Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship has always been a major topic of debate due to the ten-year age gap between them, especially since they met when Priscilla was just 14. While Baz Luhrmann’s 2023 epic Elvis focused on the singer himself and didn’t give much screen time to Priscilla, director Sofia Coppola aimed to redress the balance with her critically acclaimed film Priscilla – which hit UK cinemas in January –and stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla. The film is available to stream on Mubi from 1 March.
The real-life Priscilla spoke out about the age gap between her and Elvis, who died in 1977, during the film's premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. Denying that they had sex when she was underage, Priscilla said, 'We were more in line in thought, and that was our relationship.'
She also opened up about 'never giving up' on Elvis, adding that he was 'the love of my life' in spite of their infamous split.
'I never, ever, ever told anyone that I was seeing him, and that was another issue that he loved, is the fact that I never gave him up in any way,' she said: 'So, we built a relationship and then our relationship went on until 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.'
Priscilla added that Marie Antoinette director Sofia did an 'amazing job' adapting the story, as well as the difficulty of watching certain parts on screen. 'It’s very difficult to sit and watch a film about you, about your life, about your love,' she said. 'Sofia did an amazing job. She did her homework, we spoke a couple of times and I really put everything out for her that I could.'
Based on Priscilla's 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, the film stars Cailee Spaeny (Vice, Mare of Easttown) in the titular role. Euphoria’s Jacob Elordi, meanwhile, follows in Austin Butler’s footsteps as Elvis, with the film showing the unseen side of Elvis and Priscilla’s long courtship and turbulent marriage. The film plays up the power dynamics between the pair even in their appearances. While Jacob Elordi's height is 6'5", Cailee Spaeny's height is 5'1".
For many years, those intrigued by the pair's romance have questioned how old was Priscilla when she met Elvis and what age they got married. Luckily we’ve done all the hard work and compiled all the answers for you. You’re welcome!
How old was Priscilla when she met Elvis?
Priscilla and Elvis met on 13 September 1959 at a party in Bad Nauheim, Germany, where the singer was doing military service. Priscilla was just 14 at the time. They dated until March 1960 when Elvis returned to America.
What has Priscilla said about the age gap between her and Elvis?
Priscilla has set the record straight on any suggestion that she slept with Elvis while she was underage, claiming that she was mature beyond her age and their relationship was more than physical.
'Even though I was 14, I was actually a little bit older in life – not in numbers. That was the attraction. People think, "Oh, it was sex." No, it wasn’t. I never had sex with him,' she said. 'He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old. We were more in line in thought, and that was our relationship.'
How old was Priscilla when she moved in with Elvis?
After being flown to the US multiple times by Elvis in order to continue their relationship, Priscilla’s parents eventually allowed her to move to Memphis for good in March 1963 when she was 17, on the condition that she would finish her schooling there.
At what age did Priscilla marry Elvis?
The pair tied the knot on 1 May 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas when Priscilla was 21. The wedding was a hurried affair – only lasting eight minutes in total – but was followed by a press conference, $10,000 breakfast reception and three-day honeymoon in Palm Springs. The newlyweds then retreated to a private ranch in Mississippi for three weeks.
How old was Priscilla when she had a baby?
Priscilla fell pregnant soon after their wedding, with their daughter Lisa Marie born exactly nine months after their wedding on 1 February 1968. Priscilla was 22 when Lisa Marie was born.
How old was Priscilla when Elvis died?
When Elvis passed away on 16 August 1977 at the age of 42 after a cardiac arrest, Priscilla was 32 years old. The pair had been divorced for four years at the time and separated for five. Despite their separation, the pair still remained close for the sake of their daughter.
Who is Priscilla Presley married to now?
Following her divorce from Elvis, Priscilla began dating karate instructor Mike Stone before a six-year relationship with model Michael Edwards.
Her longest relationship to date was with Brazilian screenwriter Marco Garibaldi – they dated for 22 years from 1984-2006 - with whom she had a son Navarone Garibaldi, born 1 March 1987.
What was the name of Priscilla Presley’s biography?
Priscilla’s best-selling 1985 memoir was entitled Elvis and Me. Priscilla isn’t the first film based on her biography however as in 1988 a TV movie of the same name – produced by Priscilla – was released.
Is Priscilla on Netflix?
While Priscilla isn't available to watch on Netflix, it arrives on indie streaming service Mubi on 1 March.