Sometimes, stories from decades ago resurface, offering fresh insights into the lives of iconic figures. One such story is the relationship between Linda Thompson and Elvis Presley, which has recently come back into the spotlight as Linda reflects on their time together and the reasons she ultimately walked away.
Elvis Presley, often referred to as "The King of Rock and Roll," left an indelible mark on the world with his music and charisma. His songs, like *Jailhouse Rock*, *Love Me Tender*, and *Hound Dog*, became timeless classics, and his roles in films such as *Viva Las Vegas* and *The Trouble with Girls* further cemented his status as a cultural icon. But behind the fame, Elvis had a personal life filled with complexities, and Linda Thompson was a significant part of it.
Linda Thompson, born on May 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, grew up in the same city as Elvis. From a young age, she was captivated by his music. She recalls being just six years old when she declared to her parents over breakfast that she would one day marry Elvis Presley. Her admiration for him only grew as she got older.
As a teenager, Linda excelled in beauty pageants, winning titles like Miss Shelby County, Miss Mid-South Fair, and eventually Miss Tennessee in 1970. Her poise and charm led her to place third in the Miss USA pageant that same year. It wasn’t long before her path crossed with Elvis’s.
The two met in 1972, shortly after Elvis separated from his wife, Priscilla Presley. At a private movie screening, Elvis approached Linda with his signature charm, saying, "Well, hello, honey!” Initially, Linda assumed he was still married, but Elvis soon clarified that he and Priscilla were in the process of divorcing. Their connection was immediate, and they began a relationship that would last four years.
During their time together, Linda moved into Graceland, Elvis’s iconic home. While she cherished their bond, she also witnessed the darker side of his life. In her memoir, *A Little Thing Called Life*, Linda describes their relationship as multifaceted. "We were everything to each other,” she writes. "Sometimes I was the little girl, and he was the daddy. Other times, I was the mommy, and he was the baby. We were lovers, siblings, and best friends—all at different times.”
However, as the years passed, Linda noticed Elvis’s health deteriorating. His reliance on prescription medications and his self-destructive habits became increasingly concerning. She often stayed up at night to ensure he was breathing, a responsibility that took both a physical and emotional toll. "It was exhausting,” she admits. "I loved him more than my own life, but watching him self-destruct was heartbreaking.”
By 1975, Elvis’s health had worsened significantly. After a hospitalization for liver issues related to his medication use, Linda decided to step away. She moved to Los Angeles to focus on her career, though she remained in touch with Elvis. "I had this haunting feeling,” she recalls. "I didn’t know if anyone would care for him the way I did. I was so attuned to his needs, and I worried no one else would understand.”
Tragically, Elvis passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. Just days before his death, Linda had called Graceland to check on him. Speaking to Elvis’s friend, Charlie Hodge, she asked him to ensure Elvis was okay. Charlie assured her Elvis was fine, but Linda insisted he check on him. Her final words to Elvis, relayed through Charlie, were, "Tell him I called, I love him, and I was checking on him.”
When news broke of Elvis’s death, Linda was devastated. She had spent years by his side, witnessing both his brilliance and his struggles. Her story offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the life of one of the most celebrated entertainers in history.
Linda Thompson’s reflections remind us that behind the glitz and glamour of fame, there are often untold stories of love, loss, and resilience. Her journey with Elvis Presley is a poignant chapter in the legacy of a man who changed music forever.
