Elvis Presley’s charm was legendary, captivating women from all walks of life. His magnetic presence and undeniable charisma made him a heartthrob for decades. The King of Rock and Roll was as famous for his relationships as he was for his music.
Throughout his career, Elvis had high-profile romances that often made headlines. His magnetic appeal drew many famous women into his orbit, each relationship adding a chapter to his storied life.
In this article, we delve into ten of the most famous women who had a connection with Elvis Presley. Their stories reflect the allure of a man who was both a rock icon and an irresistible lover.
1. Priscilla Presley
Elvis Presley’s only formal marriage was to Priscilla Presley. They first met in Germany in 1959, when Elvis was 24 and Priscilla was just 14. Despite the age difference and her parents’ objections, their relationship quickly developed.
Priscilla moved into Graceland at 17, and they married in 1967. Their early years together were joyful, highlighted by the birth of their daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968.
However, Elvis’s constant touring, drug use, and infidelities eventually took a toll. The couple’s marriage deteriorated, leading to their divorce in 1974.
2. Ann-Margret
Elvis Presley’s chemistry with Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas felt incredibly real. When Elvis met her, he was instantly impressed by her charisma. His bodyguard even said, “she’s the female you.”
Their relationship became intense and lasted nearly two years. They shared romantic motorcycle rides around L.A., and Elvis gifted her a round, pink bed.
Despite their bond, Elvis was engaged to Priscilla. The affair was revealed in 1964, leading to its end. Ann-Margret remained a close friend and called Elvis her soulmate, attending his funeral.
3. Linda Thompson
Imagine sitting in a movie theater when Elvis Presley bursts in, dressed in flared pants, a black cape, and flashy sunglasses. This is exactly what happened to Linda Thompson in 1972, who was taken aback when Elvis approached her with the line, “a little less conversation, a little more action.”
Elvis was immediately taken with Linda, a former Miss Teen Tennessee. Their connection was strong, leading to a loving relationship that lasted over four years.
However, Linda eventually sought a more normal life, which proved impossible given Elvis’s fame and struggles with prescription drugs. They parted ways in 1976, just eight months before his death.
4. Peggy Lipton
Peggy Lipton, a hippie icon and star of The Mod Squad, had a brief romance with Elvis in 1971. Their initial connection was intense, with Lipton noting Elvis’s prowess in kissing.
However, their relationship never progressed beyond that. Lipton revealed in her autobiography that Elvis struggled with impotence, which she linked to his drug and alcohol abuse.
Ultimately, their relationship faltered and ended quickly. Lipton’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the perils of addiction.
5. Cybill Shepherd
In the early 70s, Cybill Shepherd was thriving in her career when Elvis called her for a date. They quickly started a relationship, with Shepherd describing Elvis as “wonderful, sexy, and incredible.”
However, their romance hit a snag in the bedroom. Shepherd had to guide Elvis, as he wasn’t the best lover. Her autobiography humorously notes this struggle in a chapter titled “White man can’t eat.”
Elvis’s drug use and partying soon became too much for Shepherd. Their relationship ended, but her influence likely shaped his future encounters.
6. Natalie Wood
In 1956, Natalie Wood was a rising star after A Rebel Without a Cause. Elvis Presley was becoming a rock and roll icon. Their paths crossed thanks to a scheme by Elvis’s manager, Colonel Parker, who set up several high-profile dates to generate publicity for Elvis’s debut album.
The plan worked, and the press eagerly covered the budding romance. However, the relationship lacked genuine chemistry and quickly fizzled out.
Wood famously left Elvis’s hotel room, frustrated, and remarked to his bodyguards, “What’s wrong with your boss? All hands, no action.” It was clear that their romance was more about publicity than true connection.
7. Gael Greene
Gael Greene might not be the most famous name, but her impact on modern culture is significant. As a restaurant critic for New Yorker magazine, she played a key role in popularizing the term “foodie” in the early 80s.
In 1956, Greene was a 21-year-old reporter eager to interview Elvis Presley. She arranged a meeting with him through his manager, Colonel Parker, and was invited to his hotel room after a press conference for Blue Hawaii.
Excited by the prospect of being with Elvis, Greene had high hopes for their encounter. However, her most vivid memory was of Elvis falling asleep right after their time together and asking her to order a fried egg sandwich.
8. Rita Moreno
In the late 50s, Rita Moreno was a major Hollywood star and was in a tumultuous relationship with Marlon Brando. After discovering lingerie that wasn’t hers at Brando’s house, Moreno was heartbroken.
Soon after, she received a date request from Elvis Presley. Excited by the chance to make Brando jealous, Moreno agreed to see Elvis, thinking it would provoke his envy.
Their relationship had a brief spark but lacked sexual chemistry. Moreno candidly wrote in her memoir that Elvis’s famed pelvis came to a halt, and the romance quickly ended.