Good news for Elvis Presley fans and devotees, as the ever-continuing drama behind the icon's famous planes seems to have landed, at last, at Graceland to stay. The Associated Press, along with Presley's daughter Lisa Marie, reports that the aircraft will stay for good at Presley's home outside of Memphis, TN.
"Graceland is pleased that an agreement has been reached for Elvis' two airplanes, the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II, to remain at Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis permanently," read a statement from the estate, which would later be confirmed by Lisa Marie via Twitter.
The planes—the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II—have long been among the most popular attractions at Graceland, although they've long been owned by an entity outside of the Presley estate. The OKC Partnership bought the aircraft following the performer's death during 1977, and came to an agreement with his estate to display them at the attraction in return for a cut of ticket sales. Elvis Presley Enterprises contacted OKC during April of 2014 and requested the company move the planes to make room for development on the property where they sit. OKC got approval to move the pair to a nearby lot to operate as a separate attraction from Graceland...but it seems the new development negates those plans.
Or do they? OKC didn't respond to calls for comment from the AP. Stay tuned.
Elvis bought the first of the planes, the Lisa Marie, during 1975 for the price of $250,000. He then spent another $350,000 refurbishing the plane: Those who have been aboard the aircraft will recognize its gold-plated bathroom furnishings and its bedroom. While work was being done on that place, Presley spent another $900,000 for The Hound Dog II.
We're fans and all, but it's still a far cooler experience to check out The King's excellent automotive collection a few buildings over.
