In Calabasas, California, the birth of Lisa Marie Presley in February 1968 significantly impacted the relationship dynamics between Elvis and Priscilla Presley.
Their daughter arrived nine months after their 1967 marriage, bringing about a transformation in their once affectionate bond.
Despite their deep love, the couple faced challenges post-Lisa’s birth, leading to the dissolution of their union in 1973.
Following Elvis’ demise in 1977, both parents shared custody of their daughter.
Reports indicate that Elvis distanced himself from Priscilla after Lisa’s birth, resulting in the demise of their intimacy and paving the way for extramarital affairs.
In her memoir titled ‘Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Between Priscilla Presley and the King of Rock N’ Roll,’ Priscilla disclosed, as cited by The Mirror, that Elvis had expressed his inability to engage romantically with a motherly figure before their nuptials.
The absence of physical closeness took a toll on Priscilla, who began questioning her femininity.
She expressed feeling unfulfilled in both physical and emotional aspects.
These sentiments were echoed by a confidante of the late music icon, Sonny West, who revealed Elvis’ struggles in maintaining a committed spousal role.
West shared that Elvis perceived Priscilla primarily as a mother rather than a partner, harboring reservations about engaging intimately with her.
Elvis’ reverence for his own mother, Gladys Presley, influenced his views on motherhood, placing maternal figures on a pedestal.
According to West, Elvis deemed the notion of s**ual relations with a mother-like figure as inconceivable, shaped by the abundant love and attention he received from Gladys during his formative years.
Prior to embracing motherhood, Priscilla reminisced about the passionate and adventurous nature of her relationship with Elvis.
Describing their encounters as thrilling, she highlighted Elvis’ pursuit of excitement, particularly heightened under the influence of potent substances.
However, following Lisa’s arrival, Elvis reportedly sought solace in extramarital liaisons, prompting Priscilla to engage in her own affairs with individuals such as her dance instructor and karate teacher, Mike Stone.
Tragically, Lisa Marie, the unintended wedge in her parents’ marriage, passed away on January 12, 2023, due to cardiac arrest.
Her grieving mother mourned her loss, commemorating her daughter as a resilient and loving individual.
The Presley family faced further sorrow in 2020 with the untimely demise of Benjamin Keough, Lisa’s sole son who succumbed to suicide.
Reflecting on her enduring grief journey, Lisa emphasized the perpetual nature of mourning, debunking misconceptions about ‘moving on’ or ‘getting over’ profound losses.
She underscored the isolating nature of grief, detailing the transient support received from others post-tragedy, with only a select few maintaining sustained connection amidst the desolation of loss.
