The New York Times reports the final say in where Elvis’ famed planes will remain. Home base: Graceland.
After much speculation and questioning back and forth between Lisa Marie and Priscilla, the two custom-designed airplanes once owned by “The King” “will remain permanently at the Memphis tourist attraction centered on the life and career of the late singer.”
A mecca of sorts for die-hard Elvis fans and a certain tourist destination for anyone visiting the capitol of Tennessee, Graceland has graced tourists and visitors for many years, since the late singers’ passing on August 16, 1977. Open to the public in 1982, the spot attracts over half a million visitors, annually, and is the second most-visited home in the United States, after the White House.
Considering its devoted national appeal and internationally recognized status, Graceland serves as a viable choice for the planes once owned by the singer who dominated the charts and hearts for decades, long after his passing.
The two planes were “up in the air,” so to speak, in regards to ownership and historical relevance to the life and times of Elvis Presley. As it turns out, the larger plane, a Convair 880 is as The New York Times describes, “like a customized flying limousine, complete with a large bed, a stereo system, conference room and gold-plated bathroom fixtures.” Named after his daughter Lisa Marie, the plane was renovated after Presley first bought it from Delta Air Lines. His first flight on the plane took place in November 1975.
The smaller jet, a JetStar named the Hound Dog II, was also flown by Presley. While both planes where sold after the singer’s death, they were eventually acquired by OKC Partnership, a company that agreed to park the planes at Graceland in the mid-1980s.
The planes have become a main feature of the tours at Graceland, with visitors thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to view the opulent interiors of the planes.
After some discussion between Elvis Presley Enterprises and OKC Partnership, the two companies agreed to announce that “Graceland is pleased that an agreement has been reached for Elvis’ two planes, the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II to remain at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis permanently.”
