Introduction:
When it comes to the story of Elvis Presley, there are few voices as authentic and intimate as that of Priscilla Presley. Married to the King of Rock and Roll in 1967, she shared six transformative years by his side and remained a steady presence in his life even after their marriage ended. Decades later, her perspective continues to hold a rare power—one that bridges the myth of Elvis with the man she knew so well.
Speaking recently from Los Angeles, Priscilla admitted that she approached Baz Luhrmann’s film Elvis with hesitation. Known for his distinctive style, Luhrmann had taken on the challenge of capturing one of the most legendary performers in history. For Priscilla, the uncertainty lay in how her former husband would be portrayed—and indeed how she herself would be reflected on screen. “I was very nervous,” she recalled. “I didn’t know how it would turn out, so I initially stayed away from the big premieres.” But a private screening with longtime Elvis associate Jerry Schilling soon changed her mind. Within moments, she was captivated. “Austin Butler did an amazing job. He had Elvis down to a T—his movements, his smirk, his walk, even his temper. It was like watching Elvis again. Truly remarkable.”
For Priscilla, the portrayal went beyond mimicry. It was, in her words, “like reincarnation.” She admitted her daughter was deeply moved as well, underscoring how powerful the film was for those who knew Elvis best. Olivia DeJonge, who portrayed Priscilla, also won her approval. “She was sensitive to who Elvis was and to what he wanted out of life. That’s how I always tried to be with him, so I appreciated her approach.”
The conversation inevitably turned to Elvis’s place in today’s cultural climate. In an era where cancel culture often revisits the past with harsh judgment, Priscilla was firm in her defense of Elvis. “He was never a racist. He loved Black music, Black culture, and counted many Black artists among his friends. People like Fats Domino and Sammy Davis Jr. were part of his world. He simply wasn’t prejudiced.” For her, it is troubling that modern society is “looking for reasons to dispose of people,” something she feels Elvis would have found both baffling and heartbreaking.
When asked whether Elvis was the great love of her life, Priscilla’s answer was simple: “Yes, he was.” Though their marriage did not last, their bond endured. She recalled how he would often visit her home late at night, sharing books and conversations, moments that felt more genuine without the pressures of fame and expectation. “We were better not married,” she admitted, “but our relationship was always strong.”
In reflecting on Elvis’s career, Priscilla noted his frustration with being tied to lighthearted Hollywood films rather than the serious roles he craved. Yet despite such disappointments, his impact was unparalleled. “He tried so hard to be perfect,” she said warmly. “And he truly was one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known.”
For Priscilla Presley, Elvis was not just a global icon but a deeply human man—flawed, brilliant, driven, and endlessly fascinating. Through her words, his legacy feels not only preserved but alive, echoing as vividly today as when he first stepped onto the stage.