When most individuals consider Elvis Presley, there are some things that come to thoughts: groundbreaking rock ‘n roll music, notorious hip gyrations, a mischievous lip curl, and his lovely spouse, Priscilla. Nevertheless, individuals who lived via Elvis’ reign might recall one other beautiful girl within the King’s life. Ann-Margret was not solely Elvis’ co-star however was additionally his lover at one level. Their relationship difficult issues with Priscilla. Learn on to see how the pair fared in these early days, and why they in the end fell aside.
Her Voice Was In contrast To That Of Elvis
Ann-Margret, a Swedish actress, emerged in Hollywood within the late Nineteen Fifties. As a singer, her voice was acknowledged for its similarity to Elvis. Since their vocal qualities have been comparable, it is no shock the pair was certain to work collectively ultimately.
Some even referred to Ann-Margret as the feminine model of Elvis. Shortly after her rise to stardom, she started working with Elvis’ backup singers, The Jordanaires. Ann-Margret’s recognition additional blossomed when she coated his well-known music, “Heartbreak Lodge.”
They Met On The Set Of Viva Las Vegas
Elvis and Ann-Margret met whereas filming the 1963 hit Viva Las Vegas. Regardless of solely being 28-years-old, Elvis had already been in 14 films as much as that time. Ann-Margret, then again, was a rising star, most notably acknowledged for her starring position in Bye Bye Birdie.
Ann-Margret was simply 22-years-old on the time she met the king of rock ‘n roll. She recalled the second in her autobiography many years later. They met at an empty soundstage that held solely a piano. Speak about a movie-moment!
They Mentioned The Identical Factor At The Identical Time
When the pair met, they have been launched by director George Sidney. It was like a second out of a film as Ann-Margret reached out her hand to shake Elvis’. In her ebook, she described his shake as being “light.”
Then in unison, each Ann-Margret and Elvis exclaimed, “I’ve heard quite a bit about you.” She wrote that the coincidence made them each chuckle and loosen up. It was an ideal ice breaker, and confirmed how a lot the 2 have been already alike.
She Was Surprisingly Calm
Ann-Margret admitted in her ebook that she was surprisingly comfortable when she met Elvis. Being that he was one of many greatest stars of the time, you’d assume that she could be nervous.
She wrote, “I’m probably not certain why I used to be so calm about assembly ‘the King.’ In spite of everything, this was Elvis – a person who had captured the guts of just about each girl in America. Little did I do know he would quickly seize mine.”
Elvis Was Already Taken At The Time
On the time that Elvis and Ann-Margret have been filming, he was already in a relationship with Priscilla. Moreover, he had confessed to Priscilla’s household that he had each intention of marrying her.
As we all know now, the pair did get married. Nevertheless, it was not as minimize and dry as Priscilla might have hoped. There would nonetheless be some battle among the many love triangle as Ann-Margret and Elvis obtained to know one another higher. It did not assist that rumors began to unfold.
It Was Recognized That Elvis Was Fond Of Ann-Margret
Regardless of being in a dedicated relationship, Elvis’ emotions for Ann-Margret have been obvious. The 2 had super chemistry each on and off-screen. Marty Lacker admitted within the biography Elvis and the Memphis Mafia that he knew Elvis must determine between Ann-Margret and Priscilla.
He continued, “And I believed if push got here to shove, he would select Ann.” Being that Marty was an in depth pal of Elvis’, you’d assume he was appropriate in his assumption. Because it seems, issues weren’t so easy.
Elvis’ Cousin Was Additionally Rooting For Ann-Margret
Elvis’ pal Marty wasn’t the one one who thought that Ann-Margret was the best choice. In the identical biography, Elvis’ cousin, Billy Smith, acknowledged that he not solely thought that Elvis would marry Ann-Margret, however thought that he ought to.
He wrote, “She made his life simpler as a result of she understood him and didn’t make any calls for on him.” On the contrary, Billy felt that Priscilla did not perceive Elvis’ associates, particularly the members of the Memphis Mafia.
