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TRANSCRIPT
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THEBERKLEYPUBLISHINGGROUPPublishedbythePenguinGroupPenguinGroup(USA)LLC
375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014
USA•Canada•UK•Ireland•Australia•NewZealand•India•SouthAfrica•China
penguin.com
APenguinRandomHouseCompany
ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofTheBerkleyPublishingGroup.
Copyright©2014byGingerAlden.Penguinsupportscopyright.Copyrightfuels
creativity,encouragesdiversevoices,promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrant
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culture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyformwithoutpermission.Youaresupporting
writersandallowingPenguintocontinuetopublishbooksforeveryreader.
BERKLEY®isaregisteredtrademarkofPenguinGroup(USA)LLC.
The“B”designisatrademarkofPenguinGroup(USA)LLC.
eBookISBN:978-1-101-61613-0
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Alden,Ginger.ElvisandGinger/GingerAlden.—First
edition.
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pagescmISBN978-0-425-26633-5(hardcover)1.Presley,Elvis,1935–1977.2.Alden,
Ginger.3.Rockmusicians—UnitedStates—Biography.4.Actresses—UnitedStates—
Biography.I.Title.ML420.P96A642014782.42166092—dc23
[B]2014009089
FIRSTEDITION:September2014
CoverphotocourtesyofDavidSpencer.CoverdesignbyJasonGill.
Theeventsinthismemoirarerealevents,asexperiencedandrememberedbytheauthor.Mostconversationsareexactwordsandafewhavebeenreconstructedfromtheauthor’smemoryandpresentedinamannerthat
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conveystheirspiritandintent,asrecalledbytheauthor.
MostBerkleyBooksareavailableatspecialquantitydiscountsforbulkpurchasesforsales
promotions,premiums,fund-raising,oreducationaluse.Specialbooks,orbookexcerpts,canalsobecreatedtofitspecific
needs.Fordetails,write:[email protected].
Penguiniscommittedtopublishingworksofqualityandintegrity.Inthatspirit,weareproudtoofferthisbooktoourreaders;
however,thestory,theexperiences,andthewordsaretheauthor’salone.
Version_1
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ToElvis,forsharingapartofyourremarkablelifewithmeandmy
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family.Yourlove,music,generosity,andmanybeautifulmemoriesholdaspecialplaceinourheartsforever.
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Tomyparents,JoandWalter,andmysiblings,Mike,Rosemary,andTerry,foralwaysbeingthere.Tomy
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husband,Ron,andmyson,Hunter,whosepatience,love,understanding,andsupportIcouldnothavedonethiswithout.
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Iloveyouall...
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thankyoutomyagent,FrankWeimann,forhisinitiallettertome,understandingthatthetruestoryofElvisandmyrelationshiphadyettobetold.MydeepestgratitudetoeveryoneattheBerkley
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PublishingGroupforalloftheirassistanceinbringingmymemoriestolife.Aspecialthank-youtoLeslieGelbman,publisher,andtomyeditor,DeniseSilvestro,forherpatience,guidance,andexpertisethroughoutthislong,emotionaljourney.IappreciateallthehelpfromeditorialassistantAllisonJanice,andabigthank-youtoHollyRobinsonforourtalksandherhelpindoctoring
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whatneededtobesaidatvarioustimes.Tothecopyeditor,CandaceB.Levy,andthebook-designdepartment,thankyou.Tothepublicitydepartment,especiallyHeatherConnorandDianaFranco,mysincerethanks.
ToPeggy,Teri,Rachael,Jeanine,Cindy,andLouise,yourfriendshipsIholddear,andthankyouforyourencouragement,support,andalwayslendinganearover
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thepastyears.Iloveyouall...
MydeepgratitudetomycousinDavidSpencer,RussHowe,ShantayWood,BobKlein,KeithAlverson,andRonnieBellfortheuseoftheirphotosandforassistingmewithothers.MydeepappreciationtoElvis’sfansforyourencouragementandsupport,andthankyouforyourunendingloveforElvis.
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CONTENTSTitlePageCopyrightDedicationAcknowledgmentsEpigraphAuthor’sNote
PROLOGUECHAPTER1CHAPTER2CHAPTER3CHAPTER4CHAPTER5
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CHAPTER6CHAPTER7CHAPTER8CHAPTER9CHAPTER10CHAPTER11CHAPTER12CHAPTER13CHAPTER14CHAPTER15CHAPTER16CHAPTER17CHAPTER18CHAPTER19
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CHAPTER20CHAPTER21CHAPTER22CHAPTER23CHAPTER24CHAPTER25CHAPTER26CHAPTER27CHAPTER28CHAPTER29
Photos
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“Whenlovebeckonstoyou,followhim,
Thoughhiswaysarehardandsteep.”
“Yougivebutlittlewhenyougiveofyourpossessions.
Itiswhenyougiveofyourselfthatyoutrulygive.”
—KAHLILGIBRAN,THEPROPHET
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AUTHOR’SNOTE
OneSeptemberafternoonin2001,IwasstandingonthesideporchofmyhomeinNewYork.TheschoolyearhadjustbegunandIwaswaitingfortheyellowbusthatusuallycameroaringupourstreetatthistimetobring
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myson,Hunter,home.Whenthebusarrivedat
theendofourdriveway,thedoorsswungopenandHunterjumpedout,racingtowardmewearingapairofoversizesunglasseshehadtakenwithhimearlierthatmorning.“SomeofthekidsonthebuswerecallingmeElvis!”heexclaimedbreathlessly.“Who’sElvis?”
Iwassurprisedthatchildrenasyoungasmine
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wouldknowwhoElviswas.Hunter’squestioncaughtmeoffguard.Iwasn’tpreparedtorevealanextremelyspecialrelationshipinmylifetomyson,whosebirthsevenyearsearlierhadbeenscheduledforAugust16,thesamedayElvisdied.Hunterarrivedfourdayslate,sparingmetheironyofhavingsuchahappyeventcoincidewiththedateofsuchatragiceventinmylife.
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Thatafternoon,ItoldHunterthesimplesttruth.“Elviswasaveryfamousentertainer,”Isaid.Ibreathedasighofreliefwhenheraninside,seeminglysatisfiedwithmyresponse.
Astheyearprogressed,however,HunteroccasionallyaskedmemorequestionsaboutElvis:“Whatkindofhairstyledidhewear?”“Whatkindofmusicdidhesing?”
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Iknewthesequestionshadtobepromptedbyconversationsatschool.Still,Ikeptmyanswersshortandsimple,knowingonedayI’dhavetosaymore.
Bytheendofthatschoolyear,IhaddecidedtotellHunteralittleaboutElvisandme.Ididn’tknowquitehowtobegin.ItfeltstrangetotalkwithhimaboutamanI’dlovedlongbeforemeetinghisfather.
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Notknowingwhatmyson’sreactionwouldbe,Iwasalittlenervousandfeltaninvoluntarytremble.Ihadn’ttalkedaboutElvisinalongtime.“Thispersonyou’vebeenaskingabout,Elvis,well,Mommyknewhim,”Isaidandthenpaused.Iwasn’tfeelingcomfortableenoughtotellhimthatElvisandIhadbeenengaged,soIsimplyadded,“ElviswasaverynicemanImetlongago.
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Hewassomeonewholovedtosingandmakepeoplehappy.”
Iwaitedforanyquestions,buthejustsaid,“Cool!”andashewentofftoplay,Ibegantofeelthatallofmyapprehensionaboutopeningupthisconversationwithhimwasunnecessary.Forhimitwassimple.Forme,itwasprofoundlycomplex.
IhadwrittendownmymemoriesofElvisnotlong
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afterhepassedawayasawayofholdingontothem.IfeltIhadtograntafewinterviewsatvarioustimes,butIalwayskeptthetrue,completestoryandintimatedetailsofourtimetogethertomyself.Iwentforwardwithmylife,butovertime,Iwasshockedandhurttoseethatspeculations,exaggerations,andcompleteuntruthsregardingElvis,me,andourrelationshipwereunjustly
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beingtoldbyafewpeoplewhohadbeenaroundElvis—peopleI’dbarelygottentoknowandsomeIhardlyknewatall.SomeoftheirstorieswerethenpickedupandspreadbyotherwritersfortheirownElvisbiographies.ManybookshavesensationalizedandevenfictionalizedElvisasbeingdepressedandinadownwardspiralduringhislastyearoflife.However,theElvisthatI
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knewwasnotthewayhewasportrayedinthemedia.Hesawhisrelationshipwithmeasanewbeginningandwasexcitedaboutboththerelationshipandwhatthefuturewouldbringforthetwoofus.
IknewIhadastorytotell,butunderstoodthatthetruthaboutmyrelationshipwithElviswasonethatwouldrequireagreatdealoftimeandemotionalenergyto
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write.WhenIgavebirthtomy
son,Idevotedmytimetohim,ashebecamemynumberonepriority.IfeltIcouldn’tbethereforhimasamotherifIchosetowritesuchanintenselypersonalbook.Whenmysonwentofftocollege,Ifeltthetimewasfinallyright,soIbeganputtingtogethermymemoirs.Thisprovedtobeanall-encompassingandextremely
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emotionaljourney.Elvisallowedmanypeople
inandoutofhislife,allofwhomhedevelopeddifferentrelationshipswithashisneedsanddesiresevolvedovertheyears.Iwasthelastseriouslovehewouldletintohisheart.Ourmeetingwasawonderfulaccidentthatturnedintoalife-alteringninemonthsasIgottoknowaverycomplicated,intenseman.ThereasonsIfellin
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lovewithElvisdon’tfitneatlyintoatidy,easilycategorizedlist;theywerethingsIfeltmyheartwastellingme:IwantedtomarryElvisandspendmylifewithhimbecauseIlovedhimforhisgoodheartandgenerous,kindspirit.
Thisbookisaboutthesteeplearningcurveofawomaninlovewith—andlovedby—amanwhomostoftheworldcouldexperience
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onlyfromafar.Elviscouldbedifficultattimes,butforme,hisgoodnessandlovingspiritgreatlyoutweighedanyfaults.
Iexperiencedagreatdealduringmyshortbutjam-packedmonthswithElvis,andourlovestorygoesbeyondanynormaldescription.
Simplyput,it’snearlyimpossibletounderstandwhatit’sliketobepulledinto
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theorbitofamanaspowerfullycharismaticashewas.Elvishadhisowngravity,andhisuniversewasunlikeanythingtheaveragepersonislikelytoexperienceorevencomeintobriefcontactwith,otherthanafewselectpeopleinhistoryluckyenoughtobearoundsupernovapersonalitiesorachieverswhotouchdownonourplanetfromtimetotime.
WhenIfirstmetElvis,I
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wasayoung,impressionablewomanwhohadjustturnedtwenty.Hewasforty-oneandwantedtoteachmemanythings.Oneofthelessonshetaughtmethatprovedtobethemostvaluableduringthepainfulmonthsfollowinghisdeathwasthis:Ifsomethingbothersyouorifpeoplearesayinguntruethingsaboutyou,“Killitandgetitbehindyou,”Elvisadvisedme.
Hewasalwaysquickto
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pointoutthatit’sfarhealthiertoletthingsgothantodwellonthemiftheymakeyouangryorunhappy.Hewouldrefertosomelessannoyingthingsas“pureMickeyMouseshit,”usuallyadding,“There’sabiggerpictureoutthere.”
Thiswaspowerfuladvice,comingfromamanwhosesensitivenaturewouldnotalwaysallowhimtofollowthatwisdom.However,
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althoughIclungtohisruleof“Killitandgetitbehindyou”astightlyasIcouldafterhisdeath,itwouldultimatelyprovetobeimpossibleformetoremainunscathedbythegossip,rumors,andliesafterElviswasgone.
SomepeopleevendaredtodismissthelastyearofElvis’slifeasarunawaytraintowardsuicide.Thereisawell-knownsaying,“Ifyoucan’tcarveyourplacein
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historybyvirtueofyourowntalent,perhapsyoucanmakeitbyassassination,”andthatwasthepathsomepeopleunfortunatelychosetotakeinbooksandinterviewsafterElvispassedaway.
ThismistakenimageofElvishurtmedeeply,asIknewfirsthandthathisworld,duringourtimetogether,continuedtobemainlyfilledwithlove,sensitivity,brilliance,humor,and
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generosity.I’mnotclaimingtobeanElvisexpert,butIgottoknowhimintimately,inawaythatfewhave.
Elvis,amultifacetedman,withhispassionformusic;thirstforknowledge;anddeeploveforfamily,friends,andfans,wasnotadepressed,run-downman.Farfromit:Elviswasamanwhowasexcitedaboutlifeandenthusiasticallymakingplansforthefutureashe
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endeavoredtotransformhisdreamsintoareality—arealitythatincludedmarryingme.
Elvis,youandIknowthetruthaboutourtimetogether.Unfortunately,you’renotheretosettherecordstraight.Withthisbook,Iwilltrytodoso.Betterlatethannever.
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PROLOGUE
Graceland,August16,1977
Weallrefusedtogiveuphope.
Itwasafter3P.M.onTuesday,August16,1977.IwassittinginsideDodger
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Presley’sbedroomatGracelandwithmembersofElvis’sfamily,includingVernon,hisfather;Dodger,Vernon’smother;Elvis’sdaughter,Lisa;andmynieceAmber,whohadbecomefriendlywithLisa.Astheminutestickedaway,Ifeltmyanxietymountingandwasfindingitdifficulttobreathe.
Wehadbeensittingvigilforwhatseemedlikeaneternity,silentlyprayingfor
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goodnews.Thetensionwasunbearable.IsuddenlyfeltlikeIhadtoleavetheroom,asifbydoingso,mymindcouldescapetothatprecioustimeashortwhileagobeforeI’dmadetheshockingdiscoveryintheupstairsbathroom.
Ofcourse,Iknewthatwasimpossible.TheimprintofwhatIhadseenwouldbeforeverburnedintomymemory.
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IslowlywalkedoutofDodger’sbedroomdoor,wishingmorethananythingthatI’dbegreetedbyElviswalkingdownstairstowardmerightthen,laughingandtellingeveryoneitwasallajoke,evenasIknewinmyheartthatthismoment,asbadasitwas,wasveryreal.Pausinginthefoyer,Inoticedafewotherpeopleprayinginthediningroomandlivingroom.Isaidmyprayersagain
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aswell,feverishlyindenial,stillwantingtobelievethatthedoctorsatthehospitalcouldsaveElvisbysomemiracle,andthathewouldalwaysbeherebymyside.
Elvis’sauntNashsawmestandingthere.Sheapproachedmeandgavemeahug.“Everythingisgoingtobeallright,Ginger,”shesaid.“Hehassomuchlefttodo.”
