They Called Her the “Golf-Cart Princess” — But Lisa Marie Presley’s Early Years Were Anything but Ordinary
Being the only daughter of Elvis Presley meant a life few could imagine—overflowing with glamour, adoration, and freedoms most children could only dream about. Affectionately nicknamed the “Golf-Cart Princess,” young Lisa Marie roamed the 13.8-acre grounds of Graceland in a personalized golf cart her father gave her. Yet behind the lighthearted title lay a childhood woven with both indulgence and complexity, where playful rebellion met the constant weight of living in a legend’s shadow.
A Gift That Meant Independence
Born on February 1, 1968, Lisa Marie was surrounded from birth by affection and extravagance. Elvis, who called her “Yisa,” spared no expense in fulfilling her wishes. Among the most memorable gifts was a custom golf cart, given at Christmas 1976—his final holiday with her before his death.
In a 2012 interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Lisa Marie described the cart as her “first taste of freedom,” a pass to roam the vast estate on her own. Originally built with a roof and windshield, it soon became her trusty companion for countless adventures.
Reckless Fun and Loyal Friendship
Danny Smith, a childhood friend, recalled one incident when a sharp turn sent the cart into a tree, wrecking its roof and windshield. Fearing Elvis’s anger, he was stunned when Lisa Marie stepped forward and took the blame, shielding him from trouble. The damaged roof was eventually removed, transforming the cart into the breezy ride she adored.
In her memoir From Here to the Great Unknown—co-written with daughter Riley Keough—Lisa Marie painted scenes of “indulgent lawlessness” at Graceland. With Elvis sleeping most days and the children of the Memphis Mafia free to roam, she and her friends tore through gardens, crashed under fences, and pulled pranks on fans. In one instance, she snapped photos of fans at the gates—then cheekily drove away with their camera.
A Child with Authority
Lisa Marie’s confident streak appeared early. At just four years old, she once “fired” the family chef for refusing her chocolate cake. She later admitted to running over people’s feet with her golf cart before speeding off, or pelting walnuts at fans—all received with amusement rather than scolding.
The Reality Beneath the Privilege
Her life wasn’t entirely carefree. After her parents separated when she was four, Lisa Marie divided her time between her mother Priscilla in Los Angeles and her father at Graceland. Elvis, though deeply devoted, was a private figure, showering her with lavish gestures—like naming his private jet The Lisa Marie and whisking her away on surprise trips.
Yet his celebrity meant their relationship was never just father and daughter; there was always a “third presence” in the form of the endless crowd outside the gates, adding layers of scrutiny and expectation to her young life.
Graceland as Refuge
Despite the chaos, Graceland was her haven—especially after Elvis’s death in 1977. That little golf cart, once a symbol of her mischief, also represented the love, loss, and resilience that shaped her formative years.
From her “Golf-Cart Princess” escapades to the very real challenges of being the King’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley’s childhood was a rare mix of privilege, turbulence, and undeniable humanity.