Ann-Margret Began Dropping Her Persistence
All of the whereas, Ann-Margret began to really feel like she was being led on. She requested Marty what was unsuitable with Elvis, stating, “One minute we’re in love, and the following minute I don’t hear from him once more. He gained’t even take my calls.”
Clearly, Elvis had given Ann-Margret some purpose to assume that the 2 have been an merchandise. It grew to become complicated the place Priscilla fell into all of this. Elvis appeared to be having his cake and consuming it, too.
Priscilla Wasn’t Joyful About The Ann-Margret Rumors
Ann-Margret wasn’t the one one rising suspicious of Elvis. Priscilla was additionally feeling heartbroken over his alleged emotions for one more girl. In 1985, Priscilla wrote an article that was printed in Folks that mirrored on that point in her life.
In it, she stated that it bothered her that even after Ann-Margret and Elvis completed taking pictures Viva Las Vegas, their affiliation remained robust. Priscilla continued, “The newspapers have been reporting their ‘blossoming’ affair every day.”
Phrase Unfold That Ann-Margret And Elvis Have been Engaged
Maybe it was out of revenge that Ann-Margret made the rash resolution to inform newspapers that she and Elvis have been engaged to be married. As quickly as Elvis caught wind of the information, he advised Priscilla.
He returned from the recording studio with a newspaper in hand and proceeded to inform her that each main newspaper in America was working the story. Elvis could not consider Ann-Margret’s nerve, however the one that was much more torn up about it was Priscilla.
Tensions Grew Between Priscilla And Elvis
As Elvis advised Priscilla what Ann-Margret did, he threw the newspaper towards the wall in anger. He then advised Priscilla that ought to would wish to depart as a result of the press could be throughout him about this.
Priscilla was so indignant that she threw a vase towards the wall. Elvis retaliated by pinning her down and saying, “I didn’t know this was going to get out of hand. I desire a girl who’s going to grasp that issues like this would possibly simply occur. Are you going to be her – or not?”
Regardless of It All, Elvis And Priscilla Wed
Regardless of all the rumors and trials that had come together with Ann-Margret, Elvis in the end selected Priscilla. The 2 wed in 1967 after virtually a decade of realizing each other. Priscilla was solely 14 when she met Elvis, who was then 24.
She recalled in her Folks article the sound of cameras flashing and her dad and mom’ approval as she married the rock ‘n roll legend. She additionally acknowledged how being known as his spouse was a “nicer” label than a few of the different names she’d been referred to as.
Even After Turning into Dad and mom, Tensions Rose
Priscilla and Elvis welcomed their first baby, a woman named Lisa, only a yr after getting married. Whereas Priscilla was nonetheless pregnant, rumors started to swirl concerning the subsequent girl supposedly on Elvis’ thoughts.
As information unfold about Elvis and Nancy Sinatra, Priscilla could not assist however discover herself damage another time. She admitted that she and Elvis each figured it was her being pregnant that was making her so delicate. Nonetheless, the life-style of a rocker’s spouse cannot be a straightforward one.
Nancy Managed To Ease Priscilla’s Worries
Within the midst of the swirling rumors about Nancy and Elvis, Nancy did the sudden. She provided to throw Priscilla a child bathe. Because the ladies did not know each other very effectively, Priscilla was at first skeptical.
Elvis assured her that Nancy was form and providing out of the goodness of her personal coronary heart. As Priscilla obtained to know her, she discovered this to be true. Eventually, she may relaxation simple and know that the rumors weren’t true.
In the meantime, Ann-Margret Married Somebody Else
Across the identical time that Elvis married Priscilla, Ann-Margret wed Roger Smith. It appeared suspect that their weddings have been so shut collectively, particularly contemplating the pair referred to as off their engagement at one level.
Elvis’ pal Marty Lacker acknowledged that in his opinion, Ann-Margret and Roger briefly cut up as a result of she was nonetheless so in love with Elvis. Finally, she made the proper resolution by not going after somebody who was clearly in a dedicated relationship. Nonetheless, she and Elvis remained shut.
