Riley Keough Net Worth 2025: How Elvis’ Granddaughter Built Her Own Legacy

When people hear the name Riley Keough, many immediately think of her famous grandfather, Elvis Presley. However, this talented actress has spent over a decade carving out her own path in Hollywood, proving she’s far more than just a member of music royalty. From her breakout role in “The Girlfriend Experience” to her Emmy-nominated performance in “Daisy Jones & the Six,” Riley Keough has established herself as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.

Who Is Riley Keough? Understanding Her Presley Heritage

Source image : Eonline.com

Born Danielle Riley Keough on May 29, 1989, in Santa Monica, California, Riley Keough entered the world as part of one of America’s most iconic families. She is the eldest daughter of singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough, making her the eldest grandchild of the legendary Elvis Presley and actress Priscilla Presley.

Growing up as Riley Keough meant experiencing two very different worlds. While her mother’s life offered privilege and the glamour of the Presley estate at Graceland, her father lived a much simpler lifestyle. Keough has spoken openly about how this contrast shaped her perspective. She was raised primarily by her father in Hawaii and Los Angeles, though she spent time at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, the iconic mansion she would later inherit.

The Presley family faced significant tragedy when Riley Keough’s younger brother, Benjamin Storm Keough, died by suicide in July 2020 at the age of 27. Then, in January 2023, her mother Lisa Marie Presley passed away suddenly at age 54 from complications related to small bowel obstruction. These losses profoundly impacted Riley Keough, who has since become a death doula, helping others navigate grief.

Source : E! News – John Travolta controversy (December 2025)

Riley Keough’s Acting Career: From Model to Award-Nominated Actress

Riley Keough’s journey into entertainment began in the fashion world. At just 15 years old, she started modeling, walking runways for prestigious brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior. She appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine alongside her mother and grandmother in August 2004, cementing her status as a rising fashion icon.

However, Riley Keough had bigger ambitions than modeling. At 20, she made her film debut in “The Runaways” (2010), playing Marie Currie in the biographical film about the 1970s all-girl rock band. This role marked the beginning of what would become an impressive acting career.

Breakthrough Performances That Defined Riley Keough

Source image : NBC Washington

Riley Keough’s career truly took off with her performance in Steven Soderbergh’s “The Girlfriend Experience” (2016). Playing an escort navigating the complexities of her profession, Keough delivered a nuanced, fearless performance that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Critics praised her ability to bring depth and humanity to a complicated character.

That same year, Riley Keough starred in Andrea Arnold’s acclaimed drama “American Honey,” portraying a character who joins a traveling magazine sales crew. Her performance earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female, further establishing her as a serious actress willing to take on challenging, unconventional roles.

Keough’s filmography includes an eclectic mix of genres. She appeared in the post-apocalyptic blockbuster “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), the psychological horror film “It Comes at Night” (2017), Steven Soderbergh’s heist comedy “Logan Lucky” (2017), and the controversial dark comedy “Zola” (2020). Each role showcased Riley Keough’s versatility and her willingness to embrace complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Source : NBC Washington – Graceland ownership story

Daisy Jones & the Six: Riley Keough’s Career-Defining Role

In 2023, Riley Keough took on perhaps her most challenging role to date: portraying Daisy Jones in Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel “Daisy Jones & the Six.” The series follows a fictional 1970s rock band’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall, with Keough playing the flame-haired, troubled frontwoman.

What made this role particularly daunting for Riley Keough was that she had no musical experience. Despite being Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, she had never sung professionally or played instruments. When casting directors asked if she could sing, Keough admitted years later that she simply said yes and figured she would learn before filming began.

The preparation for “Daisy Jones & the Six” was intense. Riley Keough underwent extensive vocal training to learn how to belt rock songs convincingly. She and the cast recorded a full album, “Aurora,” which was released alongside the series in March 2023. The songs, written by super-producer Blake Mills with contributions from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Marcus Mumford, became genuine hits.

The role came during one of the darkest periods in Riley Keough’s life. She was dealing with Lyme disease and grieving her brother’s death. Initially, she almost quit the project due to the overwhelming workload. However, she persevered, later saying the experience was “healing” and brought her joy during an incredibly difficult time.