Idon’tknowwhetheritwasthefactthatshewasa
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relativeoranolderwomanwhoseemedwise,butIfeltacomfortingfeelingwashoverme.Iwantedsobadlytobelieveher.
SomeofthedarkfearshauntingmeslowlybegantoeaseasIconvincedmyselfthatsurelyAuntNashhadtoberight.Itwastrue!Elvisdidhavealotlefttodo,andsomanyofhisdreamswouldremainunfulfilledifheleftusnow!
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IreturnedtoDodger’sbedroomafterafewminutes,feelingalittlemorehopefulthanwhenIhadleftandcontinuedtokeepvigilwiththeothers.LisawasplayingbythebedwithAmber;asthetwoofthemwhisperedtogether,everythingseemedalmostnormal.
Thephonesthroughoutthehousebuzzedintermittently.Somewhere,someoneansweredthem.Eachtime,
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withstillnowordfromthehospital,Igrewincreasinglyfrightened.
Suddenlyamovementinthedoorwaycaughtmyattention.MybreathcaughtinmythroatasIsawElvis’spersonalphysician,Dr.GeorgeNichopoulos,standingthere.
MylastflickerofhopefadedasIwatchedDr.Nichopoulosslowlyentertheroom,holdingalargeyellow
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envelope.Shakinghisheadatus,hewalkedovertoVernonandhandedhimtheenvelope.“I’msorry,”hesaid.
IfeltlikeI’dstoppedbreathingaltogetherandfeltlight-headed,mypulsesuddenlypoundinginmyears.Istaredattheenvelope.Iwasunabletolookatthedoctor’sface,muchlessVernon’s,asIrealizedthattheenvelopemustcontainthejewelryElvishadbeen
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wearingwhenhewasrushedawayfromGracelandbyambulance.OneofthosepieceswouldbeanecklaceElvishadpurchasedwhileweweretogether,agoldchainwiththeHebrewletterchaimeaninglifeortolive.
Iwentcompletelynumb,feelingasifnotjustElvisbuteverythingaroundGracelandandwithinmehaddied.Ifeltempty,hollowedout.
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Everyonearoundmewasdevastated.Wecriedandhuggedoneanother,searchingforcomfortinembracesandtears.ItwasimpossibleforanyofustograspthatElvis,amanwhoseemedlargerthanlife,couldbegonefromthisworld.
Myheadwaspounding.Ineededtowalkabit.Idecidedtoleavetheroom,asIexperiencedanoverwhelmingneedtoknow
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iftheoutsideworldwasawareofwhathadhappened,ofwhatweweresuffering.
IleftDodger’sroomandwenttooneofthewindowsinthefrontlivingroom,whereIpeekedoutthroughthesideofaclosedcurtain.ItimmediatelybecameclearthatthenewsofElvis’spassingwasspreadingfast.CarswereslowingdownastheydrovepastGraceland.Somevehicleshadstopped
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completely,theirpassengersgettingoutandstandinginthemiddleofElvisPresleyBoulevard.Peoplehadbegungatheringbythefrontgates,too,andalongGraceland’sstonefence—afencethathadneverreallybeenabletoseparateElvisfromhisloyalfans.
ThisdayhadbegunwithexcitementandhopeforElvisandme,butendedinheartacheanddisbelief.At
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theageofforty-two,myfiancé,ElvisAaronPresley,wasdead.Theworldaroundmehadcrumbledandmyheartwasbroken.
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CHAPTER1
Certainthingsinlifeareboundtomakeyouwonderhowmuchofyourdestinyisduetofateandhowmuchistheproductofchance.Formyfamily,theU.S.Armywasacatalyst.
In1943,theworldwasat
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warandmyfather,WalterAlden,wasdraftedintothearmy.Mymother,JoSpencer,enlistedintheWomen’sArmyCorpsandtheywerebothpostedatFortStewart,Georgia.Twoyearsaftermeetingatthebaseservicestationonefatefulday,theymarried.Elevenmonthslater,theyhadmybrother,Mike,andfiveyearslatermysisterRosemarywasborn.
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Mydaddecidedonacareerinthemilitary,andin1951theysettledinMemphis,Tennessee.Memphiswashometomanygreatmusicaltalents,butinthemid-1950s,ElvisPresleyhadbeguntoputourcityonthemapformillionsaroundtheworld.
In1955,theyearmysisterTerrywasborn,myfamilywaslivinginanapartmentbuildingonGetwellRoad.
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UnawarethatElvislivedaboutfiveblocksaway,mybrotherwasridinghisbikeonStriblingStreetonedayandrecognizedElvisinaflatbedtruckashedroveupbesidehim.ElvissmiledatMikeandslowlypassedhim.MikefollowedhimtoDunnAvenueuntilElvismadeaturnandhelostsightofhim.Mybrotherlatertoldmyparents,“HeprobablysmiledatmebecauseIwasstaringat
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him.”Likemybrother,most
MemphiansfeltasenseofpridethatElvissharedtheirhome.IwasbornonNovember13,1956,atthenavalhospitalinMillington,Tennessee,andIwouldgrowupfeelingthatprideevenasasmallchild.
In1957,myfather,nowrankedsergeantfirstclass,wasinpublicrelationsandrecruitingforthearmy.He
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workedcloselywiththeMemphisdraftboard,notifyingandadvisingindividualsthatiftheyenlisted,theywouldbeabletoreceivespecialopportunities.Earlierthatyear,theboardhadannouncedthatElviswouldprobablybedrafted.Everybranchofthemilitarybeganmakingoffers,tryingtogethimtoenlist.
Hopingtospeakwith
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Elvisonthearmy’sbehalf,mydadmadeatriptoGraceland,Elvis’srecentlypurchasedhome,onlytobetoldthatElviswasaway.BeforemyfathercouldreturntoGraceland,hewasinformedthatElvishaddecidednottoenlistandwouldtakehischanceswiththedraft.Attheendoftheyear,ElvisreceivedhisnoticeforinductionintotheU.S.Army.
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OnthemorningofMarch24,1958,Elvisarrivedwithhisparents,GladysandVernon,atthedraftboardofficelocatedinsidetheM&MBuildingindowntownMemphis.ElvisandtheotherrecruitsbeingdraftedthenboardedabusforphysicalsattheU.S.ArmyandAirForcerecruitingmainstationatKennedyVeteransHospital.Shortlyafterarriving,theyenteredareceptionroomand
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satonchairslinedupinrowsbehindlongtables.
Inthatroom,soon-to-bePrivateElvisPresleylaideyesonmyfatherforthefirsttimeasmydadwalkedinandsaidafewwords,givingthenewrecruitssomeinsightastowhatlayahead.MyfatherhadfinishedspeakingandwasgatheringhisthingstoleavewhenElvisapproachedhim.
“Istheresomeplaceinside
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thisbuildingwhereIcouldgetchange?”Elvisasked,explainingthathewantedtouseoneofthepayphones.
MyfatherreachedintohispocketandofferedElvisadime.Elvistookitandthankedhim.Elvishadhisphysical,andbythatafternoon,hewasswornintotheU.S.Army.
DuetoElvis’sfame,thepresscoveredtheevent.Photographerstookpictures
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ofhimwithmydadforthenewspapers,andwheneverIlookatthoseclippings,itstillhitsme:HereisayoungElvis,andhereismydad.Theywereworldsapart,yetatthatmomenttheywereconnectedforthefirsttime.
MyfathercamehomethateveningwithtwopublicityphotosofElvis,onesigned,“ToMike,”andtheother,“ToRosemary.”Beforegoingtobed,hewroteinsidemy
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sister’ssmallautographbook,“TodayIshookthehandofElvisPresley,March24,1958.”
Elvis’smotherhadbecomeill,andthatAugust,thearmygrantedElvisanemergencyleavesohecouldreturntoMemphistoseeher.HismotherpassedawayonAugust14,1958,andhewasgrantedanextendedstayforherfuneral.OnMarch7,1960,aftertwenty-four
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monthsofactiveduty,ElvisreturnedtoMemphisagain,thistimeasacivilian,withfouryearsleftinthereserves.
Afewnightslater,myfatherdecidedtostopbyGracelandafterwork,hopingforsomefollow-uppublicrelationstidbitsforanarmynewsletter.HeparkedhisarmysedannearGraceland’sdrivewayandwalkedtowarditsclosedgates,wheresomeothersweremillingabout.
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Thegateshadbecomeapopularplaceforfanstohangout,chat,andcatchaglimpseofElvis.
MydadsawElvisandafewothersstandinginthedriveway,talkingtoateenagerwithabandagedhand.WhenElvisnoticedmyfather,stilldressedinhisarmyuniform,heyelled,“Lethimin,”toaguardnearthegates.
Myfatherlearnedthat
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Elvishadassistedtheteenagertwonightsearlier,whenhe’dbeeninamotorcycleaccidentnearGraceland,andtheteenhadreturnedtothankhim.Mydadluckedout;hegottoseeElvisandnowhadastory.
MyfatherstoppedbyGracelandafewmoretimesthefollowingyearalongwithafriend,areporterfortheMemphisPress-Scimitar,whowasalsolookingforElvis-
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relatedpieces.TheybecamefriendlywithaguardatthegatesnamedTravisSmith,whohappenedtobeElvis’suncle.Oneevening,TravisinvitedmydadtobringmymomandjoinElvisatalocalmovietheatercalledtheMemphian,whereElvisoftentreatedotherstomovieshowings—itwastheonlywayhecouldwatchamovieoutofthepubliceye.
AsTravishadrequested,
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myparentsdrovetoGracelandandwaitedintheircarbythefrontgates.Beforelong,afewothercarsemergedfromaroundbackofthemansionand,astheyexitedthedriveway,myfathereasedinbehindthemandfollowed.
Itwaswellaftermidnightwhenmyparentsarrivedatthetheater,itsmarqueedark,showingitwasclosedtothepublic.TheysawElvisanda
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fewothersalreadyoutoftheircarsandtalking,sotheyapproachedthem.Recognizingmydad,Elvisshookhishandandmyfatherintroducedmymother.
ThegroupsoonenteredthelobbyandElviswalkedovertothefoodcounterwhilemyparentsandsomeotherguestsmadetheirwayinsidetogetseats.Beforelong,Elviscamewalkingdowntheaislewithpopcorninhand.
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Uponnoticingmyfatheragain,hetossedoutjokingly,“Hey,Sarge,I’mreadytogobackintothearmy.”
Mydadreplied,“We’llbegladtohaveyouback.”
Elvisscreenedtwomoviesthatnight,anditwouldn’tbeuntiltheweehoursofthemorningwheneveryoneleftthetheater.
Notlongafterward,Travisinvitedmyparentsforasecondouting,tellingthem
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ElviswasrentingtheMemphisFairgroundsAmusementPark,andfriendsandguestswerewelcometobringtheirchildren.Travisandhiswifeweregoingalongthistime,andhetoldmydadwhenandwheretomeetthemaftertheparkclosedtothepublic.
IwasfiveyearsoldwhenIrodewithmyfamilytothefairgroundsthatnight.AlthoughIwastooyoungto
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remembermuch,thateveningbecameamemorableexperienceformyentirefamily.Mybrotherandoneofhisfriendsdroveseparately.Asecurityguardletusintotheentranceoftheamusementpark,wherewewaitedalongsideotherinvitedguests.
Travisarrivedandintroducedhiswife,Lorraine,tomyparents.Beforelong,ablackcarslowlypulledupto
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theentranceandthesecurityguardwaveditinside.ThecarcametoastopandElvissteppedout,dressedinadarkshirtwithdarkpantsandwearingawhitecaptain’shat.MymostvividmemoryisoneofseeingElvisshakehandswithpeopleandthinkinghemustbeimportant,forhisfacelookedjustliketheonesI’dseenonsomerecordsleevesathome.
MyparentsgreetedElvis,
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andasmyfatherintroducedeachoneofus,ElvisshookhandswithMikeandRosemary,thenpattedTerryandmeonourheads.Whenmymommentionedthatmybrotherwastakingguitarlessons,Elvisjoked,“I’vegotoneathomehecanhave,becauseIcan’tplaythething.”
Everyonelaughed,andthenthegroupcontinuedinside,followingElvistothe
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park’slargewoodenrollercoaster(aridethatwouldremainoneofhisfavorites).Elvisclimbedintothefrontcarwithhisdate,BonnieBunkley,andastheseatsbegantofill,Travisapproachedmymom.“Wanttoridewithme?”heasked.
Neverhavingbeenonarollercoasterbefore,shetoldhimyes,aslongashepickedasafeandnot-too-scaryseat.Theyendedupsittinginthe
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verylastcar,whichunbeknownsttomymomwasnotoriousforbeingrough.
MyfatherandLorraineSmithsatinthecarinfrontofthem,whilemysiblingsandIstoodbytowatch.Screamsoffrightandlaughterechoedfromtherideasitracedbyusmultipletimesbeforefinallycomingtoahalt.Wheneveryonegotout,mymother,alittlerattledbutsmiling,toldTravis,“IthinkImight
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justhaveaheartattackrighthere.”
Elviscontinuedthroughtheparkwithhisdateandsomefriendswhilemyparentstookmysistersandmetothekiddiesection.Mybrotherandhisfrienddecidedtowandertheparkalone.Aconcessionstandwasopentoallofus,andwegottoenjoytheridesasmanytimesaswewanted.
Ourspecialnightwasover
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toosoon.CatchingupwithTravisandElvis,myparentsthankedthemforouramazingevening.Mikeandhisfriendbeggedmyparentstoletthemstaylonger;theydidn’treturnhomeuntilnearlysunrise.Later,stillexcited,MiketoldmyparentsthatElvisandhisfriendshaddividedintogroupsandhegottodrivethedodgemcarswiththem.ThenElvissentsomeoneacrossthestreettogetmilkshakesata
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placewithtwolargepolarbearsoutfrontcalledthePolarBearFrozenCustardshop.
Ididn’tknowitthen,butthatnightwasjustapreviewofElvis’sgivingnature.
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CHAPTER2
Bytheearly1960s,myfamilywaslivinginathree-bedroom,one-bathroomhouseinoneofthenewsuburbsspringinguparoundMemphis.Ourhomewashalfablockdowntheroadfromacottonfieldthatafarmerand
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hismuleplowedfromtimetotime,aremnantfromtheOldSouth.Whenthepostwarboomhit,partofthefieldwaspavedandagasstationwaserectedthereasmodernizationsweptacrossMemphis,eventuallysurroundingourhomewithmallsandfast-foodrestaurants.
Myparentswerehardworking,everydaypeople.Myfatherhadretired
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fromthearmyandwasmanagingalocaldepartmentstore.Mymotherworkedupthestreetfromourhome,managingastampstore.MysiblingsandIwerebaptized,andourparentsdidtheirbesttoraiseuswithgoodmoralsandvalues.