Elvis Nonetheless Confirmed He Cared For Ann-Margret
Even after all the anger that Elvis expressed over Ann-Margret’s engagement rumor, he nonetheless cared for her. This grew to become obvious when he despatched her a present only one month after marrying Priscilla.
The current was a guitar product of flowers. It was a congratulatory gesture since Ann-Margret was set to debut in Las Vegas. Because it seems, this was simply the primary of many ornate floral presents that Elvis despatched her, exhibiting that he nonetheless supported her profession.
Ann-Margret Attended Elvis’ Funeral
In 1977, Elvis handed away. Although Ann-Margret was suggested to not attend his funeral, she did anyway. She nonetheless beloved Elvis as a pricey pal, and wished to honor his reminiscence. Even many years later, Ann-Margret would turn out to be emotional over Elvis’ reminiscence.
She usually prevented saying a lot to the general public about Elvis. She even saved mentions of him in her autobiography slightly obscure. Although Ann-Margret wasn’t all the time forthcoming about their connection, she did open up in a 1994 interview.
In 1994 Ann-Margret Provided Perception Into Her Bond With Elvis
The identical yr that Ann-Margret launched her ebook, she gave an interview with Charlie Rose whereby she mentioned Elvis at size. She talked about that her connection was Elvis was very robust.
She additionally acknowledged that that they had been collectively for one yr, throughout which they developed a deep belief that she nonetheless respects at present. She expressed her exasperation at feeling like Elvis’ expertise wasn’t acknowledged in his life as a lot because it was after he handed.
She Nonetheless Cherishes His Reminiscence
In her 1994 interview, it was clear that Ann-Margret nonetheless deeply cherishes Elvis’ reminiscence. She added that these she is shut with additionally admire who Elvis was, as he handled everybody in her life with kindness and respect.
Ann-Margret admired his sensitivity and his originality. Although Elvis tried to win her again at one level, she remained devoted to her husband, who she was with till he handed away in 2017. Regardless of all that she and Elvis had gone via, their friendship is one that’s eternal.
How Linda Thompson Ended Up In The Image
Thompson was solely 22 when she met Elvis. Someday, Elvis rented out a movie show for a couple of of his associates to take pleasure in. After he heard Miss Tennessee was on the town, he promptly despatched her an invitation.
They’d find yourself sitting subsequent to one another, and Elvis immediately knew he would have one other shot at love. Would the romance final ceaselessly? Within the second, that was the very last thing both of the 2 have been considering of.
The Younger Linda Thompson
Linda Thompson as soon as stated, “I am the type of one who lives below the radar.” As modest as that sounds, you’ll be able to think about it was robust attempting to make that occur given her well-known courting historical past. Thompson walked crimson carpets usually, referred to as The King of Rock and Roll in addition to The Finest Athlete within the World her important different, and that is solely a part of her story. After releasing a tell-all ebook about her life, new data surfaced that was solely rumored earlier than.
Born to a low-income household in Memphis, Tennessee, Linda Thompson was raised with a Southern Baptist religion. The folks round her seen her magnificence, and it would not take lengthy for high-profile celebrities to do the identical. She would possibly’ve lived a easy life, however everybody could not assist however see how gorgeous she was. She gained homecoming queen in highschool, however that will solely be the start of all of the crowns she would put on in her life…
Seems Paid For Faculty
Thompson’s seems have been so sensational; she gained Miss Liberty Bowl, Miss Tennessee, Miss Shelby County, and some others that will find yourself serving to her pay for education. After becoming a member of one magnificence pageant, it began to click on.
Thompson would attend Memphis State College, the place she double-majored in English and Drama. Rising up very modest, Thompson centered on her religion and conventional values. That would not cease her from shining brilliant, although.
Good day There, Elvis
In 1972, Thompson not solely gained a couple of pageants, nevertheless it was additionally the yr she met her past love. Resulting from residing such a strict and faith-fueled life early on, Thompson did not fear or have the time to fall in love in highschool or faculty.
