Linda Thompson dated Elvis Presley in the 1970s, ending their relationship just a year before his untimely death at age 42. Recently, she opened up about their romance and the reasons behind their breakup.
A Childhood Dream
Linda Thompson, born on May 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, was drawn to Elvis Presley’s music from a young age. By the time Elvis was making waves in the music world, Linda was already captivated by his talent. At just six years old, she told her parents she would marry Elvis one day, a dream that seemed far-fetched at the time.
As a teenager, Linda entered several beauty pageants, eventually winning titles like Miss Shelby County and Miss Memphis State University. Her beauty and poise opened doors, and by 1972, she was crowned Miss Tennessee, going on to place third in the Miss USA pageant.
Meeting Elvis Presley
While Linda was making a name for herself in pageants, Elvis was rising to global fame. By 1970, Elvis was married to Priscilla Presley, with whom he had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. However, their marriage was deteriorating, and in 1972, they divorced. Shortly afterward, at a private screening in Las Vegas, Elvis met Linda. Initially unaware of the status of his relationship with Priscilla, Linda was taken aback when Elvis casually revealed that he had separated from her.
Their connection was immediate, and soon after, they began dating. Linda moved into Graceland, where she would experience both the glamour and the darker sides of Elvis’s life.
Life at Graceland
Linda witnessed Elvis’s self-destructive behaviors firsthand. Despite his continued success, including the groundbreaking 1973 global broadcast of Aloha from Hawaii, Elvis’s health was deteriorating, exacerbated by prescription medications and other personal struggles. Linda described their relationship as one of deep emotional intimacy, calling them “kindred spirits.” She often took on the role of caretaker, watching over him as his health declined.
By early 1975, Elvis was hospitalized for liver issues related to his medication use. Despite attempts to help him, Linda was emotionally and physically exhausted. In October 1975, after another hospitalization, Linda left Elvis to focus on her own career in Los Angeles. However, the bond between them remained strong, and they continued to stay in touch.
The Final Days
Linda’s decision to leave was driven by Elvis’s ongoing spiral, but she remained deeply concerned for his well-being. Just days before Elvis’s death, Linda tried reaching him, calling Graceland to ensure he was okay. She spoke to his friend Charlie Hodge, asking him to check on Elvis, even requesting him to verify his breathing.
Tragically, on August 16, 1977, Linda received the heartbreaking news that Elvis had been found unconscious and was later pronounced dead. The shock of his passing was profound, and Linda recalled being the first person Lisa Marie Presley called after her father’s death.
A Lasting Legacy
While the world remembers Elvis Presley as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Linda Thompson has continued to honor his memory over the years. On the 43rd anniversary of his death, she shared an emotional tribute on social media, remembering Elvis as not only an iconic musician but a man with a generous heart and deep sensitivity. She expressed that despite his complex personality, Elvis’s legacy lives on in the hearts of millions.
Linda’s Career After Elvis
While dating Elvis, Linda had already established herself in acting, with roles in films like Three on a Meathook (1972) and various TV appearances. In 1981, she married Olympic decathlete Bruce Jenner, with whom she had two children, Brody and Brandon. After their divorce in 1986, Linda later married music producer David Foster in 1991, though they divorced in 2005.
Throughout the 1990s, Linda made contributions to movie soundtracks, including the iconic The Bodyguard (1992), for which she earned Grammy and Academy Award nominations. Over the past decade, she has written original music for popular TV shows such as The Voice and Dancing with the Stars.
Honoring Elvis’s Memory
Today, Linda still shares her love for Elvis through social media, posting photos and memories of him. Recently, a rare recording of her and Elvis harmonizing together on the song “Your Life Has Just Begun” from 1973 has surfaced, offering fans a personal glimpse into their relationship during Elvis’s final years.
Linda Thompson’s time with Elvis was a complex, emotional journey. She remains one of the few people who truly understood the man behind the icon.
