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Priscilla Presley Unveils Secrets of Her Life After Elvis
Priscilla Presley shares candid revelations about her tumultuous marriage to Elvis Presley in her new memoir titled “Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis Presley.” This book dives deep into their relationship dynamics and personal challenges.
Fox News Digital obtained a copy of the memoir, where Priscilla discloses an affair with her karate instructor, Mike Stone, during her marriage to the legendary rock and roll icon. She details how her journey into karate began as a means to impress Elvis, driven by a painful discovery.
The moment she learned of Elvis’s infidelities drastically altered her perspective. Priscilla recalls retrieving the mail during a particularly tumultuous time. Instead of the usual letters and bills, she found an overwhelming number of correspondence from other women.
She expressed her emotional turmoil, stating, “When I turned the key in the mailbox, however, what poured out wasn’t bills or junk mail. The mailbox was stuffed full of letters from girls. … I finally held written proof of what I’d always feared. I was deeply hurt, but I was also furious. I called Elvis and demanded an explanation. … When that tactic failed, he resorted to saying the girls were all lying.” These revelations highlight the pervasive influence of betrayal in their relationship.
Transitioning from emotional hurt to personal action, Priscilla uses a metaphorical lens to illustrate how her friendship with Mike advanced into a romantic relationship. She remarks, “This time, though, turning the tables didn’t work. If Elvis was having affairs that were none of my business, then it was none of his business what I was doing.” This shift in perspective underscores how infidelity fostered emotional distancing between them.
Complications Amidst Fame
During an interview with Today, Priscilla reflected on the challenges posed by the numerous women involved in Elvis’s life. She noted the disconcerting feeling of “too many of us in the marriage.” Priscilla elaborated on how Elvis would host these women at their home, presenting a discordant reality.
She stated, “They would go and meet Elvis at the house on weekends when he went, and it was another life. Now, he would come home great and wonderful. He was still a good husband, but it was just too many of us.” This sentiment reveals the complexity of their lives intertwined with fame and affection.
In perhaps the most shocking admission, Priscilla reveals that Elvis’s feelings toward her affair led him to contemplate hiring someone to harm Mike Stone. She recalls, “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] to find a hit man.” Joe Esposito was more than just Elvis’s road manager; he was part of the circle known as the “Memphis Mafia.”
The Impact of Elvis’s Emotions
Priscilla stressed the importance of Joe’s warning when she attempted to reconnect with Elvis, stating, “Joe warned me to be careful. When I offered to bring Lisa [Marie Presley] to Vegas for one of Elvis’s shows, Joe advised against it. Seeing me might set Elvis off.”
Fortunately, with guidance from the people closest to him, Elvis eventually abandoned these extreme thoughts, offering insight into the troubled emotional state of the iconic musician. Priscilla’s memoir continues to paint a vivid portrait of their complicated relationship.
First Meetings and Lasting Love
Priscilla’s connection with Elvis began when she was just 14 years old, meeting him while he was stationed in Germany during his military service. Their marriage lasted from 1967 until 1973, although they welcomed one child together, Lisa Marie, during this period. Priscilla’s memories reflect a blend of fondness and heartache.
In her book, she discusses an incident in which Elvis reacted adversely upon hearing about her affair. Despite the ensuing turmoil, she maintains that this event was not the sole reason for her decision to leave him. Rather, she states, “I didn’t leave because of Mike Stone. And I didn’t leave because Elvis had forced himself on me when he found out about Mike. He had not.” This clarification speaks to her desire to express the nuanced realities of their relationship.
Priscilla recounts how Elvis felt a loss of identity after discovering her affair, saying he needed to assert his masculinity in a way reminiscent of a karate master. She describes the complexity of intimacy they shared, noting that his usual tenderness was absent during this time.
The Road Ahead
In past interviews, Priscilla reflected that her decision to leave did not stem from a lack of love for Elvis. She emphasized, “I did not divorce him because I didn’t love him — he was the love of my life, truly. If anything, I left because I needed to find out what the world was like.” This viewpoint highlights her quest for personal growth and self-discovery.
After their divorce, Priscilla prioritized Lisa Marie’s upbringing, ensuring she maintained a strong connection with her father. She expressed her determination to preserve their family unit despite the circumstances.
Elvis passed away at the young age of 42 due to a heart attack, leaving a significant impact on those who knew him. Priscilla has since addressed many conspiracy theories regarding his death, stating her wish that he were still alive. Her sentiments reflect the ongoing legacy of the connection they once shared.
A Memoir to Remember
Priscilla Presley’s memoir, “Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis Presley,” was released on September 23. This compelling narrative captures the essence of her experiences and the emotional complexities stemming from her life with one of the most famous figures in music history.
