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Did Lisa Marie Presley REALLY leave Scientology? Singer raised eldest children Riley and Benjamin in church

Priscilla Presley joined Scientology after Elvis Presley's death and raised daughter Lisa Marie Presley as its follower
UPDATED JAN 13, 2023
Lisa Marie Presley was once a member of the Church of Scientology (Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Wonderwall)
Lisa Marie Presley was once a member of the Church of Scientology (Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Wonderwall)

CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA: Lisa Marie Presley, 54, died on January 12 after being hospitalized following a cardiac arrest. She had earlier been rushed to a hospital after being found unresponsive at her home in Calabasas, California, and her mother, Priscilla Presley, confirmed the tragic news. She reportedly had links to Scientology a few years ago. 

It was reported by New York Post that Elvis Presley's only daughter was a former Scientologist. Former Scientologist Sylvia Taylor reportedly said John Travolta sent her over to Priscilla, who had found books on Scientology among Elvis' belongings after his death. Priscilla joined Scientology and raised Lisa as its follower. Lisa then raised her two oldest children, Riley and Benjamin, in the church. While it was reported that Lisa had left Scientology, it was never confirmed. In October 1997, Lisa, along with friend and fellow Memphian and Scientologist Isaac Hayes, opened the Literacy, Education and Ability Program (LEAP). It is run by Applied Scholastics - a group run by Scientologists. She also received the Humanitarian Award from the Church of Scientology-supported World Literacy Crusade for her efforts to help children across America learn study skills in 2002. 

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Almost a month ago, Kirstie Alley, another Scientology follower, died in December 2022. The actress attained 'Thetan 8' status in the Church of Scientology which is the highest honor possible in 2018. As a believer, she has always favored the Church of Scientology. This was much evident during her verbal feuds with Leah Remini when the latter left the religion in 2013.

Did Lisa Marie Presley leave Scientology?

Lisa reportedly left Scientology in 2014. However, she had been experiencing growing discontent with the organization as early as 2008. At the time, it was reported that her mother Priscilla Presley would also leave Scientology but her representative soon denied the news, as reported by People, and established that she will be an active member of the same. Many outlets confirmed her exit from what actress Remini calls a "toxic" group. Remini told Variety, "My heart breaks for the women who have courageously and tirelessly fought for justice for over five years. For years, they have been targeted and harassed by Scientology and its agents. They have also been targeted and harassed by their family members and friends who remained in Scientology." 

Lisa Marie Presley attends the Handprint Ceremony honoring Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley And Riley Keough at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 21, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
Lisa Marie Presley attends the Handprint Ceremony honoring Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley And Riley Keough at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 21, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Magzter once reported, "Lisa sees the world in a whole new way since leaving Scientology and feels cheated by following their rules and practices for so long. She knows how hard it is to get out but has been subtly hinting to Riley she’d like her to leave too, or at the very least to stop practicing Scientology. Her mother, Priscilla, too. If she stopped being part of the church Lisa thinks it would go some way to healing their feud." It was also reported by Daily Mail that the Church of Scientology approached Presley to persuade one of Danny Masterson's rape accusers not to report him to the police. 

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