Priscilla Presley has shared new details about her relationship with Elvis Presley in her recent memoir, 'Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis'. The book offers insights into their initial meeting, the development of their romance, and the challenges that ultimately led to their separation.
The memoir provides a personal account of their complex history, which began when Priscilla was 14 years old and Elvis was 24, during his military service in West Germany.
Key Takeaways
- Priscilla Presley's memoir details her relationship with Elvis.
- They met in 1959 when she was 14 and he was 24.
- Their romantic relationship began when Priscilla was 17.
- They waited until marriage for sexual intimacy.
- The couple divorced in 1973 after 10 years together.
- Lisa Marie Presley, their daughter, passed away in 2023.
First Meeting and Developing Connection
Priscilla Beaulieu met Elvis Presley in 1959 at a party in Bad Nauheim, West Germany. At this time, Elvis was serving with the US Army. She was 14 years old, and Elvis was 24.
Their initial connection formed during this period. After Elvis completed his military service and left Germany in 1960, the two maintained contact. Priscilla's parents gave her permission to visit Elvis in Los Angeles in 1962, marking their first reunion in person.
Fact File: Early Life
- 1959: Priscilla meets Elvis in West Germany.
- 1960: Elvis leaves Germany, returns to the U.S.
- 1962: Priscilla visits Elvis in Los Angeles.
- 1963: Priscilla moves to Memphis before turning 18.
Moving to Memphis and Graceland
Two months before her 18th birthday, Priscilla received permission from her parents to move to Memphis, Tennessee. She initially lived a few streets away from Graceland, Elvis's iconic home, residing with his father and step-mother.
In May 1963, Priscilla moved into Graceland itself. Her memoir clarifies the timeline of their romantic involvement.
"Though Elvis and I had started a relationship when I was fourteen, it didn’t become a romantic relationship until I was seventeen," Priscilla Presley wrote in 'Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis'.
This statement clarifies that while their bond began earlier, the romantic aspect developed later, aligning with her age. She also emphasized a significant aspect of their early physical relationship.
"We waited to have sex until he married me at twenty-one. The fact remains, however, that there were ten years between us," she added.
Marriage and Eventual Divorce
Priscilla Presley was 21 years old when she married Elvis Presley. Their marriage lasted for approximately ten years. The couple's relationship faced various challenges over time.
Reports suggest Elvis had multiple affairs during their marriage. This reportedly contributed to the strain on their relationship. Priscilla later began an affair with her karate instructor, Mike Stone.
Relationship Timeline
Priscilla and Elvis were married in 1967. Their daughter, Lisa Marie, was born in 1968. The couple separated in 1972 and finalized their divorce in 1973. Despite the divorce, they maintained a close connection due to their shared daughter.
Reasons for Separation
Priscilla's memoir reveals specific reasons for her decision to leave Elvis. One significant factor was her claim that Elvis allegedly considered hiring a hitman to eliminate Mike Stone, her new partner. This revelation underscores the intensity of the situation.
Another deeply personal account from the memoir describes an incident after Elvis discovered her affair. Priscilla claimed that Elvis "made love" to her "forcefully, not forcibly."
"His usual tenderness and consideration for me were missing," she wrote. "It was emotionally hurtful, and it left me with an unhappy memory of my last experience of sexual intimacy with Elvis."
Despite the pain, Priscilla stated she never regretted her decision to leave. However, she admitted to mourning the loss of their relationship.
Life After Elvis and Daughter's Passing
After their divorce in 1973, Priscilla continued her relationship with Mike Stone until 1975. Despite the end of their marriage, Priscilla and Elvis remained connected through their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
Elvis Presley passed away in 1977. Priscilla and Lisa Marie maintained a bond until Lisa Marie's untimely death in 2023.
Lisa Marie Presley's Death
Lisa Marie Presley died at the age of 54. The cause of death was a small bowel obstruction, which led to a fatal cardiac arrest. This obstruction was a complication from a previous weight-loss surgery.
The medical examiner ruled her death as natural. Priscilla shared a poignant account of the difficult decision to take her daughter off life support.
"I thought about my girl, my wild, rebellious, passionate girl, lying in a vegetative state for the rest of her life," Priscilla wrote. "I said what I had to. 'Take her off the machine, Doctor'. My voice was barely above a whisper."
This passage highlights the profound grief and difficult choices faced by Priscilla. The memoir offers a comprehensive look at her life with and after Elvis, covering both the joys and the profound sorrows.
Key Dates and Events
- 1973: Elvis and Priscilla divorce.
- 1977: Elvis Presley dies.
- 2023: Lisa Marie Presley dies at 54.
The book provides a candid perspective on a highly publicized relationship. It details the personal struggles behind the public image of one of the most famous couples in music history. Priscilla's account sheds light on the emotional complexities and lasting impact of her bond with Elvis, as well as the enduring connection through their daughter.