Introduction
Priscilla Presley—businesswoman, designer, producer, and actress—was first introduced to the world as the girlfriend and later the wife of the legendary Elvis Presley. Now, in her new memoir Softly As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, she opens up about her journey—from life at Graceland to carving out her own path beyond the spotlight.
In a recent interview, Priscilla walked onstage as Elvis’s 1972 hit Burning Love played. Asked about the biggest misconception people have about Elvis, she revealed that he was much taller than most imagine—over six feet—a fact that often surprised people. She also shared that while Elvis projected an irresistibly charming and sexy image to the public, he wasn’t the type to do chores at home, as household staff usually handled those duties.
In her memoir, Priscilla reflects on her role during their marriage, describing herself in many ways as a “traditional wife.” While they had help, she enjoyed being directly involved in keeping their home tidy, something she had grown up doing as a child. Leaving Elvis in 1972, she explained, was a decision made out of her desire to live life on her own terms and discover who she was beyond being Elvis’s wife. Yet, their bond remained strong. Even after their separation, the two often spoke late at night, confiding in one another about worries, hopes, and personal struggles. Their friendship endured long after their marriage ended.
Priscilla also writes candidly about her relationship with her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, and the devastating loss she felt when Lisa passed away suddenly in 2023. She remembers her daughter as strong-willed, fearless, and fiercely independent—someone who “ruled the house” even from a very young age.
The book also touches on Lisa Marie’s marriage to Michael Jackson, a union Priscilla openly admits she was uneasy about. She believed Michael, a devoted Elvis fan, may have used the relationship to gain more public attention, which raised serious concerns for her as a mother.
Through Softly As I Leave You, Priscilla Presley offers more than just memories of her life with Elvis. She paints a portrait of resilience, personal growth, deep love for her family, and the courage to navigate both extraordinary triumphs and heartbreaking loss.