Duringmychildhoodandearlyteens,asIwaslearningtoreadandwriteanddiscoveredaloveofart,Elvis’scelebritycontinuedto
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skyrocket.Hemademusicandmovies,gotmarried,andhadachild.Onoccasion,whenrelativesvisitedusinMemphis,theywantedtoseeGraceland.Weaccommodatedthemandrodealongwithasecurityguardinastriped,canopiedpinkjeep—renownedattheestate—upGraceland’sdrivewayandback.Itwasasmalltouroftheestate,usuallyofferedwhenElviswasoutoftown.
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Tomboyish,Iroller-skated,rodehorses,andclambereduptrees.Ioftenclimbedonmybrother’smotorcycle,too,pretendingtorideit.Thoughourparentsworried,occasionallyMikewouldtakemeoutforashortspinandIwouldbethrilled.
Mybigbrother’sloveformotorcyclesquicklybecamemyownobsession.WhenIwasfourteen,Ipesteredmyfathertopurchaseaminibike
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forme.Myparentswereapprehensive,havinghadenoughsafetyconcernswithmybrotherridingmotorcycles,butmyfathergaveinandIgotmyminibike.Icontinuedtolovemotorcycles,andyearslater,Iwouldeventuallygetmyown.
Art,however,wasmybiggestpassion.Iwasconstantlydrawingandpainting,andIreveredmy
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brother,Mike,awonderfulartistwhohadbeguntakingartclassesincollege.IhadaninspirationalartteacherinhighschoolnamedMrs.Murphywhousuallydressedinpurple.Sheworepurpleeyeglassesandcarriedapurplecane.Evenhersilverywhitehairseemedtohaveapurplehue.Artwasaneasywayformetoexpressmyself,andbymyteensIwasthinkingabouthowtoturn
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mypassionintoacareer.Ialsolovedtosing.
Pretendingmyhairbrushwasamicrophone,I’ddressupinoneofmymother’soldskirtsandcroonalongwithvariousrecords.Thiswasn’tsurprisingtoanyonebecausemusicwascentraltoourhomelife.Mymotherwasaself-taughtmusicianwhocouldplaypiano,guitar,andmandolin.Herfatherhadbeentheministerofasmall
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churchinArkansas,andhavingbeenspirituallyinfluencedbybothparents,sheusuallyplayedgospelhymnsonourpiano.
Mymomenjoyedavarietyofmusic,fromclassicaltogospel,andwhenshewashomeyou’dhearthevoicesofDeanMartin,BingCrosby,EngelbertHumperdinck,TomJones,andyes,Elvis,resonatingfromthestereoinourlivingroom.Herloveof
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musicrubbedoffonus.Terrybecameinterestedinthepianoandbegantakinglessons,practicingfervently.Atthirteen,Istartedtakingvocallessons.IcouldplaypianoalittlebitbyearandoccasionallyfooledaroundonabigredguitarI’dbeengiven,butusuallywhenIwantedtosing,I’dpesterTerrytoaccompanymeonthepiano.Despitethefactthatourparentsweren’t
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wealthyandhadfourchildrentofeedandclothe,theyhadgenerouslyfoundthemoneyformusiclessonswhenweexpressedourinterest.
Whenevermymotherwasplayingthepiano,I’dwanderinandstandbehindhertosing.Myfatherandsisterswouldoccasionallyjoinin,makingthosemomentssomeofmyfondestmemories.Whenansweringmachineslatercameout,mymother,
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sisters,andIrecordedasingingmessageinharmonyonawhim.FriendsclaimedwesoundedjustliketheAndrewsSisters.
AsmuchasIenjoyedsinging,Iwastooself-consciousandconcernedaboutwhatothersthoughttosinginpublic.ImademyfamilylooktheotherwaywhenIpracticedandevenaskedthemnottocometomyrecitals.Icontinuedvoice
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lessonsthroughhighschool,thenstopped,unabletoovercomethisgreatshyness.Idecideditwouldbeallrighttoletthisparticularpassionofmineremainachildhoodfantasy,safelytuckedaway.
Despitemytomboyishinclinations,mysisterTerryandIusedtocutoutpicturesofmodelswelikedfromMcCall’smagazineandtheSearscatalog,usingthemlikepaperdolls.Asateenager,I
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thought,“Wow,beingamodelsoundssocool.”
Atsixteen,Ifinallysawmyfirstlivefashionmodel,andcaughtaglimpseoftheworldbeyondMemphiswhenItaggedalongwithRosemaryandhergirlfriendtoLowensteinDepartmentStoredowntowntowatchauditionsforapageantcalled“ModeloftheYear.”ThepageantwasputonbyStewartCowley,theownerofaNew
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Yorkmodelingagency.AsIstoodamongthe
crowdgatheredtoviewtheentrants,IbecamefascinatedbythesightofafemalemodelseatedbesideMr.Cowley,helpinghiminterviewcontestants.Thisgirlwasrailthinandshe’dcutherblackhairveryshort.Inmymind,sherepresentedeverythingIthoughtaNewYorkCitymodelmustbe.
Lookingabouttheroom,
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Mr.Cowleystoodupatonepointandwalkedourway.Heapproachedmeandasked,“Whyaren’tyouinthecontest?”Offeringmeanentryform,hereturnedtohistable.
Ibeganfillingouttheform,butmyhandwasshaking.Iwasexcitedbutunpreparedforthis.RosemarypressedmetopersonallyhandtheformbacktoMr.Cowleyandsaid,
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“Makesureyousmile.”ShehadmoreconfidenceinmethanIdid.Ireturnedtheformbut,uponseeingmyage,Mr.Cowleyaskedmetocomebackinafewyears,foreighteenwastheeligibleagetoenter.
Afewweekslater,throughfriends,ImodeledsomeclothingalongsidetwoothergirlsduringabriefsegmentoftheshowTalentParty,whichshowcasedbands.My
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interestinmodelinghadoutweighedanyfears.Someonesawmeontheshow,andnotlongafterward,Iwascontactedandhiredtoworkinahometowntelevisioncommercial.Ialsoheldtwopart-timejobsafterschool,workingatarestaurantonweekendsanddecoratingthewindowsofadressshop.Iviewedthelatterasanapprenticeshipandastepping-stoneintheartistic
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field.Myinterestinart
continuedthroughouthighschool,andIbeganenteringmypaintingsintolocalartcompetitions,evenwinningsomeawards.Igraduatedinthespringof1974withscholarshipmoneytoputtowardacollegethatfall.IchosetheMemphisAcademyofArt,asmallprivatecollegeofartanddesign.AsIstartedclasses,Igaveupmyjobat
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therestaurantbutcontinuedworkingpart-timeatthedressshop.
Iwasoneoftheyoungerstudentsinmyclasses;betweenmydrawing,sculpting,andpotterycourses,Ifeltoutofmydepthandslightlyoverwhelmed.Althoughmyteachers,friends,andfamilytoldmeIhadtalentandIbelieveditonsomelevel,theacademy’scurriculumprovedtobetoo
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intenseforme.Wantingtoslowdownandfigureoutmyfutureonestepatatime,Idecidedtotakeasabbaticalfromtheartacademyaftermyfirstyear.Ihopedtofindadifferentpaththatcouldleadtoafutureart-relatedcareer.
Inthespringof1975,TerrysawanadfortheMissMemphispageant.PageantswereprominenteventsintheSouth,andshedecidedto
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enter,winningfirstrunner-up.Findingitchallengingandfun,bytheendofthatyearshebeganencouragingmetoentertheMissTennesseeUniversepageant.Iwasn’tacompetitiveperson,butIcoulddefinitelyseehowcompetingcouldhelpmeovercomemyshyness.So,withnothingtolose,inthebeginningof1976Itooktheplunge.Thetitlewenttothesisterofthepageant’s
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executivedirectorandIplacedfirstrunner-up.
InFebruary1976,myfamilymovedintoalargerhomeonanicecornerlotineastMemphis.MyfatherstillmanagedalocaldepartmentstoreandmymotherhadbeenworkingfortheInternalRevenueService.Mybrother,nowafirefighter,livedclosebywithhiswifeandtwodaughters,whilemysistersandIstilllivedathome.
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Rosemaryworkedinsales,TerryattendedMemphisStateUniversity,andIdidextraworkatthedressshopwhiletendingtothestore’swindows.
Myparents’relationshiphadnotbeenatitsbestthepastfewyears.Mymotherhadappliedforadivorcetwicein1974,butdismisseditbothtimes,hopingtoworkthingsout.Whenmyparentspurchasedournewhome,my
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siblingsandIwantedtobelieveitwasthebeginningofabrighterfutureforthem.
Inthespring,TerryenteredMissMemphisagainandwon.ThisledhertotheMissTennesseepageantinJune,andourfamilyproudlywatchedasshewascrownedMissTennesseeof1976.Thepageantshadbeenexciting,andwithmysistersencouragingme,Ienteredafewmorelocalonesaround
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thesametime,winningMissTrafficSafetyandDuchessinourannualCottonCarnivalBall.
AsMissTennessee,TerrywasinvitedthatsummertoacountryclubinMemphis,whereshegotfreeticketstoseeElvisperformatourlocalMid-SouthColiseumonJuly5.Duetoofficialobligationselsewhere,shewasunabletogototheconcert,soshegavetheticketstomymother,
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Rosemary,andme.LittledidmyfamilyorIknowthat,intheverynearfuture,Terry’stitlewouldopenthedoortoGraceland,leadingmestraightintoElvis’slife.
WhenJuly5rolledaround,IwasthrilledtoseeElvisperformforthefirsttime.Ididn’tpersonallyownanyElvisalbums,butmymotherhadhisgospelandChristmasones,andmybrother,Mike,ownedafew
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ofElvis’sSunlabel45s.Ienjoyedavarietyofmusic,fromclassicaltorock’n’roll,andsomeofmyfavoritebandsatthetimewereFleetwoodMacandLedZeppelin,andthesingerEltonJohn.
Ourseatsweren’ttooclosetothestage,butasElvisenteredandthecamerasbeganflashing,Iwascompletelyspellbound.ThemanwhosevoiceI’dgrown
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uphearingallmylifewassuddenlyrightthereinfrontofme,flesh-and-bloodandveryreal!ItwaswonderfultohearhimsingthesongsthatI’dheardbeforeonlyontelevisionandtheradio.
Hishairwaslongerandhelookedalittleheavierthaninhisearlieryears,butIwascaptivatedbythewayElvisstruttedontothestagedressedinawhitejumpsuitwithanEgyptianbirddesign,blue
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silkpuffsleeves,andamatchingbeltwithchainshangingfromhiswaist.
Thatsummernightin1976,thecrowdwasamixofmiddle-agedadults,teens,andchildren.Elvisputonagreatshowandatonepointthatnight,hetoldtheaudience,“ThefirstrecordthatIdidhereinMemphis,yaknow,was‘That’sAllRight(Mama),’andsoforthandthey...hadacoupleof
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peoplesaywellyoucan’tdothatanymore.You,byGod,watchme!”
Hewentfullforceintothesongthenandprovedthemwrong.Mymother,sister,andIwerethreeoutofthousandsthatnight,captivatedbyashowthatunfortunatelywouldturnouttobeElvis’slasthometownperformance.
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CHAPTER3
InearlySeptember1976,TerrywenttoAtlanticCity,NewJersey,torepresentthestateofTennesseeintheMissAmericapageant.IwasabletoworkaroundmyjobatthedressshopandgowithmyfamilytoNewJerseyto
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supporther.Terrywasanextremely
giftedpianistwhosemanyhoursofdisciplinedpracticehadgottenherfar.Ononeofthepreliminarynights,shewonallthreehonorsintheswimsuit,talent,andeveninggowncompetition.AlthoughtheMissAmericacrownwouldn’tbehersthatyear,shewasalwaysawinnerinmyeyes.
BeforegoingtoNew
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Jersey,IhadenteredandwonMissMid-SouthFair,ahugetwo-weekeventthatIlookedforwardtoeveryyear,whenitcametoMemphisattheendofSeptember.
AlittleoveraweekafterreturningfromNewJersey,theMid-SouthFairbeganandIattendediteachdayastheofficialhostess.Asusual,itwasalotoffun,butbeforeIknewit,thefairwasoverandsowasthemonthofOctober.
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AtypicalweekendnightinMemphisusuallyfoundmysistersandmeouttodinner,themovies,orsocializingwithfriends.OntheeveningofFriday,November19,1976,however,allthreeofuswereathome.WeweresittinginthedenwithLarry,ayoungmanI’dbeenseeing,whenthephonerang.Ourmotheranswereditinthekitchen,thenenteredthedentosaythatGeorgeKleinwas
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callingforTerry.MysistersandI
exchangedcuriouslooks.Georgewasawell-knownlocaldiscjockeyandtelevisionpersonality.Last,butcertainlynotleast,hewasalsoalongtimefriendofElvisPresley’s.
Terrypickedupthereceiverinthekitchen.Meanwhile,ourmother,lookingslightlystunned,reportedthatGeorgehadtold
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herElvishadbeendatingaroundandwouldliketomeetthenewMissTennessee.HewasinvitingTerrytoGraceland!
Itcertainlywasn’tyoureverydayphonecall.HavingseenGracelandonlyfromtheoutsidemadeitallthemoresurreal.RosemaryandIscurriedintothekitchentounashamedlyeavesdroponTerry’sconversation.
TerrymayhavebeenMiss
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Tennessee,buttheideaofa“date”withElviswasunimaginabletomysistersandme.Thatonlyhappenedinthemovies!Terryhadalsobeendatingsomeonesincehighschool,souponhearingheraccepttheinvitation,weknewshehaddonesoforthesamereasonwewouldhave:ShewaseagertomeetElvisinpersonandgetapeekinsideGraceland.
Thethreeofuswerevery
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close,andknowingTerrywouldfeeluneasyaboutgoingalone,Rosemarybroughtupthepossibilityofthetwoofusaccompanyingher.Asexcitingasitsounded,Ididn’tfeelcomfortablewiththisideabecausewehadn’tbeeninvited.
BeforeIcouldprotest,however,RosemaryquicklyapproachedTerrywhileshewasstillonthephoneandwhispered,“AskGeorgeif
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GingerandIcancome!”Terrypausedforasecond
—sheknewthiswasn’tproper,butshewasoursister,andwealwayslookedoutforeachother,soshewentaheadandasked.Then,loweringthereceiverfromherear,shetoldusGeorgehadsoundedabithesitantandputheronholdwhilehechecked.Nowwewereembarrassed.
WhenGeorgecamebackontheline,however,muchto
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ourrelief,TerrynoddedyesandRosemaryandIwenttotellourmotherandLarry.Larrywasn’ttookeenaboutmegoingtoGraceland,butseeinghowexcitedweallwere,hesaid,“Idon’tblameyouforwantingtogo,”andleft.
