For decades, one of the most persistent pop culture conspiracies has been the question: Is Elvis still alive? Despite Elvis Presley’s death in 1977 at just 42 years old, many fans have long speculated that the King of Rock ’n’ Roll faked his passing to escape the pressures of fame. Now, his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, is setting the record straight.
In this week’s People cover story, Priscilla, now 80, reflected on the rumors and offered her own heartfelt perspective. “There’s been so much that’s untruthful out there—things like, is Elvis still alive and hidden somewhere?” she explained. “I wish he was still alive.” Her words acknowledge the pain of losing him while showing understanding of why fans have clung to the fantasy.
Priscilla Presley Reflects On Their Life Together
Priscilla first met Elvis in Germany in 1959 when she was only 14 years old and living with her mother and stepfather. Elvis, serving in the U.S. Army, was a decade older. After he returned to the United States, she eventually joined him in Memphis in 1963. By 1967, the two were married, and a year later, they welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
Though they divorced in the 1970s, Priscilla made sure Lisa Marie spent time with her father. In her upcoming memoir, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, she recalls her efforts to keep the family connected. “One way or another, I made sure she saw her daddy,” she wrote, highlighting how important Elvis remained in their lives.
Elvis Presley’s Legacy Lives On
The rumors surrounding whether Elvis is still alive have only grown in the years since his death, fueled by sightings and speculation. But Priscilla’s words confirm what history already records: Elvis is gone. Still, she insists that his true story deserves honesty, not conspiracy.
Priscilla also addressed portrayals of her life with Elvis, including Sofia Coppola’s 2023 film Priscilla. While she acknowledged his temper, she said their relationship was not as disruptive as shown on screen. For her, the King’s legacy is more than myth—it’s about the music, the memories, and the family they built together.