Riley Keough’s performance in “Daisy Jones & the Six” earned her nominations for both a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series. The series itself received nine Emmy nominations, making it the highest-profile project of Keough’s career to date.

Riley Keough as Director and Producer: Behind the Camera

Riley Keough isn’t just an actress; she’s also a talented filmmaker. In 2017, she co-founded the production company Felix Culpa with her longtime friend and producer Gina Gammell. The company focuses on telling underrepresented stories with authenticity and depth.

In 2022, Riley Keough made her directorial debut with “War Pony,” which she co-directed with Gammell. The film follows two Lakota boys living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, exploring contemporary life on Native American reservations with humor and heart. The cast included non-professional actors from the Lakota community, adding genuine authenticity to the storytelling.

“War Pony” premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Caméra d’Or award for best first feature. Remarkably, this happened the same year that Baz Luhrmann’s biographical film “Elvis” also premiered at Cannes. For Riley Keough, seeing both her directorial debut and a film about her grandfather celebrated at the world’s most prestigious film festival was an extraordinary moment.

Source : The Hollywood Reporter – Emmy nomination interview

The Graceland Inheritance: Riley Keough’s New Role as Estate Guardian

Following her mother’s death in January 2023, Riley Keough found herself at the center of a legal battle over Lisa Marie Presley’s estate. The dispute centered on a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie’s will that removed Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie’s former business manager as co-trustees, replacing them with Riley Keough and her late brother Benjamin.

Priscilla Presley contested the amendment, questioning its authenticity. The legal dispute made headlines for months, with speculation about tension within the famous family. However, in June 2023, the parties reached a settlement. Riley Keough agreed to pay her grandmother a lump sum of one million dollars and up to four hundred thousand dollars to cover legal fees. In return, Priscilla would serve as a special adviser to the trust and receive a monthly payment.

In August 2023, a Los Angeles judge officially approved Riley Keough as the sole trustee of Lisa Marie Presley’s estate. This made her the owner of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic Memphis mansion, which Elvis purchased in 1957 for just over one hundred thousand dollars. Riley Keough also oversees the sub-trusts for her younger half-sisters, twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, who were 14 at the time.

The inheritance includes a 15 percent stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises, which continues to generate over one hundred million dollars annually. The entire Presley estate has been valued between four hundred million and five hundred million dollars. While Riley Keough and her sisters own only a portion of Elvis Presley Enterprises, they own Graceland itself and the more than 13 acres it sits on.

Riley Keough has been clear about her intentions to preserve Graceland as the family home and cultural landmark it has always been. She told media outlets that she wants to honor both her grandfather’s legacy and her mother’s memory by protecting this important piece of American music history.

Riley Keough’s Personal Life: Marriage, Motherhood, and Recent Controversies

Riley Keough married Australian stuntman Ben Smith-Petersen in February 2015 in Napa, California. The couple met while filming “Mad Max: Fury Road,” where Smith-Petersen worked as a stuntman. Their relationship has remained relatively private despite Riley Keough’s public profile.

In August 2022, Riley Keough and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter named Tupelo Storm, via surrogate. The name pays tribute to both her grandfather Elvis, who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and her late brother Benjamin, whose middle name was Storm. In September 2025, it was revealed that the couple had quietly welcomed their second child in February 2025, though the child’s name has not been publicly disclosed.

Recently, Riley Keough found herself at the center of a shocking allegation in December 2025. Brigitte Kruse, Priscilla Presley’s former business partner, made claims in a lawsuit that Keough is the biological mother of John Travolta and his late wife Kelly Preston’s 15-year-old son, Benjamin. The lawsuit alleged that Keough provided eggs for the couple in exchange for money and a car.

Priscilla Presley’s attorneys immediately and forcefully denied the allegation, calling it “outrageous” and “shameful.” They stated there is no evidence supporting this claim and vowed it would be addressed in court. The allegation appeared in documents related to an ongoing financial dispute and has been widely viewed as an attempt to cause pain to the Presley family. Neither Riley Keough nor John Travolta has publicly commented on the matter.

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Riley Keough and Fashion: A Chanel Ambassador

Beyond acting and filmmaking, Riley Keough maintains strong connections to the fashion world. In 2023, she became an official ambassador for Chanel, a relationship that had been building for nearly a decade. She fronted Chanel’s Spring 2024 campaign alongside model Rianne Van Rompaey, photographed in the brand’s signature elegant style.

