Priscilla Presley Reveals Heartfelt Insights Into Relationship With Elvis
In an exclusive and candid interview at the Venice Film Festival, Priscilla Presley, the former wife of the iconic rock star Elvis Presley, opened up about her unique and enduring connection with the legendary musician. The occasion marked the press conference for Sofia Coppola’s upcoming biographical film Priscilla, which delves into their remarkable journey.
The story, as depicted in the film, unfolds during a time when Elvis was 24 years old and Priscilla was merely 14. While some might raise eyebrows at the age gap, Priscilla was quick to emphasize that their relationship was far from what some might assume. Addressing common misconceptions, she firmly stated, “People think, ‘Oh, it was sex.’ No, it wasn’t. He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old. We were more in line in thought, and that was our relationship.”
Priscilla’s account of their initial encounter on a military base in Germany is heartwarming and sheds light on the depth of their connection. Despite the age difference, the two found solace in each other’s company and a shared ability to communicate on a profound level, according to her.
“Even though I was 14, I was actually a little bit older in life — not in numbers. That was the attraction,” Priscilla explained.
However, the relationship went far beyond the surface, as Elvis confided in Priscilla in a way he had never done before. As she recalled, she openly shared his fears, hopes, and the enduring pain of losing his mother.
Priscilla recounted, “Elvis would pour his heart out to me in every way in Germany: his fears, his hopes, the loss of his mother — which he never, ever got over. And I was the person who really, really sat there to listen and to comfort him. That was really our connection.”
Priscilla’s respect for their bond was evident even in the face of challenges. She revealed, “I didn’t know why he put so much trust in me, but he did. And I never, ever, ever told anyone that I was seeing him, and that was another issue that he loved, is the fact that I never gave him up in any way. I never told anyone at school that I was seeing him. So, we built a relationship and then our relationship went on until yes, I left.”
Despite their eventual separation in 1972 due to the complexities of their lifestyle, their love endured. Priscilla clarified, “It wasn’t because I didn’t love him — he was the love of my life. It was the lifestyle that was so difficult for me, and I think any woman can relate to that.”
Looking back on their journey, Priscilla expressed her pride as a co-founder and former chairperson of Elvis Presley Enterprises. She also commended Sofia Coppola’s biopic for its authenticity and attention to detail, noting, “Sofia did an amazing job. She did her homework, we spoke a couple of times and I really put everything out for her that I could.”
