Move over Barbie and Ken a famous raven-haired couple is about to invade the neighborhood.
Just in time to mark the anniversary of the King of Rock and Roll’s death, mega popular doll maker Mattel is unveiling the official, Graceland-approved Elvis and Priscilla wedding dolls to remind fans of the magical time the couple spent together.
Their marriage may not have lasted long, but Mattel is hoping by preserving the iconic figures Elvis fans will jump at the chance to add one more item to their collection.
The boxed set of dolls is selling for $65 and features 13-inch versions of Presley and his bride designed from photos of their wedding. Elvis is wearing a black paisley tuxedo while Priscilla dons a white beaded gown, rhinestone tiara, and flowing veil. Both stand with arms linked together in front of a red curtain.
Some loyal Presley fans waited in line for 20 hours outside of a Graceland souvenir shop to be the first to get their hands on the plastic versions of the Presley’s. The official unveiling of the dolls came as part of Graceland’s annual weeklong celebration to mark the anniversary of Presley’s death. (The singer died on August 16, 1977.)
Also, on hand for die-hard Presley fans (willing to shell out more than just 65 bucks) was an exclusive single set of dolls signed by Priscilla Presley. That prize went to a woman from Arkansas who successfully bid $6,800 in an auction designed to raise money for Presley Place, an apartment building in Memphis for homeless families. The autographed box will reportedly be displayed in the woman’s living room next to her life-sized portrait of the King.
Barbie collectors may remember that Mattel issued an Elvis and Barbie doll set in the late 1990s, but it was later discontinued. The real life couple married in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967, but split by early 1972. They formally separated in July 1972 and were divorced in October 1973.
If you want to get your hands on the dolls you don’t have to drive to Memphis to do so. While Graceland was given 190 boxed sets featuring a special unveiling-day stamp, Mattel says another 40,000 sets will be sent to various retailers later this year, though those won’t have the official stamp.