WhenTerryfinallyhungupthephoneandjoinedusbackintheden,shesaidElvishadwantedtosendacarforus,butshe’dtoldhimshe
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woulddrive.Georgehadaskedwhatcarwewouldbeinsohecouldtelltheguardatthefrontgatestowatchforus.
OurappointedtimetobeatGracelandwas11P.M.Webegangettingready,feelingenthusiasticbutnervous.MeetingElvisplustouringtheinsideofGracelandmeantwewereinforadoubletreat!
Aswechattedandtouchedupourmakeup,Terrysaid,
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“I’mgladyouandRosemaryaregoing.”Afewmomentslater,shereflectedonGeorge’shesitancyandhavingtocheckaboutit.“Ireallyhopeit’sallrightyou’recomingwithme.”
FeelinguneasyaboutitmyselfandnotwantingTerrytofeelworried,Iwalkedawayandstoppedgettingready.Rosemarysoonnoticedandtoldme,“Georgesaiditwasfine.”Then,half-
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joking,sheadded,“TheworstElviscandoisaskustoleave.”
Shewasright,soIfinishedgettingdressed.By10:30weweresayinggood-byetoourparentsandexcitedlyheadingoutthedoor.
Gracelandwasalittlelessthanhalfanhourfromourhome.Weweresokeyedup,wechattedallthewayover.Whatoncehadbeenasection
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ofHighway51SouthwasnowElvisPresleyBoulevard;asweturnedontoit,thethreeofusgrewquieter.ThefieldstonewallsurroundingGracelandsooncameintoviewand,asweenteredtheturninglane,blinkerflashing,thewrought-irongateswiththeimageofElvisholdingaguitarslowlybegantoopen.Itwasanincrediblefeeling,knowingthiswashappeningjustforus!
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Terrygavehernameattheguardhouse.Thegatesswungclosedbehindusaswestartedupthelongdriveway,eventuallystoppingjustshyofGraceland’slitfrontporch.Wesatinthecarforafewmoments,unsureofwhattodonext.Wouldsomeonecomeouttogetus?Shouldweparkhereoraroundback?
Asecurityguardsoonemergedfromthedarknessandapproachedthedriver’s
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sideofthecar.Terryloweredherwindowandasked,“Whatshouldwedo?”
Smiling,theguardreplied,“Tryknockingonthefrontdoor.”
MysistersandIclimbedoutofthecar,laughingatourselvesandtheguard’scommentasournervesgotthebetterofus.Passingbetweentwohugelionstatues,wejokinglychanted,“Lionsandtigersandbears,
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ohmy!”inanefforttorelax.Wewalkedupthestone
stepstothefrontporchwhereRosemary,alwaysthebravestamongus,pressedthedoorbellbesidethegreenwrought-ironfrontdoor.ExpectingElvistoappearatanymoment,myearlierconcernsaboutshowingupuninvitedresurfaced.Igrewincreasinglyanxious,wondering,“WhatifElvisreallydoesn’twantRosemary
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andmehere?”Ihungback,letting
RosemaryandTerrywaitatthedoor.Whenitopened,GeorgeKleingreetedus,whichsurprisedme.Naiveasthismayseem,becausethiswasElvis’shouse,Iexpectedhimtoanswerthedoor.
GeorgewasthesameageasElvis,forty-one,andafriendlyguywithblackhair.IthadbeenhisTalentPartyshowthatIoncebriefly
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modeledon.Ididn’tsayanythingaboutthis,becauseIdidn’tthinkhewouldremember.
Heintroducedhimselfandthenbeckonedforustofollowhim.FeelinglikeAlicesteppingthroughthelookingglass,ItookadeepbreathandenteredGracelandforthefirsttime.
Myfeetsankintothick,redshagcarpet,whichextendedintothefoyerand
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upastaircasewithagold-and-whitebanisterandrailings.Georgeinvitedusintothediningroom.Passingbeneathanenormous,ornatecrystalchandelier,IglancedtotherightandsawaroomdecoratedallinredwithFrenchprovincialfurniture.Peacockstained-glasswindowswereoneithersideoftheentrancetoamusicroomdominatedbyablackbabygrandpiano.Many
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peoplehavereferredtothisreddécorasgaudyanditwouldeventuallybechanged.But,gaudyornot,itimpressedmeatthetime,andit’sstilloneofmymostlastingmemoriesofGraceland.
Tomyleft,Iheardvoices.Iturnedandsawsomepeopleseatedinred,silver-studded,high-backedchairsaroundamirroreddiningtable.Cigarsmokecurledintotheairas
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weapproached.Staringatthechairattheendofthetable,itsbackfacingus,Iexcitedlythought,ThishastobeElvis!andslowedmysteps,almostholdingmybreath.
Iwaswrong.Georgeintroducedthechair’soccupantasGeeGeeGambill.Hiswife,Elvis’scousinPatsyPresley,wasthere,too,alongwithanothercousin,BillySmith,andBilly’swife,Jo.Theywereplayingcards,the
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mensmokingcigars,allofthemcasuallydressedinjeansandT-shirtsorblouses.
Everyonegreeteduscordially.Icouldn’ttellbytheirreactionwhethertheyhadbeenexpectingusorknewwhowewere,butIdidgetthesensethattheyweresizingusupastheygaveusquick,up-and-downappraisinglooks.ThethreeofushaddressednicelytomeetElvis,buthadn’tputalotof
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thoughtintooverlytryingtoimpressanyone.
Georgethenledusthroughthekitchen.Itsfloorwascoveredinwall-to-wallcarpetinamulticolorpatchworkdesign.Ihadneverseencarpetinginakitchen,butthiswasElvis’shome,soIfiguredtherewouldbemuchIhadneverseenbefore.Theroomlookedwarm,withdarkbrowncabinetsandstained-glasslampshanging
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fromtheceiling.Thekitchenhadabreakfastnookandopenedintoaden.
“ThisistheJungleRoom,”Georgeannounced,gesturingaroundthedenashepausedtoansweragreenphonebuzzingonanearbytable.AsIwatchedGeorgelistentosomeoneonthephone,IheardlaughterechoingfromthediningroomanditstruckmehowcomfortableeveryonewasinElvis’s
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home.Ibegantorelaxalittleand
gazedaroundtheroom.TheJungleRoomwasfarfromyourtypicalden.Inoticedwatertricklingdownthefaceofastone-coveredbackwall,andthefurniturefeaturedcarvedanimalheadsandengravings.
Georgehungupthephone.“Canyoupleasewaitrighthere?”heasked.“Elvisisn’treadyyet.He’spracticing
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karate.”Thenhewalkedaway,leavingthethreeofusaloneintheroom.
ItseemedalittleoddthatElviswouldinviteushereatacertaintimeandnotbeready.Still,Iwasn’tcomplaining.IwasexcitedjusttobeseeinginsideGraceland.
Isatonafaux-furchairwithwoodenarmscarvedtolooklikeAsiandragonheads.RosemaryandTerrychosea
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matchingcouch.Infrontofitwasahugecoffeetablemadeoflacqueredwood.Statuesofjungleanimalswereplacedrandomlyabouttheroom;alargemirrorframedwithfeatherswashangingonasidewall;andthegreencarpetwas,surprisingly,onpartsoftheceilingaswellasthefloor.
Afterafewminutes,amaidenteredandofferedusadrink.Weaskedforsodas
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and,whensheleft,easedourtensionbytakingourmirroredcompactsoutfromourpurses,openingthem,andjokinglypretendingtoprimp.
Suddenly,Inoticedcamerasmountedonthewallsneartheceiling.Thecamerasseemedtobeaimedourway!Iquicklyclosedmycompactandpointedthemouttomysisters.Mortified,Iwonderedifwewerebeingwatched.
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Themaidreturnedwithourdrinksandwesatquietly,nowcautiousofeverymovewemade.
Consideringthelatehour,IwassurprisedthatGracelandwassoactive.Phonesperiodicallybuzzed(theydidnotring)andvariouspeoplecameandwent.Atonepoint,ayoungmaninhistwenties,withlongblondhair,steppedintotheJungleRoomandcasually
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introducedhimselfasElvis’sbrother,RickyStanley.Brother?Iwaspuzzled.I
didn’tknowElvishadanysiblings.Later,IlearnedthatRickywasElvis’sstepbrother;hismother,Dee,hadmarriedElvis’sfather,Vernon,afterGladysPresleydied.WeintroducedourselvesandfoundoutthatRickyworkedasanaidetoElvis.
Notlongafterward,a
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short,dark-hairedmaninhisfortiesappearedandintroducedhimselfasCharlieHodge.Withadrinkinonehandandacigaretteintheother,hebegantellingoff-colorjokes,allthewhileleaningasifbalancingonthedeckofaheelingship.IfElviswasconsideredtheKingofRockandRoll,IthoughtCharliewouldcertainlyqualifyashiscourtjester.Iwonderedifhe’d
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beensentexpresslytoentertainus.AsIdiscoveredafterIstartedseeingElvis,CharliesangharmonywithElvisandassistedhimonstageduringhisshows.
Georgefinallyreturned.“Elvisisstillpracticingkarate,”hesaid.“Wouldyouliketoseedownstairs?”
Thinkingweweredownstairs,Iwassurprisedtofollowhimdownastaircaseatthebackoftheden.We
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enteredacolorfulroomwithvibrantlypatternedfabricinblue,red,andyellowliningitswallsandceiling.Piecesoffurniturewereupholsteredinmatchingmaterial.Anelectricorganstoodagainstonewall,andabilliardtablesatinthemiddleoftheroombeneathtwolargeTiffany-stylelampssuspendedfromtheceiling.
Georgethentookusintoanotherroomhecalledthe
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TVRoom.Ifeltimmediatelydisorientedasweenteredthisroom,becauseitwasfilledwithmirrors:Mirrorscoveredtheceiling,framedthefireplace,andcoveredasquarecoffeetable.Whatlookedtobesmallmirrorswereshiningintheembroideredfabricofyellow-and-whitepillowsscatteredacrossalargenavysectionalsofa.Yellowleatherstoolswerepulleduptothebar,and
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threetelevisionsetshadbeenbuiltintoasidewall.
Ahugewhitelightningboltinsidenavyandyellowcloudshadbeenpaintedabovethecouch.GeorgeexplainedthatElvishadamotto,TCB,whichstoodfortakingcareofbusiness.Thelightningboltwasasymbolfortakingcareofbusinesslightningfast.
Aphonebegantobuzzin
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theroom.Georgeansweredit,listened,thenhungup,sayingweweregoingupstairsnext,toElvis’sdaughter’sroom.Upstairs?Icouldn’t
believeit!Ourtourhadhelpedmecalmdown,butnowmynervesbegantohumagain.IknewElvishadtobeonthetopfloorbecausewe’dprettymuchcoveredtheentiredownstairs.Thetimehadcome,Ithought:We
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werefinallygoingtomeethim!
•••
Elvis’srelativeswerestillplayingcardsinthediningroomaswepassedbythemagain,thistimeheadedforthefoyer.WhenGeorgestartedupthestaircase,myheartbegantobeatevenfaster.Atthetop,wefollowedhimdownahalland
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intoLisa’sbedroom.Thisroomwasdecorated
mainlyinyellowandwhite.Ablackleathersofawasagainstthewalltotheright,andthecenteroftheroomwasdominatedbyalargeroundbedblanketedinwhitefauxfurwithmatchingcanopy.MysistersandIsatonthecouchandGeorgeturnedonanearbytelevisionset.
Georgeleanedback
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againstLisa’sbedandcontinuedvisitingwithus.RickyandBillySmithbothentered,leaningagainstthebedandjoiningtheconversation.
Ihadn’tpaidanyattentiontothetimeandglancedatmywatch.Itwasnowapproaching1A.M.
Twohourshadpassedsinceourarrival.Althoughithadn’treallyfeltlikethatmuchtimehadgoneby,the
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moreRicky,George,andBillycontinuedtotalk,themoreIbegantowonderwhethertheywerecoveringforElvis.Hadhechangedhismindaboutmeetingus?Nowthatwe’dbeenentertainedwithatour,wouldwebeaskedtoleavewithoutmeetinghim?
Anotherman’sfigureappearedinthedoorwayofLisa’sroom.Iturnedtolook,preparedtogreetanother
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relativeorfriend,butitwasElvisenteringtheroom.Iwascaughtoffguard.Ihadhalfwaybeenexpectingtoheartrumpetssoundathisentrance.
Elvis’sjet-blackhairwascasuallystyled.Therewasnopompadourorglitzyoutfit,justElvis,dressedinadarkbluekaratetop,blackpants,andblackboots.Iwasimmediatelyattractedtohim.Hishairlookedsoftand
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shiny;hisskinwasclean-shavenandsmooth.Thinkinghewasgorgeous,myshynessflewrightoutthewindow.
“Hi,Elvis!”Iblurted,asifI’dknownhimforyears.
“Hi,”Elvissaidandshookourhands,correctlyacknowledgingmysistersandmebyname,onebyone.Someonehadobviouslyinformedhimwhowaswho.
Then,crossingtheroominfrontofus,Elvissatinalarge
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darkchairtoourrightandputacigartohislips.Billyquicklyleanedoverandlititforhim.Elvissettledfartherbackinthechairandapologizedforkeepinguswaiting.
BillythenlefttheroomwhileElvisproceededtoaskTerryaboutherself.Shetalkedabouthermusicandthevarioustitlesshehadwon.
“Howaboutyou?”Elvis
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askedme.“Haveyouwonanytitles?”
Itoldhimalittleaboutmyself.WhenElvisgottoRosemary,shementionedshehadneverenteredanypageantsoutsideofhighschool.Hesmiledandsaid,“Well,youshouldhave,butfornowyou’lljusthavetobeMiss...Miss...Miss...Understood.”
Wealllaughed.ThemoreElvisjokedaroundwithus,
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themoreInoticedhowsimilarhishumorwastoours.I’dhadthisfeelingofapowerfulpresenceandenergytheminuteElvisenteredtheroom,andhecontinuedtoholdmyfocuscompletelythroughoutthenight.Atthesametime,Iwastakenbyhowdown-to-earthhewas,andbyhissexysmileandlaugh.
Wecontinuedtotalk,withRickyandGeorgechimingin
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periodically.ElvistolduswhatanhonoritwastohavethestreetnamechangedtoElvisPresleyBoulevardandmentionedhesometimesjoked,“Getoffmystreet!”toothermotoristswhiledrivingdownit.Hetalkedaboutkarate,too,lettingusknowhewasaninth-degreeblackbelt.
