10-03-2025
Priscilla Presley receives Tennessee's highest civilian honor for work promoting Memphis
Priscilla Presley has been honored with Tennessee's highest civilian honor for her work in promoting Memphis music tourism and the legacy of Elvis Presley.
Gov. Bill Lee presented Presley with the Colonel Aide de Camp award on Monday.
Presley, who was recognized in the Tennessee General Assembly by Shelby County lawmakers, took the opportunity to call for state funding to support the relocation of the Smithsonian Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. The museum has currently raised $5 million to relocate from the FedEx Forum to a historic building on Beale Street.
"It's been my joy to promote Elvis and Memphis music across the globe for the past 50 years," Presley said Monday. "One piece of the Tennessee puzzle we need to put in place is the Smithsonian museum on Beale Street."
Presley told House members she was counting on their votes to provide the funds to complete the project.
"We must do this for the state of Tennessee," Presley said.
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar, D-Memphis, thanked Presley for her "dedication and passion" in a Senate ceremony Monday night. Presley was similarly honored in the House earlier in the day. Memphis lawmakers repeatedly recognized Presley's efforts to save Graceland and turn it into a lucrative tourist destination.
"Her dedication to Memphis music, entertainment, and philanthropy has enriched our state's culutral heritage," Lamar said.
Elvis received the same honor in the Tennessee Capitol in 1961.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Priscilla Presley receives Tennessee's highest civilian honor