In October 2024, Riley Keough made a surprise appearance at Chanel’s Spring-Summer 2025 Ready to Wear show in Paris. During the show’s closing, she performed Prince’s “When Doves Cry” on the runway, wearing a flowing black ensemble. According to Keough, she received the invitation to perform just days before the show, making the moment even more remarkable. The performance showcased her musical abilities and demonstrated her comfort moving between the worlds of fashion, music, and film.

From Here to the Great Unknown: Honoring Lisa Marie Presley’s Memory

One of Riley Keough’s most personal projects came after her mother’s death. Lisa Marie Presley had been working on a memoir before she passed away, leaving behind extensive audio recordings of her memories and reflections. Riley Keough took on the task of finishing the book, titled “From Here to the Great Unknown.”

The memoir, released in October 2024, offers an intimate look at Lisa Marie Presley’s life beyond the headlines. Riley Keough wrote in the introduction that her mother was “constantly talked about, argued over and dissected” because she was Elvis Presley’s daughter. The book aims to present Lisa Marie as a three-dimensional person: a devoted mother, a wild child, a fierce friend, an underrated artist, and someone who experienced tremendous joy alongside profound trauma.

Riley Keough narrated the audiobook alongside Julia Roberts, with the audio featuring portions of Lisa Marie’s own voice from her recordings. The project allowed Keough to give her mother a voice in a way that eluded her while she was alive. In September 2024, she told media outlets that she wants to preserve Graceland not just as a museum but as the family home it has always been.

In October 2024, Riley Keough participated in a CBS primetime special with Oprah Winfrey, filmed at Graceland. The intimate conversation covered her life, her mother’s legacy, and the famous family she represents. The special coincided with the book tour launch for the memoir, which began at Graceland’s Soundstage.

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Riley Keough’s Upcoming Projects and Future in Hollywood

Source image : Hollywoodreporter.com

Riley Keough shows no signs of slowing down. In December 2025, she appeared in Noah Baumbach’s film “Jay Kelly” on Netflix, starring alongside George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and represents another prestige project for the actress.

Looking ahead, Riley Keough has several high-profile projects in development. She’s set to star in “Cult Following” alongside Dakota Johnson, a series about the controversial Children of God cult. She’s also been cast in “A Life in Men” with Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart, and the erotic thriller “The One” with Melissa Barrera.

Other upcoming films include “Alpha Gang” with Léa Seydoux and Cate Blanchett, “Rosebush Pruning” with Callum Turner and Elle Fanning, and “Butterfly Jam” with Barry Keoghan. She’s also attached to direct Albert Serra’s “Out of This World,” continuing to build her behind-the-camera credentials.

In 2024, Riley Keough starred in and executive produced “Under the Bridge,” a Hulu limited series based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 murder of Reena Virk in British Columbia. Keough portrayed the real-life journalist Godfrey, earning praise for her sensitive handling of the true crime story. The series demonstrated Keough’s commitment to projects that tackle serious social issues with nuance and respect.

Source 4: Wikipedia – Riley Keough page (December 2025 updated)

The Financial Success of Riley Keough

Riley Keough’s net worth has seen dramatic growth in recent years. As of 2025, she is estimated to be worth approximately 15 to 20 million dollars, though exact figures vary depending on the source. This wealth comes from multiple income streams: her acting salary, producing credits, directing work, modeling contracts, brand endorsements with companies like Chanel, and now her inheritance from the Presley estate.

While Riley Keough’s exact salary for “Daisy Jones & the Six” wasn’t confirmed, unsubstantiated reports suggest she may have earned approximately 1.5 million dollars for the series, which would break down to about one hundred fifty thousand dollars per episode. Given the show’s success and her Emmy nomination, her asking price for future projects has likely increased significantly.

The Presley estate inheritance represents the most substantial portion of Riley Keough’s wealth. The 15 percent stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises alone generates significant annual income, as the Elvis brand continues earning over one hundred million dollars per year. Lisa Marie reportedly drew 1.25 million dollars of income from the trust in 2022. Although Riley Keough and her sisters share this inheritance, they own Graceland outright, a property that Elvis originally purchased for one hundred two thousand five hundred dollars in 1957 but is now worth many millions.