“It’sabeautifulartform,”Itoldhim,addingthatI’dwantedtotakelessonswhenIwassixteen,butmyparents
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thoughtIwastooyoung.Elvisdisagreed,sayingit
wasnevertooyoungtostart.Terrytalkedabouttheclassicalpianomusicsheenjoyed.Ibroughtupmyloveforart,butdidn’tdarementionmysinging.Rosemary,themostcomicalofthethreeofus,oftenhadhimlaughing.
Elviswaspoliteandeasytotalkwith,whichwasputtingmeateaseuntilhe
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tiltedhisheadtooneside,lookedtowardthefloorandsaid,“Ginger,you’reburningaholerightthroughme.”Hisintenseblueeyesslowlydriftedbackuptomyface.
“Who,me?”Iasked.“Yes,you,”hereplied.Ididn’tknowwhathe
meant,asIdidn’tfeelI’dbeenstaringathim.Wewerejusttalking.Iwasembarrassedandfeltaflashofheatwarmmyface.
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Wetalkedalittlemore,thenElvisasked,“Wouldyouliketoseetherestoftheupstairs?”
Thrilled,wesaid,“Sure!”AlongwithRickyand
George,wefollowedElvisoutintothehall.Iwasstillholdingmyunfinishedglassofsoda.Elvisreachedforit,tookasip,andhandeditbacktome.ThisdistractedmesomuchthatImadeawrongturnandheadedtowardthe
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frontstairs.IthenfeltElvis’shandsonmyshoulders,gentlyturningmeandguidingmebackthroughasetofdoubledoors.
EveryonefollowedElvisandmeaswecutthroughanofficeandthenanothersetofdoubledoorsintohismasterbedroom.Thefirstthingthatstruckmewasthatthematchingcouchandchairslookedidenticaltothefurniturewehadinourdenat
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home.Whatweretheoddsofthat?
Otherwise,theroomdécorherewasverydifferentfromanythingI’deverseenbefore.Ashiny,black,Naugahydeheadboardcrownedthemassivebed,whichElvisproudlytolduswasninefeetbyninefeet.Readinglampswereattachedtothewalloneithersideofit.Thesameredshagcarpetcoveredthefloor,withblackandgold
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wallpaperliningonewallandpaddingontheother.Thebedroomdoorsandceilingwerealsopaddedand,muchtomysurprise,thereweretwotelevisionsetsembeddedintheceiling.Elvisexplainedthepaddingbysayinghedidn’tcareforoutsidenoisewhenheslept.
RickyleftasmysistersandIfollowedElvis,alongwithGeorge,intohisoffice.Itwasdecoratedinmasculine
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tansandbrowns.Onmyleftwasaglasscasefilledwithriflesandhandguns;inthecenteroftheroom,twocouchesfacedeachother,acoffeetablebetweenthem.Nearthebackoftheroomwasalargedeskwithachair,andbehindit,twobookcasesstoodagainstthewall.
Elviswalkedovertoanelectricorgannearaclosedaccordion-styledoorandsatdownonthebench.Istood
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behindhimwithGeorgeandmysistersgatheredaround.SomethingaboutthisfeltcomfortablyfamiliarbecauseI’dsooftenstoodandsungbehindmymomwhilesheplayedpiano.
Placinghisfingersonthekeyboard,Elvisbegantosing“You’llNeverWalkAlone.”IfI’deverfeltlikeIwasdreaming,itwasnow!
Atvarioustimesduringthesong,Elvislookedup
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fromtheorgan,smilingatRosemaryandTerryorglancingoverhisshouldertosmileatme.Atonepoint,IlookedintothemirrorabovetheorganandnoticedGeorgeyawning.Thatmademewonderwhetherhe’dseenElvisdothissortofthingmanytimesbeforeorifhewasjusttiredbecauseitwassolate.
Elvisfinishedandweapplauded.Standingup,he
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said,“I’dliketoshowyoumydressingarea.”
Iwassurprisedbythis;I’dalwaysthoughtofpeople’sclosetsaspersonal.Ontheotherhand,seeingElvis’sdressingroomwouldbeanaddedbonusbecauseIwasenjoyingbeingwithhimandthrilledbytheideaofseeingoneofhisinnersanctums.
WefollowedElvisbackthroughhisbedroomandintohisbathroom,whichwas
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carpetedinthesameroyalredshagcarpet.Onmyleftstoodablackcommodewithatelephoneattachedtothewallnearby.Ablackvanitywascoveredwithtoiletriesontheright.Aboveit,themirroredwallwasoutlinedwithmakeuplights.
Beyondanenormous,curvedshowerwithmulticoloredtiles,weenteredElvis’sdressingarea.Itwasfilledwithracksofclothing
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surroundingabedcoveredinafauxfursimilartotheoneinLisa’sroom.AbustoftheGreekgodApollosatonapedestalbesideanopendoorwayleadingouttothehall.(Later,Elviswouldtellmehethoughtthebustresembledhim.Ithoughtitdid,too.)
Pointingoutafewstagejumpsuits,Elvissaidhewasproudoftheworkmanshipthatwentintomakingthem.
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Hetoldustheyweremadeofmaterialthatdidn’tletanyairinorout.Thenhebeganshowingushisbootsandcasualclothes.
“Casual”forElvisappearedtobecoatswithfurcollars;brightlycolored,high-collaredsatinshirts;flaredpants;andhatsthatlookedliketheycouldhavebeenwornonthesetofthemovieShaft.
IcouldunderstandElvis
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wantingtoshowushiscostumes,butagainIwassurprisedthathe’dbewillingtoshowushismorepersonalclothes.Wasthisanextensionofhispersona?Wasthissomethinghefeltheneededtodowithus?
WhenElviswasfinishedgivingusatourofhisdressingarea,heexcusedhimselfand,ashewalkedtowardthefrontofthebathroom,calledoutfor
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Georgetofollowhim.MysistersandInow
foundourselvesintheextraordinarypositionofstandingaloneinElvisPresley’scloset,tryingtoprocesswhathadstartedoutasaninnocenteveningathome.Elvishadbeencaptivating,entertaining,funny,andgracious.Wetalkedquietly,assumingtheshowwasoverandwe’dbeaskedtoleavewhenGeorge
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reappeared.Tomysurprise,George
camebackandsaid,“Ginger,Elviswouldliketoseeyouforaminute.”
WhatdidElviswantwithme?IglanceduncertainlyatTerryandRosemary.
“He’swaitingforyou,”Georgeurged,motioningmetowardthefrontofthebathroom.
Takingafewstepsforward,Iturnedbacktosee
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Georgeguidingmysistersoutthroughthedoorbythedressingarea.Myanxietyroaredback.MysistersandIhadactedasasafetynetforeachother,butnowIwasonmyown.
WhenIsteppedpastthedoorwayofhisbathroom,IsawElvisseatedonthesideofhisbed.Hesmiledandpattedtheredbedspread,motioningmetositdownnexttohim.Unsureofwhat
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hewanted,Inervouslywalkedinandcomplied.
“DidyounoticeIwaspayingmoreattentiontoyouthantoyoursisters?”heaskedwithafaintsmile.
Ibrieflylookedaway.Myheartbegantopound.
WasElvisactuallyhittingonme?Itwentfarbeyondmywildestimaginingsthathewouldsinglemeout.Ifelthehadtreatedthethreeofusfairlyequally,butwhenI
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thoughtback,Irememberedhiscommentaboutme“burningahole”throughhim,howhe’dtakenasipfrommyglassofsoda,andthewayhe’dplacedhishandsonmyshouldersinthehallway.Wasthatwhathemeant?
Notquitesure,Ilookedupathimandanswered,“Yes.”
Henodded.“WhenIlikesomeone,Ireallylikethemalot,”hesaid.“It’snotjustafling.Idon’tlikeone-night
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stands.”“Idon’tlikeone-night
stands,either,”Ireplied,wantinghimtobesureIwasn’tthatkindofwoman.
Elvisregardedmesilentlyforamoment,thengesturedtowardthewindow.“I’mnotthatstreetoutthere,”hesaid.“Ifyoucutme,Ibleed.”
Icouldn’tbelievethatElvis,acharismatic,handsomesuperstar,wastalkingtomeinthisintimate
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way.TheonlythingIcouldthinktosaywas,“Iunderstand.”
“Good,”hereplied.Heleanedoverthenandpickedupabooklyingwithsomeothersonthefloorbesidehisbed.ItwastheBookofNumbersbyCheiro,theworld-famousseer.
“When’syourbirthday?”Elvisasked,openingthebook.
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“Novemberthirteenth,”Ireplied.
“You’reanumberfour,”hesaid,andbeganexplainingthathereachedthenumberbyaddingtheoneandthreetogether.Pickingupapairofglassesfromhisnighttable,heputthemonandbeganreadingtomeaboutthenumberfour.Hetoldmethatfoursaresensitiveandhadtheirfeelingshurteasily.Fourswerelikelytofeel
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lonelyandisolated,withfewrealfriends,buttothefewfriendstheydidhave,theyareveryloyal.
Elvishadmyattention.Ididn’tfeellonely,butIwasshy,sensitive,andloyaltomyfriends.ElvisobviouslywaspassionateaboutthesubjectofnumerologyandIfoundmyselfbeingdrawnintoit.TellingmeJanuary8washisbirthday,whichmadehimanumbereight,heread
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onregardingthatnumber.Hesaidthesepeoplewereoftenmisunderstoodandforthisreasonfeltlonely.Theyusually“playsomeimportantroleonlife’sstage,butusuallyonewhichisfatalistic,orastheinstrumentofFateforothers.”Healsosaidthateightpeopleareeitherverysuccessfulorcompletefailures.Theyfeeldifferentfromothersand“seldomreaptherewardfor
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thegoodtheymaydowhiletheyareliving.”Itisonlyaftertheirdeaththattheyarepraisedandhonored.
Myfirstthoughtwas,Wow!Someofthecharacteristicsreallyseemedtofithim,butElvislonely?Thatwasdifficultformetobelieve,giventhenumberofpeoplegathereddownstairsonthisnight.
Elvisstayedonthetopic
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ofnumerologyforawhile,thenliftedanother,largerbookoffthefloorandbeganleafingthroughit.“ThisissupposedtobeanillustrationofGod,”hesaid,stoppingonacertainpageandshowingittome.
Itwasadrawingofamanwithalongwhitebeardseatedonathronewithsymbolsoffire,ice,rain,andwindathissides.Thebookremindedmeofalarge
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illustratedBiblemymotherhadthatsheoftenreadtomysiblingsandmewhenwewereyounger.Stillholdingthebigbookinhishands,Elvissettledfartherbackonthebedandmotionedmeupbesidehim.
Bynow,Iwasfeelingmorecomfortableanddecideditwasaharmlessenoughrequest;Elvisseemedabsorbedbythebook.Iscooteduptositrightnextto
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himwithmybackagainstapillow.Hethensurprisedmeagainbyhandingmethebookandaskingmetoreadaloud.Idid,feelingshyaboutit.Ididn’twanttomakeamistakebecauseIcouldfeelhimwatchingmeclosely.
Thesubjectmatterinthisbookwasdifferent.IwasagaindrawnintoitwhileElvisobserved,periodicallysippingicewaterfromalargeglassjarsittingonhisnight
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table.Coolairwasblowingfromanairconditionerunitsituatedinsidethebedroom’sfrontwindow.Iwaschilled,butElvisseemedfineandIdidn’tfeelrightaskinghimtoturnitdown.
Wetookturnsreadingandtalkingintotheearlymorning.Atonepoint,Elviswentintothebathroom,leavingmetothinkthatithadbeenanunforgettablenight.Iwasgoingtohavequitea
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storytotellmyfriends.Havingbeenupalmost
twenty-fourhoursbynow,however,Iwasstartingtofeeloverwhelmedbyfatigue.IhateditbutcouldtellthatIwasn’tgoingtobeabletoconcentratewellanymore.NowthatElviswasoutoftheroom,Ialsobecameawarethatalotoftimehadgonebyandourparentsstillhadn’theardfromus.Iwasworried,too,aboutTerryand
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Rosemaryhavingtowaitforme.
WhenElvisreturnedfromthebathroom,Ipolitelysaid,“Elvis,Ishouldfindmysistersandprobablyleave.It’sreallylate.”
Hesatbackdownonthebed.“They’vealreadygone,”hesaidcasually.“Yoursisterswenthomeearlier.”
Iwasstunned.They’dalreadyleft?I’dbeenatGracelandallthistime
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withoutthem?Puzzled,Iwonderedhowheknew.HadElvisarrangedallthisearlierwithGeorge?
“Someonewilltakeyouhomewhenyou’reready,”Elvisadded,watchingtheconfusedexpressionsflitacrossmyface.
IdecidedthatElviswasprobablytired,too.Thinkingitwasproperformetogo,Ithankedhimonbehalfofmysistersandmyselfforthe
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night.HemovedtotheedgeofthebedandIinchedmywaybesidehimashepickedupatelephonereceiverfromhisnighttableandaskedsomeonetogivemearidehome.
Tomyshock,headded,“Pleasebesureandgethernumber,”beforehangingup.Thenheturnedtomeandsaid,“Youshouldalwayspolitelyasksomeonetodosomethingforyou.Nevertell
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apersonwhattodo.”AsInodded,still
dumbstruck,Elvistookapenandamatchbookfromthenighttabledrawer,openedthematchbook,andasked,“What’syourphonenumber?”Thiscan’tbehappening!
MythoughtssuddenlyflashedonLarry,whohadn’twantedmetocometoGracelandtonight.Despitefeelingconflicted,IgaveElvismy
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number.Hewroteitdown.AsIlookedathim,Elvis
suddenlyleanedintowardme,catchingmetotallyoffguard.Hekepthishandsonthebedandgavemeaquick,lightkissonthelips.ItwassoquickIbarelyhadtimetoregisterwhathadjusthappened,butIwasstunnedandexcited.
Afterward,IwalkedoutofGracelandinatrance.AsIrodehomewithanemployee
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namedSteveSmith,Iwentoverthekissagaininmymind.Icertainlydidn’twantElvistogetthewrongimpressionofme.Iwasn’taseasonedprowhenitcametosexorrelationships.Ontheotherhand,Ihopedhehadlikedkissingme.
Eventhoughitwasnearlysunrise,thelightswereoninsidemyhousewhenwepulleduptothecurb.Beforegettingout,Steveaskedme
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formyphonenumber.Givingitasecondtime,Iquicklyraninside.
Mymotherandsistersweresittingonthecouchinourden.Ifiguredmyfathermustbeinbedbecausehesometimesworkedonweekends.OurparentshadbeenexcitedwhenwewereinvitedtoGraceland,butmymotheradmittednowthatthey’dstartedworryingwhensomuchtimewentby
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withoutanywordfromus.“Ifeltbadaboutleaving
youthere,”Terrysaid,explainingthatGeorgehadtakenthemoutsidetoaracquetballcourtbehindthehouse,whereCharlieandRickyjoinedthemforatourofthecourt.
