Priscilla Presley Reflects on Life After Elvis in New Memoir
Priscilla Presley, the former wife of the legendary Elvis Presley, is ready to share her story in her upcoming book, Softly, as I Leave You, set to be released on September 23, 2025. This memoir dives deeply into her journey after Elvis, whose commanding presence in popular culture left an indelible mark on both music and cinema. Priscilla, now 80, recalls their beginnings, which unfolded in the vibrant setting of Las Vegas where Elvis, dressed in a paisley tuxedo, exchanged vows with her amidst an aura of fame and glamour.
From Young Love to Heartbreak
Their paths first crossed while Elvis was stationed in Germany during his time in the Army, marking the beginning of a whirlwind romance. Priscilla speaks fondly of her relationship with Elvis, stating, “I was very much in love with Elvis, very much. I am still very much in love with him.” The couple’s separation in 1973 marked a significant turning point, revealing the pressures of their high-profile relationship.
“I was living Elvis’ life,” Priscilla reflects. “I had to find me. Who was I? I was Elvis’ wife.” The emotional struggles of sharing him with countless fans created a constant state of anxiety. “I couldn’t live a life of being in panic all the time, of losing him to someone else,” she admitted.
Navigating Life After Elvis
Despite the challenges, including infidelities on both sides, they maintained a close bond, choosing to never remarry after their divorce. Priscilla dove into entrepreneurial ventures and acting, seeking personal growth while raising their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. They shared joint custody for nearly four years, yet life took a tragic turn when Elvis passed away at the age of 42. Priscilla recalls witnessing his decline due to substance abuse, stating, “You couldn’t convince Elvis on anything unless he believed in it.”
After Elvis’s death, Graceland, the famed mansion that had been financially struggling, became a pivotal aspect of Priscilla’s life. Instead of selling it, she transformed it into a public museum, honoring Elvis’s legacy while ensuring their daughter’s inheritance was preserved. “That will never happen, ever,” she asserted when faced with the prospect of selling their home.
The Challenge of Celebrity
As she navigated her life as a single mother and public figure, Priscilla faced the pressures of living under the shadow of celebrity. From her daughter’s engagement to Michael Jackson to working alongside O.J. Simpson in “The Naked Gun,” she reflects candidly on her experiences and the challenges they presented.
A Legacy of Love and Loss
Tragedy struck once again when Lisa Marie passed away unexpectedly in January 2023. “I miss her every day,” Priscilla shared. “But her spirit is still with me very, very much.” Now, as she considers her own future, Priscilla finds solace in the idea of resting at Graceland alongside her loved ones.
“When you stop and think about it, we’re not here that long,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of moving forward without clinging to past grievances. “I want to move forward.”
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Priscilla and Elvis Meet | 1959 |
| Wedding | 1967 |
| Divorce | 1973 |
| Elvis’s Death | 1977 |
| Lisa Marie’s Death | 2023 |
Priscilla Presley’s journey reflects resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to keeping Elvis’s legacy alive as she embraces the future.
