Elvis Presley’s Living Relatives: A Look at the King’s Kin

When Lisa Marie Presley, the sole child of Elvis Presley, passed away on January 12, 2023, at 54, her children became the only direct descendants of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Lisa Marie’s children include Riley Keough, 35, and twin daughters Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood, who are 15. Riley has inherited Graceland and built a successful career as a model, actress, and filmmaker.

Elvis also has a few notable living cousins. His first cousin, Billy Smith, is the son of Travis Smith, the eldest brother of Elvis’ mother, Gladys Love Smith Presley. Travis worked as a gate guard at Graceland, and Billy eventually became part of the “Memphis Mafia,” a group of Elvis’ close friends and associates.

Interestingly, Billy played racquetball with Elvis the night before the King died and witnessed his final performance: a rendition of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” on the piano. Currently residing in Mississippi, Billy and his wife, Jo, maintain a YouTube channel, “Elvis Fans Matter.”

Patsy Ruth Presley Gambill Geranen, residing in Olive Branch, is Elvis’ “double first cousin.” She is the daughter of Clettes Smith, the sister of Elvis’ mother, Gladys, and Vester Presley, the brother of Elvis’ father, Vernon. They married in 1935. Patsy worked as a secretary at Graceland for 20 years. She shared an office building with Elvis’ father, who managed many of Elvis’ business affairs, and she even lettered the sign on the office door.

Patsy maintained a close friendship with both Elvis and Priscilla. According to Jerry Schilling, a longtime friend and associate of Elvis, she often went on vacations with the couple. A notable photograph from 1969 captures Patsy in Hawaii with Elvis and singer Tom Jones.

Patsy’s son, Jimmy Gambill, is also part of the Presley lineage. As Elvis’ first cousin, once removed, Jimmy has served as the longtime maintenance manager for Graceland, taking care of the estate grounds. In many ways, he is a familiar figure behind the scenes, ensuring the upkeep of the legendary property.

Among the less directly connected cousins is Brandon Presley, 47, a second cousin to Elvis. His grandfather, Noah, was the brother of Elvis’ grandfather, Jessie. Brandon was born in Amory, Mississippi, on July 21, 1977, less than a month before Elvis’ death on August 16 of the same year.

Brandon, a moderate Democrat, has had a noteworthy political career. He served as mayor of Nettleton, Mississippi, and was the Democratic nominee for Mississippi governor in 2023. In a highlighted story by The Nation, the question was posed: “Can Elvis Presley’s Cousin Beat America’s Most Scandal-Plagued Governor?” Despite a close race, the answer was “No.” Brandon lost to the Republican incumbent, Tate Reeves, by less than 4%, marking the best performance by a Democrat in almost 25 years in that gubernatorial race.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Does Elvis Presley have any living family? A look at the King’s kinfolk

Source: USA Today, Memphis Commercial Appeal