Sofia Coppola's eagerly anticipated movie Priscilla made a splash when it premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 4, receiving a thunderous seven-minute standing ovation. The energy in the room was palpable as the audience erupted in cheers, celebrating the incredible work of the cast and crew. Watching from the front row, a visibly emotional Priscilla Presley wiped away tears and embraced actress Cailee Spaeny, who plays her in this biographical masterpiece. The film is based on Priscilla’s bestselling 1985 memoir, Elvis & Me. "It’s incredibly challenging to sit through a film about your own life," Priscilla shared at the festival. "It's about love, loss, and everything in between."
It's been almost 50 years since Priscilla and Elvis Presley parted ways, and 46 years since the King of Rock and Roll tragically passed away at the tender age of 42. Despite the passage of time, the emotions tied to those events remain raw for Priscilla, now 78. She's also grappling with the fresh pain of losing her beloved daughter, Lisa Marie, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year due to complications from weight-loss surgery. In this deeply personal moment, Priscilla opens up about the heartache of losing the two most important people in her life, the complexities of her marriage to Elvis, and the regrets that linger in her heart.
Life with Elvis: A Tale of Love and Turmoil
Priscilla's journey with Elvis began when she was just 14 years old, and he was serving in the Army in Germany. Their age difference raised eyebrows back then, but Priscilla has always defended their bond. "Even though I was 14, I was more mature than my years," she explained during a recent press conference. "People often assume it was about sex, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Elvis was kind, gentle, and respectful. He understood my age and treated me accordingly." Their connection was built on mutual respect and understanding, which laid the foundation for a relationship that would last for years.
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Priscilla moved into Graceland, Elvis’ Memphis home, at the age of 17, and insists that the superstar never took advantage of her. "It was tough for my parents to understand why Elvis would be so interested in me," she recalled, describing herself as a "listener." An insider shared that Priscilla and Elvis connected deeply, sharing stories of their childhoods, dreams, and fears. Elvis often opened up about his late mother, Gladys, pouring his heart out to Priscilla. However, their 1967 marriage was fraught with challenges. Life revolved around Elvis, and he was always surrounded by his "Memphis Mafia" – his entourage of friends and family. "Priscilla's life was centered around pleasing Elvis," an insider revealed, noting that he even dictated her wardrobe choices. "It was all about him and his career. The chaos never stopped."
Infidelity further complicated their relationship. Elvis kept secrets and lied about his whereabouts. "He was seeing other women throughout their relationship, and it deeply troubled Priscilla," the source explained. Despite this, she felt compelled to look the other way. Toward the end of their marriage, Priscilla had an affair with a karate instructor named Mike Stone. When Elvis found out, he flew into a rage. "Elvis was a complex man," the source added. "He was tempted by other women, but he was possessive of Priscilla and would grow jealous."
Their daughter, Lisa Marie, was born in 1968. While Elvis adored his daughter, Priscilla was the primary caregiver and disciplinarian. "He didn’t focus much on the practical aspects of parenting," she shared in 2012. "But I naturally embraced the role of motherhood." Elvis did spoil Lisa Marie, treating her to extravagant shopping sprees and flying her around in his private jet. "Priscilla asked him to tone it down, but Elvis refused," the source revealed.
Branching Out: Finding Herself After Divorce
When they officially divorced in 1973, they remained on such good terms that they left the California courthouse holding hands after signing the divorce papers. "I left, but it wasn’t because I didn’t love him," Priscilla revealed. "Elvis was the love of my life. It was the lifestyle that was so challenging for me." She thrived after the divorce, discovering her own identity. "I was living in a bubble, and I found that I had my own taste," she shared. "I found Priscilla."
Her Broken Heart: Grieving the Loss of Lisa Marie
Her relationship with Lisa Marie had its ups and downs over the years, but they were on good terms when Lisa Marie passed away earlier this year from complications related to a bowel obstruction. Priscilla had supported Lisa Marie through the tragic suicide of her son, Benjamin Keough, in 2020. Just days before her death, Lisa Marie and Priscilla attended the Golden Globes to celebrate actor Austin Butler's win for his portrayal of Elvis in Baz Luhrmann's film. Celebrating afterward, Lisa Marie complained of a stomach ache. Though they left immediately, Priscilla reflects on wishing she had urged Lisa Marie to see a doctor sooner. "I didn’t want to be overbearing – Lisa Marie was headstrong and confident," she shared. Two days later, Lisa Marie was gone. "I still can’t believe it," Priscilla said, her voice heavy with grief. "No mother should have to endure this."