GeorgethentoldTerryandRosemarythatElviswantedtospendmoretimewithme,andthattheywerewelcometowaitifthey
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wantedor,asitwassolate,toleave.HehadassuredthemthatElviswouldseeIgothomesafely.
Exhausted,butstillrunningonnerves,Ifilledtheminonwhathadhappened,leavingoutthekiss.Weweren’takiss-and-tellsortoffamily.Somethingswerepersonal,andwewereprivatewitheachotherwhenitcametothatsortofthing.
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NowthatIwashome,thewholenightseemedunreal.ElviswasdifferentfromanyoneI’devermet.Herewasthisrock-’n’-rollsuperstarsingingtomysistersandme,showingushiscloset,andtheninvitingmetojoinhimonhisbed,wherehe’dbeenagentleman.He’dreadreligiousbookswithmeandsharedhisthoughtsandfeelings.
Elvishadbeenpoliteand
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funny,too,whichIrelatedto.He’ddemonstratedasinceredesireformetounderstandwhathewasaboutinashortamountoftime,andinthehourswe’dspenttogether,I’dfeltanintenseattractionbetweenus.
Ihadenjoyedthenight;itwasmagicalandunique,andfromwhatElvishadsaidandhowhehadacted,Ithoughthehadenjoyedspendingtimewithme,too.
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WhenIwasfinallyaloneinmybedthatmorning,noneofthatseemedrealorevenpossible.Iwasinturmoil.WouldElviscallme?And,ifhedid,wouldIagreetoseehimagain,knowingitwouldhurtLarry,theniceguyI’dbeendating?Ihonestlydidn’tknowifIwasmoreafraidofElvisbeingattractedtomebecauseofthisormoreafraidthatI’dfindmyselffeelingletdownifhedidn’tcallme.
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Irolledoverinbed,searchingforsleep.Beforelong,Ihadtoadmittomyselfthatifhedidn’tcall,I’dbedisappointed,andsoIdecidedifElviswantedtoseemeagain,Iwouldsayyes.
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CHAPTER4
IwokelatethatSaturdayafternoonandbeganthinkingabouttheeveningagain.Ihad,ofcourse,beenenthralledwithmeetingElvis,thatwastobeexpected:ThiswasElvis,afterall.However,hehadbeentryingtoconnect
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withme,andafterIsawhowopenandapproachablehewas,hehadsucceeded.Ouragedifferencedidn’tevenentermymind,andIhopedI’dgetthechancetotrytogettoknowhimbetter.
Gatheringwithmysistersintheden,wetalkedabouttheevening’sevents.Iendedourconversation,musing,“IfIdon’thearfromElvis,I’llwritelastnightoffasthemostamazingnightofmylife
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sofar.”Around8P.M.,thephone
rang.Mymotheranswereditinthekitchen,andIheardhersayhitoGeorge.Iwalkedinandshehandedmethephone.
“Elviswouldlikeyoutocomeover,”Georgesaid.“I’lldrivebyandpickyouup.”
“Allright,”Isaidandrushedtogetready.IwonderedwhyElvishadn’tcalledmehimself,butit
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mademefeelgreatthathe’dactuallybeenthinkingaboutmeandwantedtoseemeagainsosoon.
GeorgeandImadesmalltalkontherideovertoGraceland,whereheledmestraightupstairstothemasterbedroomandleft.Iwasjustasnervousasthenightbeforeandcouldfeelmyheartracing.
Elviswassittingonhisbed,watchingtelevision.He
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worealoose-fittingnavyjumpsuitandablackrhinestonebeltwithchains.Ashegreetedmewithasmile,Irelaxedalittleandthoughtwithrelief,Solastnightwasreal.
ElvisgotupandwalkedpastthefootofhisbedtoturnofftheTV,lookingoverhisshoulderatme.“Youknow,televisiondestroystheartofconversation,”hesaid.
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Thiswasaninterestingobservation,comingfromamanwhohadatleastonetelevisionsetinjustabouteveryroom.Returningtohisbed,heaskedmetositbesidehim.Ididasherequested,trustinghimtobeasgentlemanlyashe’dbeenthenightbefore.
Wetalkedalittleaboutmusic.WhenItoldElvisthatmymotheroftenplayedhymns,andthat“Inthe
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Garden”and“HowGreatThouArt”hadalwaysbeentwoofmyfavorites,heaskedmetofollowhimintohisoffice.Iwastouchedwhenhestartedplayingtheorganandsang“IntheGarden”justforme.
IhadalwaysadmiredElvis’svoice,whichwassouniquelyhis—itcouldbesoulful,tender,orpowerfulashechose.Now,asElvissangsoftlytome,Ifeltcalmedby
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thesamepeaceful,comfortingfeelingI’dhadbackhomewhenlisteningtohisgospelalbums.Elvisknewhowtoreachinsideyouandtouchyoursoulwithhisvoice.
Afterward,IfollowedElvisbacktohisbedroom,wherehebegantalkingaboutacarheowned,aFerrarithathe’dnicknamedtheBlackMamba.“Inameditafterthefastestsnakeintheworld,”he
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saidenthusiasticallyandthenwentintomoredetailaboutthecar.
IhadneverevensatinaFerrari,muchlessriddeninone.Whenhebroughtuphiscar,Ithoughthewantedmetoseeit.“CanwegoforarideinyourFerrari?”Iasked.
“Notnow,”Elvissaid.“I’lldecidewhenwetakearideinit.Thatcaristoofastforyou.”Ha!Ithought.Littledidhe
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knowhowmuchIlovedtospeeddownthehighwayonamotorcycle.Ifeltalittleawkwardatthatmoment,wonderingifthiswasElvis’swayoflettingmeknowhelikedtobeincontrol.
Afewbooksstilllayonthefloorbesidehisbed.ElvisreachedforCheiro’sBookofNumbersandseemedeagertopickupwherewehadleftoffreadingthepreviousnight.
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Goingthroughbooksagainwasn’twhatIhadexpected,butIthoughtitwasinterestingthathewantedtoreadtogetheronadate.
Ifeltalittlelesstensethistimeaswereadtooneanother,andIfoundthesubjectofnumerologyintriguing.Itwasn’tsomethingIthoughtanyonecouldunderstandrightoffthebat,butIwasopentoit.Elvisseemedtoenjoyteaching,and
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Ilistenedclosely,tryingtograspthematerial.
Afterwe’ddiscussedthebookalittlewhile,Elvischangedthesubject,bringingupanotherofhiscars,aStutzBlackhawk.HementionedtakingmeforarideinitovertoMemphisAerotoseeanairplaneheowned.(MemphisAerowasapartofMemphisInternationalAirportforprivateplanes.)
IgrewexcitedasElvis
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madeafewphonecalls,settinghisplansinmotion.Heeveninvitedsomecousinsalong,whichmademewonderwhetherElvis,likeme,sometimesneededasafetynet,justlikeIreliedonmysisters.
WhenElviswentintohisbathroom,leavingmeseatedonhisbed,IglancedabouttheroomandobservedmoredetailsthanI’dtakeninduringmyfirstvisit.
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Antihistaminebottles,aboxoftissues,andtwotelephonescrowdedhisnighttable.Aclosed-circuittelevisionmonitor,itspoweroff,wascloseby.IwonderedagainifElvishadbeenwatchingmysistersandmethenightbefore.(Ineverwouldseeitturnedonthough.)
AtelevisionsetwithaBetamaxtapeplayerontopofitstoodagainstthewalloppositethefootofthebed.
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Totheleftofthat,abookcaseheldarecordplayer,radio,andsomeBetamaxtapes.OntopofthebookcasewereacoupleofframedphotosofawomanIhadseeninsomemoviemagazines.IrememberednowthathernamewasLindaThompson.
Atthatpointinmylife,IknewverylittleaboutElvis’spersonalrelationships,otherthanthesefacts:thathe’dbeenmarriedtoanddivorced
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fromawomannamedPriscilla;hadonedaughter,Lisa,fromthatmarriage;andhaddatedvariousgirls,Lindaamongthem.NowIwonderedwhyLinda’sphotoswerestillinElvis’sroom.
Ididn’thavetimetowonderlong.Elvissteppedoutofhisbathroom,nowdressedinacoat,andsaid,“Youknow,lastnightwhileIwaspracticingkarate,George
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cameuptomeandsaid,‘TerryisveryniceandRosemaryisverynice,butGinger...’”Hepaused,shakinghishead.“ThenRickycameinlater,saying,‘Man,Ithinkyou’regonnalikeGinger.’”
Elvis’svoicewastingedwithsarcasmashewenton.“ItoldRickythatI’dhadalotofgirlsbroughtuptoGracelandinthepastfewweeks,andyeah,I’msure
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I’mgonnafindsomeoneIreallylikeinMemphisonaFridaynight.”HethenaddedthathiscousinBilly’swife,Jo,hadtoldhim,“There’ssomeonedownhereyouaregoingtolike.”
Iwasflatteredbytheattention,butslightlyuncomfortable.Irealizedthatmyinitialinstinctaboutmysistersandmebeingscrutinizedthenightbeforehadbeenrightontarget.
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Itwasaftermidnightbythetimewewentdownstairs.Afewpeoplewerewaitinginthefoyer,includingtwobodyguardsandGeeGeeandhiswife,Patsy.Wewalkedoutontothefrontporch,andIsuppressedagaspwhenIsawacarlikenoneotherI’deverseenbefore.
ItwasElvis’sStutzBlackhawk,glisteninginthesoftglowfromtheoverheadlight.Thecarwasblackwith
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chrometrim,exhaustsidepipes,andwirewheels.ItwassobeautifulthatIfoundmyselfwonderingwhetherthiswaswhyElvishadn’twantedmetorideinhisFerrarifirst.
Elvisopenedthepassengerdoorforme,pointingoutthatthetrimonthedashandthroughoutthecarwasplatedineighteen-karatgold.PatsyandGeeGeeclimbedintothebackseatandIslidintothe
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redleatherpassengerbucketseat.Elvisgotbehindthewheel,starteduptheengine,andweproceededdownthedrivewaywithhisbodyguardsfollowinginacarclosebehind.
Thestreetswerequietaswerodetowardtheairport.Itwasaboutfifteenminutesaway,andaswenearedit,PatsysuddenlysuggestedwetakeatouroverMemphisinElvis’splane.
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“Let’sflyoverNashville,”Elvisquicklycountered.
Ididn’tsayathing.Takingashortflightinhisprivateplanewouldbeanextraordinaryexperienceforme,notonlybecauseitwaswithElvis,butbecauseIhadonlyflowncommercialoneothertimeattheageofthirteen.
AtMemphisAero,Elvis’sLockheedJetStarstoodaloneonthetarmac.Itsinterior
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lightswereaglow,thedoorwasopen,andthestepsweredown,awaitingourarrival.IfollowedElvisintotheplane,whereheintroducedmetoapilotwiththefittingnameofMiloHighandhiscopilot,George.
AsPatsyandGeeGeetookaseatonalime-coloredcouch,IfollowedElvisdowntheplane’ssmallaislepastyellowchairsfacingeachother,withsmalltables
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betweenthem.Patternedfabriclinedthewallsneareachwindow.
Ichosealime-coloredchairinthebackandElvis’sbodyguardssatnearby.IexpectedElvistositdownnearme,butinsteadheturnedaround,walkedtothefrontoftheplane,andbeganspeakingwithMilo.
Afterafewmoments,helookedbackatmeandsaid,“Iforgotsomething.”
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Elvisheadedoutthedoorwithhisbodyguardsinclosepursuit;IsuspectedhehadgonebacktoGraceland.PatsyandGeeGeeremainedseatedandIstayedinmychair,thethreeofusmakingsmalltalk.Bythewaytheywereacting,likethiswasanyotherordinarynight,IgotthefeelingthatthissortofimpulsiveoutingwithElviswasn’tunusualforthem.
WhenElvisandhis
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bodyguardsreturned,hewalkeddowntheaislewithamischievousgrinonhisfaceandsatdowninthechairoppositemine.Theplane’sdoorclosedandtheenginesfiredup.Aswebegantotaxi,ElvisannouncedthathehadgonetogetpajamasforeveryoneandwewereallgoingtoLasVegas.LasVegas!Pajamas!The
thoughtofflyingoverMemphisorNashvillewas
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onething,butIhadneverbeenoutwest.NorhadIeverspontaneouslyleftwithanyoneonatrip—nevermindamanI’djustmet!Howlongwouldittakeustogetthere?Howlongwouldwebegone?WherewouldIsleep?
IwastwentyyearsoldbutsuddenlyfeltlikeIwasaboutten.Iwantedtocallhometoletmyfamilyknowwhatwashappening.WhenElvisaskedmeifthisplanwasallright,
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whatcouldIsay?“No”?“Maybe”?“It’stoofar”?“Stoptheplane,Iwanttogetoff!”
SeeingElvis’senthusiasm,Imadeanefforttohidemyconcerns.Isimplysmiled,answeredyes,andallowedmyselftobesweptawaytoLasVegas.
Iwassilentaswetookoff,andgazedoutmywindowintothenight,mymindracing.Outofthecornerof
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myeye,IcouldseethatElviswaswatchingme.Iglancedathimandhequicklyturnedhishead,lookingouthiswindowasifnotwantingmetoknowhehadbeenstaringatme.Thecabinremainedfairlyquietuntilawhileintotheflight,whenElvislookedoverhisshouldertowardPatsyandGeeGeeandsaid,“Youknow,IwouldliketoseeGingerinnewclothesandjewelry.”
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Elvisstoodupandtookafewstepstotherearoftheplane.Hereturnedcarryingasmall,wornblacksquarecasebyitshandle.Placingthecaseonthetablebetweenus,hesatdown,openedit,andtookoutalongnecklacemadeofblackplasticbeadswithacrossatthecenter.
“Leanforward,Ginger,”hesaid,andgentlyplacedthenecklaceovermyhead.
“Thankyou,”Isaid.
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“Holdoutyourwristandcloseyoureyes,”hesaidthen.
Ifeltsomethingslipovermyhand.Openingmyeyes,Iwasshockedtoseeagoldidentificationbraceletonmyarmwith“Elvis”writteninsparklingdiamonds.
“That’sbetter,”hesaid.“Noweveryonewillknowyoubelongtome.”
AsIthankedElvisforthesepieces,Ifeltstunned
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thathewouldgivemegiftssoearlyinourrelationshipandunsettledthateverythingseemedtomovesofastwithhim.IwonderedifElvisdidthissortofthingwithwomenonaregularbasis,orwhetherhewasseriousaboutwantingmetobelongtohim.
