Elvis Presley’s Four True Loves: A Journey Through His Romantic Life

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is known for his legendary music and iconic status in popular culture. Over the years, Presley was romantically linked with numerous women, but according to his close friends, he was more than just a serial dater—he was a hopeless romantic.

Sonny West, a member of Presley’s inner circle known as the Memphis Mafia, shared his insights into the four women who Elvis truly loved. These women played significant roles in the life of the King, from his early years to the final years before his tragic passing in 1977.

1. Anita Wood: The Beautiful Blonde Who Stole Elvis’s Heart

The first woman on West’s list is Anita Wood, a petite, blonde beauty who dated Elvis from 1957 to 1962. Wood, who was also a performer, was known for her charm and grace.

Presley’s romantic connection with Anita was serious, with the couple discussing marriage and children on several occasions. West described Wood as a woman with “style, class, and morals,” and their relationship was deeply affectionate.

Despite Elvis’s rising fame and the pressures that came with it, Anita stayed close to him, and after his mother Gladys Presley passed away, she became a source of comfort for the grieving King.

Their relationship ended when Elvis left for his military service in Germany, but it was clear from West’s perspective that Elvis cared deeply for Anita. She was the first woman in Presley’s life that he truly loved, and their time together left an emotional mark on him.

2. Priscilla Presley: The ‘Child Bride’ Who Won His Heart

Priscilla Beaulieu, later known as Priscilla Presley, is perhaps the most famous of Elvis’s loves. Their relationship began when Priscilla was just 14 years old, and Elvis was stationed in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army.

Despite their significant age difference, Elvis and Priscilla developed a deep bond. Their courtship was conducted through letters, phone calls, and occasional visits before Priscilla’s father finally allowed her to move in with Elvis at Graceland.

Though their marriage in 1967 was seen by many as an idealized Hollywood romance, West had his doubts about whether Elvis was truly ready for the commitment.

He described how Presley tried to shape Priscilla into his ideal woman, controlling many aspects of her appearance and behavior. Despite these tensions, there was no doubt in West’s mind that Elvis loved Priscilla deeply.

However, their marriage faced many challenges, including Elvis’s infidelity and his refusal to be intimate after Priscilla gave birth to their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1968. Their marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1973, marking a significant turning point in Elvis’s personal life.

3. Ann-Margret: The “Female Elvis” Who Stole His Heart

Another significant love in Elvis’s life was actress and singer Ann-Margret, whom he met during the filming of the 1964 movie Viva Las Vegas. The chemistry between them was instant, and their relationship blossomed into a passionate love affair that lasted for several years.

Ann-Margret, often referred to as the “female Elvis” due to her striking similarity in style and charisma, captivated Elvis with her sensuality, beauty, and immense talent.

Despite the intense connection they shared, both knew that their relationship could not last. Ann-Margret was already aware of Presley’s commitment to marrying Priscilla, and their relationship remained a secret for a time.

In her memoir, Ann-Margret referred to Elvis as her “soulmate,” and even though their romantic involvement ended, they remained close friends until Presley’s death. Their bond was one of the most genuine and powerful in Elvis’s life, with Presley often sending Ann-Margret flower bouquets shaped like guitars before her performances.

4. Linda Thompson: The Last Love Before His Untimely Passing

The final woman in West’s list of Elvis’s true loves is Linda Thompson, a beauty queen who later married Caitlyn Jenner and music mogul David Foster. Linda and Elvis began their relationship in 1972, just after Elvis’s divorce from Priscilla.

West regarded Linda as Presley’s “last big love” before his passing in 1977. She was significantly younger than Elvis, but their connection was immediate, and the couple developed a private world of pet names, inside jokes, and an intimate bond that kept them close for nearly five years.

Linda took care of Elvis during some of his most difficult moments, helping him cope with his health issues and his struggle with substance abuse. She even became close to his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

Linda’s relationship with Elvis was one of the most meaningful, as she provided him with the emotional support he desperately needed during his final years. Despite their eventual breakup in 1976, Linda and Elvis remained friends, and she was deeply affected by his passing in 1977. In fact, many believe that if Linda had been with him that fateful night, Elvis may have survived.

The Lasting Impact of These Four Women

These four women—Anita Wood, Priscilla Presley, Ann-Margret, and Linda Thompson—were the most important women in Elvis Presley’s life. Each of them played a unique role in his journey, offering love, companionship, and support during pivotal moments in his career and personal life.

Elvis was a man who lived through intense public scrutiny and personal battles, but his relationships with these women showed a different side to the King of Rock and Roll—one of tenderness, affection, and vulnerability.

While his career is forever celebrated, it is important to recognize the emotional complexities of Elvis’s relationships.

His deep love for these women, though often overshadowed by his fame, was a significant part of his personal story. And as his legacy endures, so too does the memory of the women who truly captured his heart.