Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s love life has fascinated fans for decades, not only because of his larger-than-life persona but also because of the women who stood beside him. Though the King of Rock and Roll was only married once—to Priscilla Presley—his passionate and unforgettable affair with actress Ann-Margret Olsen remains one of the most talked-about chapters of his personal story. Their connection, born on the set of Viva Las Vegas in 1964, would blossom into a fiery romance and later settle into a lifelong friendship rooted in deep mutual respect.
When director George Sidney introduced Elvis to Ann-Margret, sparks flew almost instantly. Both were at the height of their careers, brimming with charisma, confidence, and undeniable star power. Ann-Margret was often referred to as the female version of Elvis, and the chemistry between them was impossible to ignore. In her memoir My Story, Ann-Margret herself admitted that their bond felt inevitable—an attraction of kindred spirits who were both shy on the outside but wild and restless within. She even described them as “soulmates,” a sentiment that many fans and observers agreed with at the time.
Yet, their love story was never simple. While Elvis and Ann-Margret’s romance captivated the public, it also sparked turmoil behind the scenes. Elvis was already deeply committed to Priscilla, who was living at Graceland and awaiting marriage. For Priscilla, the affair was not just another of Elvis’s fleeting flirtations—it was a direct threat to their relationship. In her memoir Elvis and Me, Priscilla recalled moments of anguish, including one incident where she hurled a flower vase across the room in a fit of rage upon discovering the truth about Elvis’s involvement with his co-star.
Despite the intensity of his relationship with Ann-Margret, Elvis ultimately bowed to the expectations surrounding him. With the influence of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, pressing him toward stability and marriage, Elvis honored his promise to Priscilla. In 1967, he and Priscilla married in Las Vegas, while his affair with Ann-Margret quietly faded. Even so, the connection between Elvis and Ann-Margret never truly disappeared. They remained close friends until Elvis’s passing in 1977, with Elvis often sending her flowers before her performances. Ann-Margret, in turn, spoke only fondly of him, refusing to tarnish the memory of what they once shared. She was even among the few Hollywood stars to attend his funeral.
The relationship between Elvis and Priscilla, however, carried its own complexities. Meeting when she was just 14, Priscilla became deeply entwined in Elvis’s world at a young age. He envisioned molding her into his ideal partner, and while she initially accepted this role, as she matured, she began yearning for independence. Their marriage produced moments of tenderness and devotion but also strains that proved insurmountable. By 1973, their union ended in divorce, though they maintained respect and shared love for their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
Looking back, Elvis’s intertwined relationships with Priscilla and Ann-Margret reveal a man torn between expectation and desire, tradition and passion. One woman represented the stability of home and family, while the other embodied fiery intensity and mirrored his own restless spirit. Together, these stories form a fascinating mosaic of the man behind the music—human, flawed, and unforgettable.