Her first lover was somebody particular. What number of can say their early romantic curiosity was the King of something? Elvis Presley and Thompson fell for one another, however Presley had deep emotions for another person not lengthy earlier than assembly Thompson.
Seven Months Earlier than Thompson…
Whereas Thompson’s past love was Elvis, the musician had beloved another person earlier than her. He met Priscilla Presley when he was 24 and she or he was solely 14, thus making their relationship extremely distinctive.
The 2 virtually had a love at first sight kind of romance between them. One yr after assembly, she would transfer to Graceland. Quickly after, the 2 would have a child lady collectively named Lisa Marie, and all of it appeared like issues have been nice.
Priscilla Knew One thing Thompson Did not…
It did not take lengthy for Priscilla to be taught the darkish aspect of fame after she started residing with Elvis. He was all the time exhausted all through the connection as a result of his profession was his life.
The busy schedule and lack of sleep led him to begin abusing substances. The King’s way of life grew into one thing Priscilla could not deal with, and she or he filed for a divorce. Thompson would perceive Priscilla’s despair, however not earlier than falling in love herself.
Falling For A Candy Southern Lady
It was no secret that Elvis was a woman’s man. He had the status {that a} faith-driven lady had no enterprise getting concerned with romantically. Nonetheless, since Elvis was such a mega-star, it was laborious for Linda Thompson to cross him up.
The entire scenario enticed Thompson, and she or he grew to become smitten. In spite of everything, he was The King of Rock and Roll, so who would not at the very least give it a attempt? He had his eyes set on her, and it was solely a matter of time till he made his transfer.
They Did not Watch The Film
While you’re clicking with somebody new, it may be laborious taking note of the film display screen. Thompson and Elvis hardly knew each other, however the chemistry was there, and so they kissed all through your entire double-feature.
Shocked, Thompson could not consider what transpired. It felt surreal to her. It should have felt like she was within the film herself. Nothing may’ve ready Thompson for a way that night time unraveled, nevertheless it’s protected to say not a soul would’ve been prepared for that.
He Ought to’ve Married A Southern Lady
Elvis saved it stylish when it got here to creating a transfer on ladies. Thompson revealed in an interview that Elvis pulled the basic “yawn and stretch” earlier than placing his arm round her.
She assumed he was nonetheless dedicated to Priscilla, however at one level, he advised her, “you recognize I am not married anymore.” Thompson responded with, “I did not know that, and I am sorry it did not work out, however it is best to have married a southern lady.” She gave Elvis her quantity on the finish of the night time, not anticipating him to name her again.
Collectively In Graceland
Not lengthy after arriving house from the films, Thompson acquired a telephone name. Her aunt answered and heard Elvis talking, asking to speak to Thompson. He stated it was an pressing name.
Elvis then advised Thompson, “I simply need you to understand how joyful I’m that I met you. Are you able to come over tomorrow to Graceland and meet my father?” She did not hesitate to just accept this invitation. As soon as there, she met a couple of others as effectively. The pageant winner described that day as a dream.
It is Time For Vegas
Thompson would then go to Alabama for trip, however she failed to depart Elvis a quantity to contact her. She solely advised him she’d be again and hoped to see him as soon as once more.
Upon her arrival, she obtained a name from Elvis, and he had a request. “You do not simply disappear from my life, who do you assume I’m? I’ll Vegas tonight, and I need you to come back with me,” he advised Linda. He advised her to not fear about baggage, simply to carry a toothbrush.
Placing Her Life On Maintain
This was when Elvis took precedence in Thompson’s life. She halted every thing to be with The King. She had plans of modeling in New York, however her objectives weren’t on her thoughts with Elvis round.
He beloved her a lot and loved exhibiting her off. Elvis made the connection public virtually instantly. She adopted him round all over the place and was head over heels in love with him. Over the following 4 years, they have been a scorching merchandise, however would they ever marry?
Meet The Dad and mom
Elvis was a beneficiant man, particularly along with his family members. Thompson advised Larry King in an interview: “Residing with Elvis was like residing with Santa Clause,” as a result of he would buy her presents on a regular basis.
