Over the years, Priscilla Presley has successfully built her own career and reputation separate from her marriage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.

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Priscilla Shares What Helped Her Create Her Own Identity

While participating in a panel at Rhode Island Comic Con on Friday, November 1, she shared her thoughts on what helped her build her own identity— which is no easy task after being in a high-profile relationship with someone as famous as her late ex-husband.

During the Q&A portion of the panel, Priscilla mentioned that her acting career played a significant role in helping to establish her own name.

“I think the movies that I’ve done. I think [because] basically, it was my choice,” she said, according to People. “The movies I loved and, I mean, Naked Guns. Being on Dallas was great.”

She added, “That really freed me a bit of being my own person.”

Since starting her acting career in the early 80s, Priscilla has taken on multiple successful projects. She is best known for starring as Jenna Wade in the soap opera Dallas from 1983 to 1988. Shortly after, she played Jane Spencer in the Naked Gun spy comedy film trilogy from 1988 to 1991.

While speaking at the Comic Con panel, Priscilla also gave her opinion on how others choose to honor Elvis Presley, including those who cover his songs and dress up as him.

“I think it’s keeping his name out there with the younger people, and I know a lot of people who have taken their kids to see the … what do you call it? Impersonators. And these little kids are loving it,” she said. “At first, I didn’t like it. Then, I was seeing what’s happening with these kids, young kids who are dressed like Elvis. 5-year-olds. I’m thinking, ‘It’s keeping him in the picture, alive, and so, I don’t mind it.’”

Elvis and Priscilla Married on May 1, 1967

Photo by: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The couple’s wedding ceremony was held in Las Vegas, and attended by around 14 guests. Less than a year later, they welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie, on February 1, 1968. Tragically, Lisa Marie passed away in January 2023 at the age of 54.

In 1973, Priscilla and Elvis divorced, and just four years later, Elvis passed away from a heart attack.

Since then, Priscilla has focused on keeping Elvis’s legacy alive. She co-founded and served as chairperson of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), the company that turned Graceland into one of the most popular tourist spots in the United States.