Priscilla Presley Defends Age Gap Between Herself and Late Icon Elvis
The upcoming film Priscilla, directed by Sofia Coppola, focuses on the relationship between Priscilla Presley and the late Elvis Presley, from their first meeting and on through the ups and downs of their marriage.
During a recent press screening for the film at the Venice Film Festival, via TMZ, Priscilla addressed one often-discussed part of their relationship: the age gap. Priscilla and Elvis first connected when she was only 14 and he was 24.
Speaking on why she believes Elvis was drawn to her, Priscilla said, "I really do think [it was] because I was more of a listener. Elvis would pour his heart out to me in every way. In Germany, his fears, his hopes, the loss of his mother, which he never ever got over."
She went on, saying, "I was the person who really, really sat there to listen and to comfort him. That was really our connection." Specifically touching on her age, Priscilla claimed, "Even though I was 14, I was actually a little bit older in life, not in numbers."
As for whether or not Elvis and Priscilla had a physical relationship at such a young age, Priscilla stated that, at the time, "I never had sex with him. He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact [that] I was only 14 years old."
Priscilla then touched on another aspect of her history with Elvis that gets a lot of attention: their divorce. She said, "I left, and it wasn't because I didn't love him. He was the love of my life. It was the lifestyle that was so difficult for me. And I think any woman can relate to that." Her last statement had people in the audience nodding their heads in understanding.
Elvis and Priscilla continued their romance after first meeting, but didn't get married until 1967, when she was 21 years old. They then welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968. The two later divorced in 1973, but reportedly remained close until Elvis' death in 1977.
Next: Priscilla Presley Defends Sofia Coppola's Film About Her Life Amid Criticism