Linda Thompson Opens Up About Her Relationship With Elvis Presley

Linda Thompson, the former girlfriend of Elvis Presley, has finally opened up about her romance with The King and what ultimately led to their breakup. Their love story, which began in the early 1970s, lasted for four years and ended just a year before Elvis passed away at the age of 42.

Elvis Presley remains one of the most legendary figures in music history. His impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, with timeless hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” and “Hound Dog.” He wasn’t just a musician—his charisma and talent made him an international sensation. Alongside his musical success, Elvis also starred in numerous films, including King Creole (1958), Viva Las Vegas (1964), and The Trouble with Girls (1969). Tragically, in August 1977, the world lost The King of Rock and Roll.

Linda Thompson was one of the people closest to him. Though their relationship did not last, their connection remained strong until the very end. Now, she has decided to share intimate details of her time with Elvis and what ultimately led her to walk away.

Born on May 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee—just like Elvis—Linda grew up surrounded by the legend of The King. When she was six years old, she boldly declared to her parents, “I am going to marry Elvis Presley.” Little did she know, her childhood dream would become a reality years later.

As a teenager, Linda participated in numerous beauty pageants. She won Miss Shelby County in 1969 and Miss Mid-South Fair the following year. Over the next few years, she continued her winning streak, earning titles such as Miss Liberty Bowl, Miss Okra, and Memphis State’s Golf Queen. While studying English at Memphis State University, she also secured a spot on the university’s Homecoming Court.

By 1970, she had won the title of Miss Memphis State University and placed third in the Miss Tennessee pageant. Two years later, she was crowned Miss Tennessee and finished as the second runner-up in Miss USA. Around the same time, Elvis Presley’s marriage to Priscilla Presley was crumbling. Their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, had been born in 1968, but by 1972, their relationship had come to an end.

Shortly after his separation, Elvis met Linda Thompson at a private screening. Reflecting on their first encounter, Linda recalled how Elvis walked up to her and greeted her with, “Well, hello honey!” Initially, she thought he was still married and had no intentions beyond meeting her idol. However, when Elvis explained that he and Priscilla had been separated since the end of the year and were in the process of divorcing, she saw him in a new light.

“He started pulling the old yawn, putting his arm around my seat,” Linda recalled, laughing. “He told me, ‘We’re getting a divorce. She’s moved on.’” Linda jokingly responded, “You should have married a southern girl.” Elvis never forgot those words.

Their romance quickly blossomed, and Linda moved into Elvis’s Graceland estate. However, the years that followed were filled with both love and turbulence. While their connection was deep, Linda also witnessed firsthand Elvis’s struggles with his health and self-destructive habits.

In 1973, during the early years of their relationship, Linda watched history unfold as Elvis performed Aloha from Hawaii, the first solo artist concert to be broadcast worldwide via satellite. The show aired in over 40 countries, reaching audiences from France to South Korea. It was the most expensive entertainment special at the time, costing $2.5 million.

Despite their love, Linda ultimately had to make a difficult choice. She couldn’t watch Elvis continue on his self-destructive path. In her memoir, A Little Thing Called Life (2016), she described the complexities of their relationship. “Ours was a complete relationship—when the need arose, we got to be everything to each other. He was almost sixteen years older than me, so sometimes I was the little girl and he played the daddy. But more often than not, I was the mommy, and he was the baby,” Linda wrote. “Sometimes we were lovers, sometimes we were best friends. We were all things to each other at one time or another. And Elvis was always, always everything to me.”

Though their romance ended, Linda remained in touch with Elvis until his final days. She continues to honor his memory and the incredible impact he had on her life. Fans of The King have long suspected that their love story was special, and now Linda has confirmed what many already knew—Elvis Presley was a one-of-a-kind soul, and their connection was truly unforgettable.