His generosity went past solely materials issues. He would spend his treasured time with good associates and people he had love for too. Elvis adored Thompson soo a lot and helped her in some ways. It was a match made in heaven.
They Have been All the time Collectively
Thompson stopped every thing to be with Elvis, so she went with him all over the place. It may’ve been karate apply, tour, or rehearsal, and she or he was there. Thompson stated that the primary yr of being collectively was a loyal one.
Sadly, rumors started spreading that he wasn’t that devoted to Thompson. She tried to dam out all of the unfavourable noise and even forgave him after her personal suspicions arose, however the strain started to mount between the 2.
Why They Did not Get Married
Initially, Thompson felt she wished to get married, however Elvis wasn’t on the identical web page. Because the years handed by, her want to tie the knot pale away.
Beginning her day at 9 at night time and ending it round two within the afternoon the following day wasn’t her cup of tea. She imagined residing an everyday life. Thompson started to note what Priscilla skilled, and it wasn’t fairly. When Elvis lastly obtained round to contemplating marriage, Thompson crossed that possibility off the checklist.
Serving to Her Name It Off
The time got here for the couple to name it off. They each felt the love failing, however neither wished to do something about it. The turning level was after Elvis flew in a unique lady and requested if Thompson wished to go house for some time.
She agreed and wrote him a letter detailing why she needed to finish issues with him. She would possibly’ve beloved him, however she knew if she continued, it would not be helpful for herself.
Elvis Shares Ideas On Thompson’s Future Husband
Earlier than the tip of their relationship, Elvis and Thompson loved the Olympics collectively. They noticed Bruce Jenner cross the end line, profitable the gold medal within the decathlon. Who knew that will be such a important second?
In Thompson’s ebook, she wrote, “Elvis remarked, “Rattling if that man is just not good-looking! I am not homosexual, however [expletive], he is handsome!” Quickly after splitting with The King, the attractive Thompson would go on up to now and marry Jenner.
Bruce Jenner Arrives
When describing the way it was when Thompson met Bruce Jenner, she says, “He was the basic jock.” Jenner would all the time put on athletic apparel and flip-flops. Many athletes do that, and he was no completely different.
Thompson grew to become drawn to the athlete, saying that she beloved his masculinity. She had no clue that beneath this robust exterior was an inside wrestle with gender dysphoria. Issues would rapidly turn out to be attention-grabbing, as Thompson discovered herself in one other whirlwind romance.
Assembly At The Playboy Mansion
Very similar to with Elvis, Thompson and Jenner hit it off rapidly. They met in 1979 at a celeb tennis match held on the Playboy Mansion. Jenner lived there for some time after breaking apart along with his first spouse, Chrystie.
Linda acquired an invitation to the awards ceremony the place she would hand out trophies. Certain sufficient, Jenner ended up profitable the match, and Thompson fell for the athlete, and he fell in love along with her simply as quick.
Jenner Did not Need Miss Out On Thompson
After the 2 met, Jenner and Thompson spent the entire time speaking. Jenner did not wish to go away her alone. He even stayed in his tennis garments to make sure she would not go away his sights.
After telling her he did not need others to have an opportunity, Jenner requested Thompson out to dinner, and she or he agreed. This became an thrilling, new part for Thompson after sticking round Elvis for all these years.
Again To Pink Carpets
As soon as once more, Thompson discovered herself on crimson carpets, however with Jenner this time. The limelight did not wish to go away Thompson alone, the distinction now was she was a mom and a spouse.
Lastly, Thompson felt a way of achievement. Right now, she says it was “too good to be true.” Hindsight would make her appropriate, however she had no approach of seeing how issues would play out with all of the twists and turns.
Elvis Was There In Spirit
These two did not waste any time and determined to tie the knot. It turned out to be a basic story of the jock marrying the homecoming queen. The marriage happened in Hawaii, the place Thompson all the time wished it to be.
