Nearly five decades after his death on Aug 16, 1977, Elvis Presley’s voice still echoes across generations. His songs continue to trend on social media, and his films remain beloved by fans old and new.
For many, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll still feels timeless. But beyond the music, movies and rhinestone jumpsuits, Elvis was also known by those closest to him as a deeply generous man who quietly helped others whenever he could.
Now, this spirit of giving has found its way to our shores, thanks to Elvis’s cousin Donna Presley. On her first visit to Malaysia, she recently launched the Elvis Initiative at Pusat Jagaan Seribu Harapan in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor.
“My mum Nash and Elvis’s dad Vernon were brother and sister, so I’m his first cousin,” the affable Donna told FMT Lifestyle. “From the time I was 10 years old, I spent all my summers at Graceland.”
The iconic 5.6-ha Memphis estate was Elvis’s home for more than 20 years and remains one of America’s most visited music landmarks.
For Donna, preserving her cousin’s memory goes far beyond nostalgia. “Every day, there are young people that are becoming Elvis fans. I want them to realise that he was a loving, caring and generous man, and that’s what he should be remembered for,” she said.
She shared a childhood story that stayed with her through the years.
“When he was three, he told my mother that someday, he would buy his parents a great big house and lots of cars,” Donna recalled.
“He not only did that for them, but for many others, too.”
Elvis reportedly donated to charities in Memphis, paid medical bills for strangers, helped families keep their homes, performed at benefit concerts, and famously gave away hundreds of cars – often while remaining anonymous.
In 1964, he even purchased the USS Potomac, once used as Franklin D Roosevelt’s presidential yacht, and donated it to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital to be auctioned as a fundraiser.
For Donna, continuing that legacy has become “a calling”. This is why, through her friendship with Malaysia-based creative and artistic director Karen Barnes, the Presley family’s charitable efforts have now extended here.
The initiative in Bukit Beruntung includes the creation of the Presley Learning & Music Room, a space designed to encourage creativity, learning and musical expression among more than 30 children and elderly residents of the care home.
Donna herself rolled up her sleeves to help repaint the room, making way for shelves, books, cabinets and musical instruments.
Additionally, the Mississippi Music Foundation, of which Donna serves as chief of the advisory board, will help arrange online music lessons and educational opportunities for the children.
Beyond her humanitarian work, Donna has spent years sharing stories about her cousin through books, public speaking tours and social media engagements around the world.
She recently hosted an intimate gathering in Kuala Lumpur, where she spoke about Elvis simply as a loved one.
“I want people to realise who he was as a man, not the superstar, and to know more about the family who helped raise the icon,” she said.
Donna also pushed back against long-standing claims portraying Elvis as a drug addict.
“These other narratives that people have used for sensationalism and to garner money are just wrong,” she stressed. “So, I’m trying to shine some light on the truth.”
Asked what Elvis might say if he were here today, Donna paused, visibly emotional.
“I think he would say, ‘Donny, well done’,” she replied with a warm, wistful smile. “That’s what he would always call me – Donny.”
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Pusat Jagaan Seribu Harapan
No 2 Jalan Anggerik,
BB4 Bandar Bukit Beruntung,
48300 Rawang
For more information on the care home, contact Muneeswaran from Pusat Jagaan Seribu Harapan at 011-3379 6864.