Video: Priscilla Presley Surprises Visitors at Elvis’ Birthplace

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Visitors to the Elvis Presley Birthplace got a big surprise this weekend.

Priscilla Presley was a special guest and she was able to get a first hand look at the facilities and attractions that were only a dream when she visited the site decades ago where it all began for the original American idol.

Priscilla Presley’s visit began with a quick time for greetings and a special presentation.

“I’d like to present the key to the city to Priscilla Presley,” said Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton.

Flanked by Mayor Shelton and Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, Priscilla was also made an honorary citizen of Tupelo . She thanked everyone for their hospitality and spoke of the high regard Elvis had for his hometown.

“First and foremost, he never forgot Tupelo, Mississippi,” Presley said.

Priscilla Presley was then taken on a tour of all the attractions. She spent a couple of hours going through the museum, gift shop, the two room house where Elvis was born, the refurbished Assembly of God Church he attended as a youngster, and all the other facilities.

A handful of lucky Elvis fans were in for a huge surprise as they toured the grounds.

Mary Grace Palmer and her Mother, Jennifer, were on their way to Graceland from their Georgia home, when they decided to stop in at the birthplace.

“It’s pretty amazing, she was walking around, trying not to be toocreepy but we wanted to get good snaps of her,” Mary Grace said.

They were even able to have their picture made with Priscilla, who sat down with local media after the tour. It was the first time she had been back to the birthplace since the early 1970s.

“There were no additions when I was here last, just the house, been here a few times, spur of the moment, he would say, alright, we’re going to tupelo, usually on Sunday, I don’t think he could have imagined anything like this, Elvis was very humble, knowing him and seeing appreciation, what the town has done for him, he would be blown away,” Presley said.

Elvis’ boyhood friend Guy Harris was at the birthplace with the singer and Priscilla back in 1970. He says it was an honor and a blessing to be there for this occasion.

“I have always wanted this to happen, never know when will happen prayers and all answerered hoping will open door up and she will visit more often can very well happen,” Harris said.

Priscilla Presley was also shown plans for the next phase of the Birthplace project. Two statues, one of Elvis as a boy and the other portraying the entertainer will be the focal point of the expansion here at the overlook. Fundraising for that is underway, and Priscilla was invited to visit the birthplace again, when big celebrations will be held to mark Elvis’ 80th birthday early next year.

Priscilla Presley was had visited Graceland the day before her trip to Tupelo. By the way, Elvis and Priscilla’s daughter, Lisa Marie, celebrated her 46th birthday earlier this month.