As she walked down the aisle, she selected to do it to an Elvis music. Jenner did not thoughts because it was Thompson’s favourite music, so he understood that the choice did not imply something. The joyful couple would go on to have two sons, Brandon and Brody.
Brody And Bruce Jenner
Earlier than their marriage, Jenner already had two youngsters. Thompson says she loves his youngsters as her personal and nonetheless retains shut with them at present. Jenner and Thompson’s sons grew as much as be extremely good-looking males.
Now, Brody spends his time in Hollywood, whereas Brandon makes music. You would possibly’ve caught Brody on the fact TV present, Laguna Seashore and The Hills. Each of the sons inherited their mother or father’s beauty and wonderful personalities, which is past a blessing.
Thompson Learns The Fact
It took a while, however Jenner would ultimately spill the beans. Seven months after the start of their second baby, Jenner advised Thompson he had one thing to share. Nonetheless remembering the methods of Elvis, she thought he had an affair.
She braced herself for information like that however had no thought what to anticipate. That is when Jenner advised her, “Its time you recognize the reality about me.” The implausible athlete revealed he recognized as a girl and residing as a male was depressing.
How Do You React To This Information?
Not everybody receives information like this from their partner. It is uncommon, so Thompson had shock written throughout her face. She stated after a couple of moments, her coronary heart started aching for him.
The one she beloved was in ache, and collectively they went to a gender dysphoria specialist. They came upon Jenner’s struggles would by no means go away. Thompson had to determine if she would stay with him in his hardest days.
Jenner Saved It A Secret
Regardless that it was surprising information, Thompson was joyful that Jenner did not inform her till after having their sons. Thompson will get requested usually if she needs she knew about it earlier than committing so a few years of her life to him, however Thompson says she’s grateful she was unaware for thus lengthy.
Thompson would’ve remained associates with him, however would not have married Jenner as a result of she wished to marry a male. If Jenner would’ve advised earlier on, they might’ve by no means had youngsters.
Seeing Caitlyn For The First Time
As soon as Jenner advised Thompson the reality, the 2 separated. One night, he referred to as Thompson and stated, “It is time you come to see your husband.” Her ideas raced as she started to play with the thought of Jenner having a change of coronary heart.
Upon arrival, it wasn’t Bruce who answered the door, however Caitlyn. He had turn out to be a she. Thompson advised Larry King she fell to the ground resulting from all of the shock. It was this second that helped Thompson transfer on from the scenario.
Bruce Would Start Hormone Remedy Earlier than Assembly Kris
After lastly ending issues with Thompson, Jenner thought it was time to start his transformation course of. He began this by doing hormone remedy and having cosmetic surgery carried out to look extra female.
Thompson determined to maintain the key from their boys. She deliberate to attend till the method grew to become extra evident earlier than telling, however out of nowhere, Jenner put the entire thing on pause. He wished to present being a male one final shot after assembly Kris Kardashian. Jenner fell in love along with her. The 2 ended up having Kendall and Kylie Jenner, however he nonetheless did not really feel proper.
On To David Foster
Not lengthy after Jenner, Thompson met David Foster, the music producer. The 2 would bond over music and spend time within the studio collectively. They ended up getting married in 1991, and Thompson felt this time issues could be higher.
Effectively, she was unsuitable. The 2 ended up having completely different views with marriage, as Foster labored lengthy hours so he may present for each of them. Thompson wished to work nonetheless and do issues she was gifted in as effectively. Thompson determined issues have been about to go down an identical path, so she ended the wedding in 2005.
Focusing On Her Profession
Thompson is single, however that does not imply she is not wanting. She hopes to seek out somebody low-key and never within the leisure business. She hasn’t been in a relationship since 2005, in order that gave her time to put in writing her tell-all ebook, Little Factor Referred to as Life: From Elvis’s Graceland to Bruce Jenner’s Caitlyn & Songs in Between.
Nowadays, Thompson enjoys tennis, the seashore, mountain climbing, and, most significantly, her blended household. She’s happier than ever earlier than doing issues solo.