Formypart,Ifeltsuddenlyspecialdespitemyanxiety.Iwasmoreexcitedthanapprehensivethoughandfalling“inlike”withElvis.
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Later,whenItookthebraceletoff,Inoticedadateinscribedonthebackandsawthathe’dbeengiventhebraceletin1963.Itwasn’tuntilafterElvispassedawaythatIdiscoveredhehadwornthisbraceletonstageandinprivateformanyyearsbeforegenerouslygracingmewithitasatokenofhisaffection.
Sandwicheswerepassedaround,butIwastoooverwhelmedtoeat.Shortly,
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thelightsinsidetheplaneweredimmedsoeveryonecouldrest,butIwaskeyedupemotionallyandcouldn’tsleep.SoIsat,eyesclosed,wonderingwhatlayinstoreforme.Myconcernseventuallygavewaytoexcitement,however,themoreIthoughtaboutseeingLasVegas.
Aswenearedtheendoftheflight,Elvisaskedmetofollowhimtothecockpit.I
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did,andasIstoodnexttohimbehindthepilots,lookingthroughthewindshieldatthelightsbelow,Isuddenlyfelthisarmsliparoundmywaist.
“Isn’titbeautiful?”Elviswhisperedinmyear.
Inthedistance,whatlookedlikeanislandoftinyshimmeringdiamondssurroundedbyaseaofblackvelvetslowlybegantoappearasweapproachedLasVegas.
“Yes,”Ireplied,asitwas
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trulybreathtaking.WelandedattheHughes
AirTerminal.Aswedescendedthestairsfromtheplane,adark-hairedmaninhislatethirtiesgreetedus.ElvisintroducedhimasDr.EliasGhanem,hisfriendandpersonalphysician.ThetwoofusjoinedDr.GhaneminhiscarwhileElvis’scousinsandbodyguardsfollowedinanother.
Ridingthroughthestreets
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ofdowntownLasVegas,IfeltlikeIwasmovingthroughadreamworld.Iwasmesmerizedbythecity’sendless,brilliantdisplayoflights.Icouldn’tbelieveIwasreallythere.
WedrovearoundtothebackoftheHiltonInternationalHotel,enteredthebuilding,andtookanelevatoruptooneoftherooms.Elvis’sbodyguardsbroughtinasuitcaseand,
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aftermakingsurethingsweresecure,theyleft.
IsatnexttoElvisonthebedashebeganchattingwithhiscousinsandDr.Ghanem.IwouldlaterlearnthatElvisandPatsyweredoublefirstcousins.Herfather,Vester,whoworkedasaguardatGraceland’sgates,wasElvis’sdad’sbrotherandPatsy’smother,CletteSmith,wasElvis’smom’ssister.
Afterawhile,Patsyand
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GeeGeeleft,andElviscontinuedtalkingwithDr.Ghanem.Theirconversationeventuallyturnedtovitamins.ElvismentionedthathegotvitaminB12shotsregularly.Understandingtheyweresupposedtohelpgiveenergy,Itoldhimthatmymother,onoccasion,hadgottenthemfromanursewhousedtobeourneighbor.
Dr.Ghanemofferedto
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giveeachofusashotofB12.I’dneverhadoneandwashesitant,butsincehewasElvis’sdoctor,Itrustedhim.Notknowingwhatlayaheadandwithnosleeptofuelme,Idecidedalittleenergyboostcouldn’thurt.ElvisandIeachgotashotinthearm.
WhenDr.Ghanemfinallyleft,IwasexpectingthatElvisandIwouldventureoutside,butElvisturnedon
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theTVandsettleddownonthebed.“Whatabouttelevisiondestroyingtheartofconversation?”Inearlysaid,butIheldback.
IquicklylearnedthatElvislikedtojokearoundandtalkaboutthingsontelevision.Hehadaquickwit,andwewerehavingsuchfunthatIdidn’tmindstayingintheroomafterall.Atonepoint,Elviswentintothebathroomandreturnedwearingblue
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pajamas.JustasIgotmymind
aroundthefactthatElviswasinpajamas,Irealizedthatheheldamatchingpairinhishand.Ihesitatedasheheldthemouttome.ThethrillofbeinginLasVegashadtakenmymindoffsomeofmyinitialreservationsaboutbeinginElvis’shotelroom,butnowtheyquicklyresurfaced.Shouldn’tIbeinaroomofmyown?Ididn’t
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wanthimtothinkIwasaseasyasthat.
Elvishandedmethepajamasandsaid,“Goahead.Puttheseon.Youcanchangeintherestroom.”
IwasshyaboutwearingpajamasinfrontofamanIdidn’tknow,andworriedabouthowtohandlewhatmightbeatoo-soonsexualsituationforme.Nowthathe’dgivenmethebracelet,wouldElvisexpectmeto
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becomeintimatewithhim?IsensedElviswasagoodman,butIwasn’treadytobewithhiminthatway.Puttingonpajamaswoulddefinitelysendthewrongsignal.
ButwhatelsecouldIdo?IwasalonewithElvisinahotelroom.Ihadtofollowmyinstinctsandtrusthim.
Takingthepajamas,Iwalkedintothebathroomandslowlybegantoundress,myfingerstremblingalittle.I
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hadlostalltrackoftime,andknowingmyparentsthoughtIwasstillinMemphis,IfeltIshouldatleasttellthemwhereIwas.Iwalkedoutandsatonthebed.“IsitallrightifIcallhome?”Iasked.“IneedtoletmyparentsknowwhereIam.”
Elvisunderstood.Iphonedourhouse,wakingmymother.WhenItoldherwhereIwas,shewasshocked,tosaytheleast!I
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wasfillingherinonhowthetripcameaboutwhenElvissuddenlymotionedformetohandhimthephone.
Confused—whywouldElviswanttotalktomymother?—Icompliedandgavehimthereceiver.Elvisbeganspeakingwithmymother,oftencallingher“ma’am,”whichIfoundendearing.Heseemedabitnervous,actuallystutteringalittleasheassuredherthathe
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wouldtakegoodcareofmeandseeIgothomesoon.
Handingmebackthephone,ElvissettledunderthecoversandcontinuedtowatchtelevisionwhileIfinishedsayinggood-bye.WhenIhungup,hetookmyhandandagainIfeltuneasy.AlthoughIwasn’tavirgin,Icertainlywasn’tabouttoleapintobedwithanyonerightaway,evenElvis.Mymindbegantoraceforsomething
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tosay,awaytoexplainmyhesitation.
ButElvisdidn’tmakeamovebeyondholdingmyhand.Igraduallyrelaxedandlaybackbesidehim,watchingtelevision.Hewenttosleepholdingmyhand.Bythendaylightwasvisiblealongtheedgesoftheclosedcurtainsintheroom.Exhausted,Ifinallyfellasleepbesidehim.
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•••
Uponwaking,Elvisorderedroomservice.GeeGeebroughtinthefood,layingatowelinfrontofusonthebedandplacingtrayswithourfoodontop.Elvissatcross-leggedandIfollowedsuitasweate,talked,andwatchedtelevision.
WhenIfinishedeating,Iwalkedovertothecurtainsandpulledthemasidetopeek
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attheview.ThelightsofLasVegaswereshiningbrightly.Anticipatingtheprospectofexperiencingthecity,Iwentintothebathroomandchangedbackintomyclothes.WhenIcameout,ElviswasonthetelephoneandIheardhimarrangingourreturntoMemphis.
HadIdonesomethingwrong?Ithoughtitwouldberudetoaskifweweregoingsightseeing,buttoflyallthe
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wayherewithoutseeingLasVegasseemedodd.Itriedmakingsenseofit.Maybehehadtogetbackforwork?OrmaybeElvisjustdidthisattimes,flyingsomeplacebecauseherelaxedbetterwithachangeofscenery?
ImaynothaveunderstoodElvisinthosemoments,butIconsoledmyselfwiththethoughtthatatleastI’dgottenachancetospendmoretimewithhim.I’dflownonhis
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planeandreceivedbeautifulgifts,andallthewhileElvishadremainedagentleman.Reflectingonthis,mydisappointmentaboutnotseeingLasVegasbegantoevaporate.
Wereconnectedwithhiscousinsinourroom,andwhathadstartedasaSaturdaynight“date”formelasteduntilourreturntoMemphisintheearlyhoursofMonday,November22.We
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drovebackfromtheairporttoGraceland,whereElvisaskedmetostayforawhile.Ifollowedhimuptohisbedroom,wherehesatonthebed,turnedonthetelevision,andbeganflippingthroughchannelswitharemotecontrol.
HestoppedwhenanewscasterremindedusitwastheanniversaryofJohnF.Kennedy’sdeath.Elvistalkedbrieflyabout
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Kennedy’sassassination,thinkingmanywereinvolvedratherthantherebeingasingleshooter,andthenhemovedontotalkaboutself-defense.
Atonepointduringthisconversation,Elvisleanedoverthesideofhisbedandsatbackupwithaguninhishand.Itstartledme;Ihadn’tnoticeditonthefloorbefore.Myfatherownedarevolverandrifleathome,butIwasn’t
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usedtoseeingagunupcloseandoutintheopenlikethis.ElvissaiditwasaColt.45andproudlyshowedmeitsturquoisehandlewiththeinitialEononesideandPontheother.
“It’sforprotection,”heexplained,andtoldmeaboutathreateningletterhehadreceivedoncewhilegettingreadytoperforminLasVegas.“Mydaddycametomeonenightwithtearsinhis
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eyes,askingmenottogoon,”hesaid.“Itoldmydaddy,asaperformer,theshowmustgoon,sotheytightenedthesecurityandItooktherisk.Luckily,theletterturnedouttobeafluke.”
SpeakingofyetanotherincidentduringaVegasshow,Elvistoldmeaboutthreethugsapproachinghimonstageandhowhe’ddefendedhimselfusing
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karate.HelaidthegunbackonthefloorandIcouldonlyimaginehowmanyotherfrighteningexperienceshe’dhadtodealwithinthepast.Iappreciatedhimsharingthesestories,andwasnewlyawareofthefearheobviouslylivedwithonadailybasis.Iunderstoodhowthatfearcouldbringhimtoapointwherehefeltinneedofconstantprotection.
Thebuttonsatopaphone
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onhisbedsidetablelitupthenandElvisanswered,listeningwithaconcernedlook.Whenhehungup,hetoldmetheguardatthefrontgates,hiscousinHaroldLloyd,saidthattheentertainer,JerryLeeLewis,hadarrivedinhiscarandwantedtoseehim.
JerryLeeLewis?Iwasamazed.Muchtomysurprise,though,Elvistoldmehedidn’twanttoseeJerry
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Lee.“He’sagreatpianoplayer
andperformer,butIjustthinkhe’scrazy,”Elvissaid.Gettingtheguardbackonthephone,ElvisinstructedhimtotellJerryLeehewasunavailable.
Ididn’tgettomeetMr.Lewisinthoseearlymorninghours,butithadbeenoneheckofadate.BynowIwasexhausted.WhenItoldElvisIthoughtitwastimeforme
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toleave,hesurprisedmeagain,asking,“Wouldyouliketogoontourwithmesometime?”
I’dbarelyhadthechancetoabsorbwhatI’dalreadyexperiencedovertheweekend,butIwasthrilledbytheofferandcuriousaboutwhatothernewworldsImightexperiencewithElvis.“Yes,”Isaidatonce.
Elvishadsingledmeout,pursuedme,andsaidthings
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thatmademefeelspecial.Yetasmallpartofmestillwasn’tfullysurehowhefeltaboutme,becausewewerejustgettingtoknowoneanother.Therehadbeennopassionatekissesorheavypetting,andthefactthathe’dbeensuchagentlemanfueledmyattractiontohimevenmore.IthoughtElviswasafascinatingman,andIdefinitelywantedtolearnmoreabouthim.
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BeforeIleft,Elviskissedmelightlyforthesecondtime,anothergentlemanlypeck.Ifoundithardtosaygood-byebecausethewordsoundedfinal.Insteadofsayinggood-bye,Ichosetosay,“I’llseeyoulater,”hoping,insomestrangeway,thatthismagicphrasemightguaranteeI’dseehimagain.
And,fortherestofmytimewithElvis,Ineverwouldsaygood-byewhen
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leavingGracelandbecauseIalwayswantedtocomebacktohim.
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CHAPTER5
Afterthatfirstexhilarating,overwhelmingtriptoLasVegaswithElvis,Itriedtoresumemynormallife.IsleptbrieflyandwentrightbacktoworkatthedressshopforacoupleofhoursthatMondayafternoonanddidn’ttell
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anyonethereaboutmyweekend.
Afterwork,myfriendTeristoppedbymyhouseandwewentforadriveinhercar.BythenIwasaboutreadytoburst;Icouldn’tresisttellingheraboutmyadventures.“You’llneverguesswhoImetovertheweekend,”Isaid,deliberatelytryingtosoundcasual.
“Who?”“Elvis.”
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Terislammedonthebrakes,pulledovertothesideoftheroad,andrefusedtodriveuntilI’drecountedhowmysistersandIhadmetElvis.Needlesstosay,shewasblownaway.Ididn’tblameher.Istillhadahardtimebelievinganyofitwasrealmyself.IthenwentonandtoldheraboutourLasVegastrip.
Ididn’thearfromElvisMondaynight.Byearly
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Tuesdaymorning,itwasalloverthenewsthatJerryLeehadbeenarrestedoutsideofGraceland.HehadreturnedintheearlymorninghoursandnudgedthefrontgateswithhisLincoln,demandingtoseeElviswithaDerringer.38pistolinhispossession.AsIlistenedtothenews,IrememberedElvis’scommentsregardingJerry;maybeElvishadbeenrightnottohaveseenhimthat
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night.IwonderedwhatElvishadbeenthinkingwhenJerryreturned.
WednesdayeveningrolledaroundwithoutanywordfromElvis.Ithadonlybeenafewdays,butIwonderedwhyhehadn’tcalled.HehadseemedtowanttoseemeagainafterourtimetogetherinLasVegas,andhe’dcertainlyactedlikeIwasspecialtohim,withallofthethingshehadsaidanddone.
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Fromhisaffectionatebehaviortowardme,IwouldhavethoughtElvismighthaveatleastcalledtosayhello.Afterall,Iwastheproudownerofabraceletwithhisnameonit,andhehaddeclared,“Noweveryonewillknowyoubelongtome.”
Mydoubtsbegantoswirl,asIwonderedwhetherhe’dreallymeantthethingshe’dsaidtome.WasitpossiblethatmaybeIwasplacing
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morevalueonourtimetogetherthanhedid?Ihopednot.
