Was Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley’s marriage real? 19 years after Elvis’ only daughter saw The Jackson 5 perform, the pair eloped – but what did Donald Trump have to do with their romance?

Jul 2 , 2022

Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley’s marriage was certainly a moment to remember in pop culture history. Photo: AP

Presley was just 7 when she first saw Michael Jackson on stage; 19 years later the pair spent time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, and not long after, they married in secret

Many were sceptical of the union’s timing and authenticity given the lawsuits against Jackson at the time, but Presley later professed to Oprah Winfrey their love was real

Right now, we just can’t get enough of all things Elvis. In the slipstream of Baz Luhrmann’s big-budget biopic, there’s been a surge of global interest not just in the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, but all things related to the Presley clan.

While the film depicts Elvis’s life and music, some of the public’s biggest fascinations with the Jailhouse Rock singer are the individuals in his life who were closest to him. Of Elvis’ kin, there is arguably no one more fascinating than Lisa Marie Presley, his only child.

Was Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson’s marriage even real? Some were sceptical at the time. Photo: @lischael/Instagram

Born to Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1968, the sole heir to the Elvis estate has certainly led an interesting life. Known as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist and mother, Lisa Marie is also widely remembered as the former wife of Michael Jackson. Though their marriage was short-lived, the union of the King of Pop and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s only offspring was an iconic moment in pop culture.

So, what is known about this legendary coupling? We take a closer look.

How and when they met

Michael Jackson (far left) alongside his brothers as The Jackson 5. Lisa Marie Presley saw the group performing as a child and was instantly impressed. Photo: Central Press Photo

According to Biography.com, Lisa Marie was seven years old when, in 1975, she first encountered Michael Jackson who was performing as part of The Jackson 5 in Las Vegas. A decade older than Lisa Marie, Michael made a significant impression on her.

Though it’s been reported that the young Presley was fascinated with Jackson, the pair only reconnected years later in 1992. Michael Jackson biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli chronicled in his book Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story how Jackson asked Presley, who was then still married to her first husband Danny Keough, if she’d marry him: “If I asked you to marry me, would you do it?” he reportedly said.

Without missing a beat, she replied, “I would do it.”

Their secret Caribbean ceremony

“I loved taking care of him. It was the highest point in my life,” Lisa Marie Presley told Oprah of her relationship with Michael Jackson. Photo: AP Photo/ABC