In 2018, Riley Keough and her husband purchased a Tudor-style cottage in Los Angeles’s Atwater Village neighborhood for 1.3 million dollars. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom house totals just under 1,200 square feet. However, since her mother’s death, the family has been living in nearby Calabasas to be closer to Riley Keough’s teenage half-sisters, providing stability during a difficult time.

What Makes Riley Keough Different From Other Celebrity Legacy Kids

Hollywood is filled with children of famous parents, but Riley Keough stands out for several reasons. First, she actively sought out challenging, unconventional roles rather than relying on her famous name to land leading lady parts in mainstream films. Her filmography includes edgy independent films, horror movies, and character-driven dramas that showcase her range.

Second, Riley Keough has been remarkably open about her struggles and her family’s tragedies. After her brother’s death, she trained to become a death doula, channeling her grief into helping others. She has spoken candidly about dealing with Lyme disease and the challenges of working while managing chronic illness. This vulnerability makes her relatable despite her privileged background.

Third, Riley Keough has demonstrated genuine talent behind the camera. Winning the Caméra d’Or at Cannes for her directorial debut is an extraordinary achievement that had nothing to do with her famous name and everything to do with the quality of “War Pony.” The film’s sensitive portrayal of contemporary Native American life showed her commitment to authentic storytelling.

Finally, Riley Keough has maintained a relatively grounded perspective despite growing up in extraordinary circumstances. She has spoken about experiencing both privilege with her mother and financial simplicity with her father, and how that contrast shaped her worldview. She told interviewers that as a child, she once told her father she wanted to “grow up and be poor” like him, not realizing how offensive that sounded, but illustrating how she valued the colorful, eccentric life he provided over material wealth.

The Legacy Riley Keough Is Building

At 36 years old, Riley Keough has already accomplished more than many actors achieve in a lifetime. She has earned Golden Globe nominations, an Emmy nomination, critical acclaim, and prestigious awards for her directorial work. She has successfully transitioned from model to actress to producer and director. And she has taken on the enormous responsibility of stewarding the Presley legacy through her guardianship of Graceland and the family estate.

What’s particularly impressive about Riley Keough’s career is her commitment to artistic integrity over commercial success. While she has appeared in big-budget films like “Mad Max: Fury Road,” she’s equally comfortable in small independent films that may not have wide audiences but showcase exceptional storytelling. She seeks out roles that challenge her and filmmakers she admires, rather than simply pursuing the biggest paycheck.

Riley Keough has also used her platform thoughtfully. Through Felix Culpa, her production company, she’s committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and telling stories that mainstream Hollywood often overlooks. “War Pony,” with its focus on contemporary Native American life, exemplifies this commitment.

Looking at her upcoming slate of projects, Riley Keough continues to make bold choices. Working with acclaimed directors like Noah Baumbach and appearing in ensemble films with Oscar winners suggests she’s being taken seriously as a talent in her own right, not just as Elvis’s granddaughter.

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Conclusion: Riley Keough’s Journey Continues

Riley Keough’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and the courage to forge your own path despite an overwhelming family legacy. She has proven that being Elvis Presley’s granddaughter can be both a blessing and a challenge, but it doesn’t have to define who you are or what you accomplish.

From her early modeling days to her breakthrough performances in “The Girlfriend Experience” and “American Honey,” from her Emmy-nominated role in “Daisy Jones & the Six” to her award-winning directorial debut with “War Pony,” Riley Keough has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and artistic integrity. She has survived tremendous personal tragedy, including the losses of her brother and mother, and channeled that grief into meaningful work helping others.

As the guardian of Graceland and the Presley estate, Riley Keough now carries the responsibility of preserving one of America’s most important cultural landmarks. But she’s also building her own legacy, one role, one film, and one project at a time. With numerous high-profile projects on the horizon and a proven track record of excellent work, Riley Keough’s future in Hollywood looks incredibly bright.

Whether she’s acting, directing, producing, or simply being a mother and family caretaker, Riley Keough approaches everything with dedication and authenticity. That’s what makes her not just Elvis’s granddaughter or Lisa Marie’s daughter, but Riley Keough: a talented artist and filmmaker in her own right, deserving of recognition for her own considerable achievements.