Her Transformation
During a recent discussion at Rhode Island Comic Con on November 1, Priscilla Presley shared her journey of self-discovery and how she built her own identity separate from her late husband, Elvis Presley. The actress and entrepreneur reflected on her life, career, and the projects that helped her carve a unique path. Her transformation emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the challenges she faced in establishing herself beyond her association with Elvis.
Breaking Free from Elvis’s Shadow
In the Q&A session, a fan asked Priscilla which post-divorce project best represented her as an individual, rather than merely Elvis’s ex-wife. Priscilla, now 79, responded thoughtfully, highlighting her acting career. “I think the films I did represent my choices,” she said, pointing to notable projects like the Naked Gun series and her role as Jenna Wade in Dallas.
“Those roles really freed me a bit from just being me,” she added, underscoring the importance of these experiences in her life. Priscilla’s performances in the Naked Gun trilogy and on other TV shows like Melrose Place and Spin City demonstrated her versatility as an actress and her ability to take on roles beyond the constraints of her famous marriage.
Reflecting on a Lasting Legacy
In another part of the discussion, Priscilla shared her thoughts on the legacy left by Elvis, who passed away on August 16, 1977, at age 42. She recalled his early days when he had more creative freedom. “I think in the beginning, when he was starting out, he chose his own songs without much control from Colonel Parker,” she explained, referring to Elvis’s manager, Colonel Thomas Andrew Parker. Priscilla noted that this freedom allowed him to truly express himself, especially in his earlier films.
As the conversation shifted to the way Elvis’s music is perceived today, Priscilla expressed her lack of concern over current discussions surrounding it. “I don’t mind it,” she said, acknowledging the impact of tribute acts and the younger generation’s admiration for Elvis. “I think it helps keep his legacy alive,” she added, noting that many parents introduce their children to Elvis impersonators, which fosters a renewed appreciation for his music.
Personal Reflections on Love and Family
Priscilla met the King of Rock and Roll when she was just 14, while he was 24. They married on May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas when she turned 21 and welcomed their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in February 1968. After their divorce in 1973, Priscilla continued to honor Elvis’s memory and share their family’s story. Tragically, Lisa Marie passed away in January 2023 at age 54. Priscilla also has a son, Navarone Garibaldi, from her previous relationship with Marco Garibaldi. Reflecting on her life, Priscilla’s journey illustrates resilience and the importance of forging one’s own path, even while under the shadow of an iconic figure.
Priscilla Presley’s candid thoughts at Rhode Island Comic Con highlight her commitment to maintaining her identity after her marriage to Elvis Presley. Her career choices and perspectives on Elvis’s legacy reflect her strength and individuality, ensuring that she is remembered not only as the wife of a legend but also as a talented and influential woman in her own right.
