The Bizarre Story Behind Elvis Presley’s Beloved Graceland Lions Revealed

The Bizarre Story Behind Elvis Presley’s Beloved Graceland Lions Revealed

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Can you imagine the legendary singer walking to your property and asking if he can buy some of your possession?

Graceland is well-known for its unique entryway adorned by two royal lions, which served as the former residence of the great artist Elvis Presley. However, few people know the fascinating story behind the lions, which involves a surprising purchase and a personal visit from the King himself.

elvis presley graceland

Even though Presley was already a rising star when he purchased Graceland in 1957, he was still seeking a more private home where he could withdraw from the spotlight. He spent $102,500 on the house and gardens, which were the ideal answer, and shortly after that, he moved in with his parents and grandmother.

But the renowned lions weren’t there when he bought the property. They were actually close by, in a property on Cherry Road, just a few streets from Presley’s previous residence on Audubon Drive. Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives and Exhibits at Graceland, claims that Presley frequently walked past the lions and admired them before making the decision to buy them.

“He asked the homeowner if he could buy their lions and have them moved to the front door of Graceland,” Marchese revealed, which was captured on camera and uploaded in a YouTube video entitled “Gates of Graceland – Hidden Graceland, Part 3 – Graceland Secrets.”

The purchase agreement, shown on a video tour of the estate, disclosed the amount Presley spent to buy and install the two imported lions from the Cherry Road house, which was $1,000.

elvis presley graceland property

The receipt reads, “Purchasing and installing two imported lions taken from a residence at 160 Cherry Road and delivered to the Presley residence per agreement.”

Even though they were large, the lions looked great in front of Graceland’s grand entryway and rapidly became one of the property’s most recognizable features. They were among the first things Presley bought when he acquired the property, according to Marchese, and they continue to be cherished reminders of his legacy.

The story of the lions is just one of the many fascinating stories of Elvis’ Graceland home’s history. As a result, it gives viewers hope to know that some of the house’s most recognizable characteristics have a rich past, much like the legendary singer who formerly lived there and once called it home.

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