.
It’s wild to think about the timeline. She met Elvis in 1959 when she was just 14 years old. They married in 1967, and even though they divorced in 1973, she has spent the last 50-plus years as the primary gatekeeper of everything Elvis. That is a long time to live in such a bright, sometimes harsh, spotlight.
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Is Priscilla Presley Still Alive and Active?
Yes. In fact, her 2026 schedule looks busier than most people half her age.
She is currently promoting her latest book, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis. It’s a follow-up of sorts to her 1985 classic Elvis and Me, but it digs deeper into the years after their divorce and the heartbreaking losses she’s faced recently. If you're looking for her this February, she’s actually scheduled for a live speaking engagement, "An Evening with Priscilla Presley," at the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs. She’s also been spotted doing Q&As across the globe, from London to Sydney.
It’s not all glitz and red carpets, though. The last few years have been incredibly heavy for her.
- She lost her only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023.
- She had to navigate a very public, and somewhat messy, legal back-and-forth with her granddaughter Riley Keough over the family trust.
- She’s been dealing with the "EPiC" film premiere—Baz Luhrmann’s latest project involving unseen Elvis footage—which launched just this month.
The legal drama with Riley Keough was particularly tough for fans to watch. But, according to most sources close to the family, they’ve settled things. Riley is now the sole trustee of Promenade Trust, and Priscilla remains a special advisor. They were even seen together (digitally, at least) when Riley posted a "HBD Queen" tribute for Priscilla’s 80th birthday last year.
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Why People Keep Asking About Her Health
Let’s be real: when a celebrity hits 80, the "death hoaxes" start flying. There’s also the fact that Priscilla has been very open about her grief. On January 12, 2026—the third anniversary of Lisa Marie’s passing—Priscilla posted a gut-wrenching tribute on Instagram, saying, "It has been three years since I last heard your voice."
When people see "tribute" and "Presley" in a headline, they often jump to the worst conclusion.
There have also been rumors about her health for years, specifically regarding her skin and past cosmetic procedures. Priscilla was famously a victim of a fraudulent doctor (Daniel Serrano) in the early 2000s who injected industrial-grade silicone into her face. She’s had to have several corrective surgeries since then. While this has changed her appearance over the years, it hasn’t stopped her from being a visible, active public figure.
The Legacy in 2026
Priscilla Presley is arguably the most famous "ex-wife" in history, but she’s also a shrewd businesswoman. She was the one who turned Graceland into a tourist destination back in the 80s when the estate was nearly bankrupt.
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Today, she’s still defending that turf. Even earlier this month, she was absent from the official Elvis birthday celebrations at Graceland, but she sent her support via social media. She’s focused on the "long game"—making sure that when people think of Elvis, they think of the man she knew, not just the caricature.
What’s Next for Priscilla?
If you want to keep up with her, the best way is through her official social media or her live tour dates. She’s proving that 80 is just a number, even when you’re carrying the weight of a legendary (and often tragic) family history.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Tour Dates: If you're in California or the Northeast, she has several "Intimate Evening" dates booked through the spring of 2026.
- Read the New Memoir: Softly, As I Leave You provides the most current look at her mental state and her relationship with her grandchildren.
- Verify the Sources: Before clicking on those "RIP Priscilla" links, check her official Instagram. She’s very active there and usually posts within days of any major rumor.
Priscilla has outlived the King by nearly 50 years. She’s seen the rise and fall of the family empire, and in 2026, she’s still standing as the last direct link to that era of rock history.