A new book by Priscilla Presley, former wife of Elvis Presley, offers insight into the couple's intimate life. The book, titled Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Death, discusses the change in their physical relationship after several years of marriage.
Details from the book, shared by Us Weekly on its release day, indicate that Elvis Presley's interest in physical intimacy with Priscilla waned. This shift reportedly occurred after the birth of their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
Key Takeaways
- Priscilla Presley's new book discusses the end of intimacy with Elvis.
- Elvis reportedly lost sexual interest after their daughter, Lisa Marie, was born.
- Priscilla attributes this to Elvis placing her on a 'pedestal' after childbirth.
- Their marriage continued for four years post-birth, with limited physical intimacy.
- Elvis considered extreme actions after learning of Priscilla's affair.
The Shift in Intimacy After Childbirth
Priscilla Presley explains in her book that Elvis faced difficulty with intimacy after she gave birth. She states that Elvis had a specific view of women who had become mothers.
"He had never been able to make love to a woman who'd had a child," Priscilla wrote in her book.
This perspective, according to Priscilla, stemmed from Elvis's idealization of his own mother. After their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was born, Priscilla believes Elvis extended this idealization to her.
She further elaborated on this dynamic, suggesting it created a barrier to their physical relationship. "He had put his mother on a pedestal, and after Lisa was born, he put me on one, too. It is impossible to make love on a pedestal," she explained.
Key Fact
Priscilla and Elvis Presley remained married for approximately four years after their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was born in 1968, despite the reported decline in physical intimacy.
The Later Years of Their Marriage
Despite the reported decrease in sexual intimacy, the couple remained together for about four years following Lisa Marie's birth. Priscilla noted that Elvis maintained an affectionate demeanor towards her during this period.
"Elvis was always flirtatious and very affectionate" after their daughter was born, Priscilla stated. However, she clarified that this affection rarely extended to physical intimacy.
The book recounts a final instance of intimacy between them, which occurred after Priscilla had decided to leave Elvis. This experience was described as emotionally challenging.
"Elvis made love to me forcefully, not forcibly. His usual tenderness and consideration for me were missing. It was emotionally hurtful, and left me with an unhappy memory of my last experience of sexual intimacy with Elvis," Priscilla Presley wrote in her book, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis.
Background Information
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu met in Germany in 1959. They married on May 1, 1967, and welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie, on February 1, 1968. Their divorce was finalized in 1973.
Elvis's Reaction to Priscilla's Affair
Priscilla Presley also addresses her affair with Mike Stone, her karate instructor, in the book. She indicates that Elvis was aware of this relationship.
Elvis reportedly believed that the affair was the reason for their divorce. Priscilla, however, clarified her own reasons for leaving.
"Elvis had felt emasculated" by the affair, she stated. "I didn't leave because Elvis had forced himself on me when he found out about Mike. He had not," Priscilla added, separating the issues.
Even after their separation, Elvis reportedly struggled with the idea of Priscilla being with another person. "He still couldn't wrap his head around my being with someone else," she recalled.
Elvis's Extreme Considerations
According to reports from Fox News, Priscilla's book also details a more serious reaction from Elvis regarding her affair. She wrote that Elvis considered hiring a hitman to eliminate Stone.
"Elvis found the thought of me with another man unbearable. In the weeks after my departure, he told the guys that Mike had to die. He even asked Joe [Esposito, his road manager] to find a hitman," Priscilla wrote.
Despite these considerations, Elvis ultimately did not pursue this action. Priscilla noted that Esposito had "warned me to be careful." She added that over time, and with intervention from his father and friends, Elvis "gradually calmed down and gave up the idea of killing Mike, thank God."
This account provides a glimpse into the complex emotional landscape of their relationship during its final stages and after their separation.