Linda Thompson dated Elvis Presley in the 1970s, ending their relationship just one year before The King tragically passed away at age 42. Now, she’s shedding light on her time with Elvis and what ultimately led her to leave him.
A Personal Connection to Music
Music is deeply personal. One listener might argue a particular song is the best ever, while another might completely disagree. Then, of course, some may have never heard it at all.
Despite the millions of songs produced over the years, there’s only one undisputed King of Rock: Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley – The King of Rock
Elvis gave the world something fresh and unforgettable with his music. As one of history’s greatest entertainers, he combined immense talent with undeniable charisma.
Besides classic hits like Jailhouse Rock, In the Ghetto, and Hound Dog, Elvis also starred in films like King Creole (1958), Viva Las Vegas (1964), and The Trouble with Girls (1969). Sadly, he passed away in 1977, leaving the world in mourning.
Among those closest to Elvis was his ex-girlfriend Linda Thompson, who stayed in touch with him until the end. Recently, she shared why she left him and described his final days.
Linda Thompson’s Early Life
Born on May 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, Linda Thompson grew up loving Elvis’s music. By the time she was six, she confidently told her parents, “I’m going to marry Elvis Presley.”
As a teenager, Linda won several beauty pageants, including Miss Shelby County and Miss Memphis State University. By 1972, she had been crowned Miss Tennessee and placed third in the Miss USA competition.
Meeting Elvis Presley
While Linda was busy with beauty contests, Elvis was achieving global fame. In 1972, shortly after his divorce from Priscilla Presley, he met Linda at a private screening.
Elvis greeted her with, “Well, hello honey!” Linda, unaware he was separated, was excited to meet her idol. After some flirting, the two began dating, and Linda soon moved into Elvis’s Graceland estate.
A Rollercoaster Romance at Graceland
Linda and Elvis shared a deep connection. In her memoir A Little Thing Called Life (2016), she described their relationship as unique and multifaceted. They acted as lovers, friends, and even parental figures to each other.
However, Linda quickly witnessed Elvis’s downward spiral. In 1973, during their first year together, Elvis made history with Aloha from Hawaii, the first globally broadcast concert by a solo artist. Behind the scenes, though, Linda saw his health decline.
Caring for Elvis
Elvis began struggling with prescription medication and other health issues. Linda stayed by his side, often checking on him at night to ensure he was breathing.
“It was exhausting,” she admitted. “I loved him more than life, but watching him self-destruct was emotionally draining.”
In early 1975, Linda found Elvis gasping for breath and rushed him to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed liver problems unrelated to alcohol. By late 1975, she decided to leave him and focus on her own career.
The Final Days
Linda stayed in touch with Elvis even after their breakup. Just days before his death, she called Graceland to check on him. Elvis’s friend assured her that he was fine. Linda’s last words, relayed through Elvis’s friend, were, “Tell him I love him.”
On August 16, 1977, Linda received a devastating call. Elvis had been found unconscious in his bathroom and later pronounced dead. He was just 42.
A Lasting Legacy
Linda Thompson played a crucial role in Elvis’s life. From photos of their time together to her heartfelt stories, she continues to honor The King’s legacy while sharing her personal memories of the man behind the music.
