Actress and activist Priscilla Presley gives voice to her bestselling memoir, Elvis and Me, about her life with the famous rocker. Here, Presley shares what it was like to return to the memoir, what she has learned about herself in the decades since, and divulges some of her fondest memories of The King.
Audible: What did you learn about yourself as you revisited this memoir, nearly 40 years after you originally wrote it?
Priscilla Presley: I have lived a life so unique and filled with memories. In revisiting this memoir I learned that I could adapt to different environments, mingle with the who’s who and regular, everyday people. I learned patience and understanding and how important it is to make someone smile, if either by a shake of a hand or just a hello or to give a wink or two. I learned to trust my instincts and speak up as I became more confident and sure of myself. Being with Elvis taught me so much about life and human nature. He was, and still is, a guiding light.
What was it like to perform the audiobook for Elvis and Me?
Reading a book is one thing, but to perform the audiobook is obviously very different. You’re by yourself with headphones reading to no one. I thought it was much easier than having people sitting around listening and watching. I felt very much in the moment as I read through emotions, laughter, and memories.
Is there something you miss most about Elvis?
I miss so many things about Elvis. His laugh, his little boy qualities, his playfulness, teasing me and the guys, riding horses at Graceland where crowds of people would gather. But the one thing I miss the most was our time together in our bedroom upstairs. There, he would be all mine to share his thoughts with, from his future and where it was heading, to his concerns about his father, Vernon, or an incident with one of the guys.
What do you hope listeners take away from Elvis and Me?
There were definitely obstacles being with someone so famous. But I hope that people can understand our relationship even more, mine as a mother and his wife, Elvis at the height of his career again, doing what he loved best…performing, and he gave his all! He was a true professional with heart and soul. There was nothing not to like about Elvis—his character, his humanity, personality, his care for people. But life away from home took its toll for us both. Although we separated, and later divorced, we still remained in close touch with each other by phone, or there would be times he would come over to my place in the early mornings around 2 a.m. and we’d talk for hours. I’m most proud that, even after our divorce, we remained close.