WhenLarry,themanI’dbeenseeingforafewmonths,telephonedmeathomethatnight,Iwasthrownintoanotheremotionaltailspin.Whetheritwasmydoingornot,thingshadchangedforme.Thepastweekendhadbeencompletelymind-blowing,andIhadn’tgoneonedaywithoutthinking
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aboutElvis.Ineededtobehonestand
up-frontwithLarry,soIaskedhimtocomeoverthatnight.IknewthattellinghimaboutElvisandmysuddenchangeofheartwouldcatchhimasoffguardasithadme,andIfeltbadaboutthat.Ididn’tknowifElviswouldevencallmeagain,butIwaswillingtowaitandsee.
LarryandItalkedforawhile.Afterward,hestill
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wasn’treadytoacceptthatIwantedtoendthings,andheleftexpressingthehopethatwecouldsortthingsthrough.
Ihadgoneaboutmynormalschedule,workedatthedressshopandotherwisespenttimewithmyfamily,butIhadn’tgoneoutintheevenings,wonderingifElviswouldcall.MyfamilyhadbeenstunnedbythebraceletElvishadgivenme.Iwassoafraidofhavingitfalloffmy
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wristthatIdidn’twearitoften;Ionlylookedatitinmybedroom,stillsurprisedthatElvishadgivenittome.ItseemedtohavebeensomethingspecialtohimandyetIhadn’theardfromhim.
WhenThanksgivingcameandwent,andalldayFriday,too,withoutacallfromElvis,Itrulyfeltthatsomethingwasn’tright.ImusthavemisinterpretedwhathadhappenedbetweenElvisand
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me.Iwasjustgoingtohavetowakeupandreturntomyreallife.
OntheSaturdayafterThanksgiving,amancalledourhome.HesaidhewasElvis’sroadmanager,JoeEsposito,andaskedtospeakwithme.MymoodimmediatelyliftedasJoetoldmeElviswasontour,wouldbeinSanFrancisco,andwantedmetoflythereandseehisshow.
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Myinitialreactionwasoneofenormousrelief.That’swhyIhaven’theardanything,Ithought.He’sbeenontour!IevenrationalizedthatmaybethisroadtripwasthereasonwhywehadleftLasVegassosoon.
InthemiddleofarrangingthingswithJoe,IsuddenlyheardElvis’svoicecomeontheline.“Ineedyououthere
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withme,Ginger,”hesaid,andaddedwithachuckle,“Getyourassouthere!”
IwassogladtohearhisvoicethatIsimplysaid,“Okay,”eventhough“Getyourassouthere!”wasn’texactlythewayIthoughtI’dbeinvited.Itwasn’tthesortoflanguageIwasusedtohearing.Iwasmomentarilytakenaback,butmyexcitementkickedin,andIdecidedtooverlookit.Elvis
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wantedmetojoinhimontour!
Elvisthenaskedifhecouldspeakwithmymother.“Iwanttoeaseanyworriesshemighthaveaboutyoutravelingtoseeme,”hesaid.
MymotherandElvisspokeforafewmoments,thenElvisputJoebackonthelinetofinishdiscussingtravelarrangements.JoetoldmetobeatMemphisAeroat10:30thatverynight.
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Tonight?Panicked,Ihungupandquicklybegantopack.Ihadnocluewhattowearandfeltnothinginmywardrobewasright.Thankfully,Terrycametomyrescueandgenerouslyloanedmeacoupleofniceoutfitsshe’dreceivedfromherpageants.
Itwasabrutallycold,snowynightinMemphis,andmyparentswereworriedaboutmetravelinginthose
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weatherconditions.JustasIfinishedpacking,MiloHigh,Elvis’spersonalpilot,calledtosaythatthedoortotheJetStarwasfrozenshut.“We’renotsurewecanopenit,”headmitted.
Healsotoldmetheyhadtowaitfortherunwaystobeclearedandtheplanetobedeiced.AftertheanticipationofseeingElvisandallofmyrushingaround,Isatinourdenandanxiouslywondered
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ifI’devenbemakingthetripatall.
Afewhourslater,Milofinallycalledback.“We’rereadyforyou,Ginger,”hesaid.
MymotheraskedmetocallwhenIarrivedinSanFranciscoasIleftwithmyfatherfortheairport.TheJetStarwaswaitingformeontheedgeoftherunway;Isaidgood-byetomydadandhurriedlyboardedtheplane,
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alreadyfeelingthebitterwindseepingthroughmycoat.
Itwassocoldinsidetheplane,Icouldseemyownbreath.MiloandGeorgegreetedmewhenIboardedandhandedmeablanket.Aswetookoffandbeganourjourneywest,Ireflectedonhow,onceagain,IwasexperiencingthingswithElvisthatI’dneverdonebeforeinmylife:leavingMemphisaloneforthefirst
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timeandgoingtoanothercityI’dneverseenbefore,tobewithamanIhardlyknew.
Ifeltashadowoftrepidationcreepoverme.Isuddenlywishedmysistersorafriendcouldhaveaccompaniedme,soIwouldn’tfeelquiteasalone.Ilayacrossthecouch,pulledtheblanketuparoundme,andtriedtosleep,knowingI’dneedmyenergyforwhateveradventureslay
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ahead.WelandedinSan
FranciscoafewhourspastmidnightonwhatwasnowSunday,November28.IrodewithMiloandGeorgetoaHiltonHotel,wheretheyhelpedwithmysuitcaseandescortedmetomyroom.
ThefirstthingIdidwasplaceacollectcalltomyparentstoletthemknowIwasokay.ThenIstartedunpacking.Ididn’tknowif
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Elviswouldhaveashowthatafternoonorevening,butbecausehehadarrangedmytravel,hemusthavesurelyknownofmyarrival.IwascertainI’dgetaknockonmydoororaphonecallshortly.Iwasreallylookingforwardtoseeinghim.
Theminutestickedby.Ibegantofeeltiredfromthethrillofthetrip,theanticipationofseeingElvisagain,andbeingawakeforso
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long,especiallysinceIwasstillrunningtwohourslateronMemphistime.Itriedtofightsleepbywatchingtelevision.
Acoupleofhourswentslowlyby.Itwasgettingclosertodawn,butstillfeelinglikeIwasoncall,Iwasreluctanttowashmyface,putonpajamas,andcrawlintobedonlytohaveElvisknockatmydoor.SoIstayedup,lettingafewmore
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hourspass.Finally,feelingsilly,I
decidedElviswasasleepandIshouldgetsomerest.Igaveupandwenttobed.
Iwokethatafternoonaround3P.M.,feelingbetterbutstillabitjet-lagged.PositivethatI’dhearfromElvisanyminutenoworatleastfromsomeonewho’dgivemeinformationabouthisshow,Itookaquickshowerandhurriedlygotdressed.
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Ihurriedfornothing,asitturnedout.Moretimepassed.EvenifElvishadperformedlastnightandhadnotgottentosleepuntilearlymorning,hemusthavebeenupforawhilenowbecauseitwasafterfour.Whyhadn’tIheardfromhim?
Again,Itriedtorationalizewhatwasgoingon.SinceI’darrivedsolate,maybeElviswaslettingmesleep,Ithought.Ihadn’teatensince
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leavingMemphisandbegantofeelhungry.SuddenlyIrealizedthat,inallofmyexcitementandrushingaround,Ihadn’tbroughtanymoneywithme.I’dneverbeeninasituationlikethis.
Ididn’tfeelrighttakingadvantageofElvisbycallingroomservice.IwonderedifIshouldleavetheroomandtrytofindamemberofhisstaff,butIwasafraidtoleaveforfearofmissingElvisora
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phonecallfromoneofhisemployees.
Feelingmoreawkwardbytheminute,Icontinuedtowatchtelevisionasthehoursmarchedby.Itwasbizarre,beingwhiskedoutofMemphisandthenhavingtowaitaroundlikethiswithoutawordfromanyone.
Ididn’treallyfeelangryatElvisbecauseheclearlyhadwantedmetoseehisshowenoughtobringmehere.I
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washappythathe’daskedandexcitedaboutseeinghim.But,asdayturnedintonight,Iwasstartingtofeelabandonedandconfused.WherewasElvis?
Thephonefinallyrangaround6P.M.Ileapedtoanswerit,excitedthatsomeonehadfinallyrememberedIwashere.
ItwasoneofElvis’semployees,askingifIneededanything.WhenItoldhimI
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washungry,hesaid,“Orderanythingandchargeittotheroom.”ThenhehungupwithnomentionofElvisorwherehewas.
WasElvis’slocationasecret?Ifeltcompletelybaffled.Istillhadnoideawhatwasgoingon.Atthatpoint,though,IwasjustrelievedtoknowIcouldbeeatingsoon,andsoIorderedroomservice—anothernewexperienceforme.
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Itwasn’tuntillatethatnight,aftereleven,thattherewasfinallyaknockonmydoor.IfiguredithadtobesomeoneassociatedwithElvis,ormaybeevenElvishimself,soitwouldbesafetoopenthedoor.
Amaninhisearlythirtiesstoodthere.Hehadmid-length,darkshaggyhairandintroducedhimselfasJerrySchilling.
“You’regoingtobe
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movingtoadifferentroom,”Jerryannounced,thenquicklywalkedaway.
Iclosedthedoor,morebewilderedthanever.Adifferentroom?Why?
Thingshadhappenedslowlyuptonow,soIfiguredIhadplentyoftimetopack.Isatbackdowntowatchmoretelevision.
Afewminuteslater,however,anothersharprap
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soundedatmydoor.Already?IopeneditandJerrywasback,thistimeaccompaniedbyJoeEsposito,Elvis’sroadmanager.JoewasshorterthanJerry,inhislatethirties,withacompactbuildandadarkrecedinghairline.
Whilethetwomenwaitedinthehallway,Iquicklythrewthingsintomysuitcase.JoeandJerrythenledmeonalongwalktoanothersectionofthehotel.Whenwe
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reachedwhatIthoughtwasmynewroom,Jerryopenedthedoorandgesturedformetoenter.IwassurprisedtoseeElvisinside,sittingonacouchinthecenterofasuiteanddressedinahoodedblueterry-clothrobe.Hewassurroundedbymen.
Oureyeslockedandmyheartdidalittleskip.Allofthehoursofwaitinganduncertaintywereworthit.Iwasthrilledtoseehim.
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Atthesametime,Ifeltuncomfortablewalkingintothisroomfullofmen.I’dalwaysbeenshywithmen,andeventhoughIknewI’dbeeninspectedduringmyfirsttimeinsideGraceland,thescrutinywasevenmoreintensewhenIenteredthisroom.
Elvisseemedatease.Hestoodupwithasmileandwalkedovertogivemeahug,thenturnedtothegroupof
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strangersandbeganintroductions.ThemenintheroomincludedLarryGeller,hishairdresser,aleanmaninhislatethirties;BillyStanley,Elvis’sstepbrother,inhistwentiesandanaide;EdParker,astronglybuiltHawaiianmaninhismid-fortieswiththicksilverhairwhohadtrainedElvisinkarate;Dr.GeorgeNichopoulos,lateforties,Elvis’ssilver-haired
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physician;DeanNichopoulos,thedoctor’sson;andAlStrada.DeanandAlwerebothintheirtwentiesandworkingasElvis’saidesalongwithBilly.
Finally,Iwasintroducedtoanoverweightmaninhisearlyfortieswithsalt-and-pepperhairnamedLamarFike.Nojobwasmentionedforhimatthetime,soIwaslefttowonderifhewasemployedbyElvis,too,or
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simplyvisiting.Elvistookmyhandand
ledmeintothesuite’sadjoiningbedroom.Hedidn’texplainwhyIhadn’theardanythingorseenhimuntilnow,butIdidn’tcareanymore.MyfeelingsofconfusionandabandonmenthadvanishedtheminuteIsawhim.
Bookswerescatteredeverywhere,ontopofhisbed,onthefloor,andspilling
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outofthesuitcases.Afewlookedfamiliar;theydealtwiththesametopicsIrememberedseeinginhisbedroomatGraceland,includingreligiousphilosophyandnumerology.
Seeingthatmostofthebookshadtodowithspirituality,IrealizedforthefirsttimethatElvistrulywasonaseriouspersonalquest.Wesatonhisbedandtalkedforalittlewhileaboutmy
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trip,whathe’dbeenreading,andthisandthat.Hetoldmethathehadashowthefollowingnight,andIwonderedifhe’dhadonetonight.
Elviswasn’tinterestedintalkingabouthisshows,however.Hewantedtolookthroughsomeofhisbooks.Aswecontinuedtosittogether,Elvisbeganreadingtome,pointingoutphraseshehadunderlinedonwell-worn
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pages,someofwhichhadloosenedandwerefallingoutofthebindings.Seeingthathehadevenwrittennotesinsidesomeofthemargins,Iunderstoodthiswasn’tjustcasualreadingforElvis.Hewasstudyingthesebooksindetail.Iadmiredthefactthathewashungryforknowledge.
Elvishadleftthebedroomdoorslightlyajar.Afteratime,Inoticedsomeofthe
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menI’dmetearlierstillseatedinthelivingroom.Couldthesebenormalhoursforallofthem,Elvisincluded?Itwasnowwellafteroneinthemorning.
ThepasttimesI’dbeenwithElvis,Ihadthoughthewasstayinguplateonlybecausehewasoffworkandenjoyinghimself.IbeganwonderingifmaybethelatenighthoursprovidedtheonlytimeElviscouldtrulyfeel
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relaxedandfindsomepeacebecausetherestoftheworldwasasleep.
Wetalkeduntiltheearlymorninghours.Whenthetwoofuswerebothexhausted,ElvistoldmeIhadaseparateroomadjoiningthelivingroomsuite.Stillthegentleman,heescortedmeacrossthenow-emptylivingroomandsaidhewouldseemelaterthatafternoon.Withanotherlightkiss,heheaded
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backtowardhisownbedroom.
Ienteredmynew,largerroomandsawthatmysuitcasehadbeenplacedinside.Iopenedit,tookoutpajamas,andwalkedintoagenerousbathroomwallpaperedinapaisleyprint,noticingatelephoneattachedonthewallabovethetoilet.Thephonewouldn’thavemeantmuchtosome,butthiswasmyfirsttimeinsucha
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lavishhotelsuiteandIwastickledbythissmalltouchofluxury.
Isoonsettledinbed,marvelingathowmylifecouldchangesoquickly.BetweenthetripandtheanxietythathadmountedwhileIwaswaitingtohearfromElvis,Iwasbone-tired.MyheadhadbarelyhitthepillowwhenIfellintoasoundsleep.
Iwasjoltedawakeat4
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P.M.byaloudknockonmydoorandavoiceannouncing,“Breakfast!”Alittlelateforbreakfast,Imused,butthenagain,IwasinElvis’sworldandlivingintheElvistimezonenow.
Ijumpedup,quicklydressed,putonsomemakeup,andenteredthesuite’slivingroom.Elvis’sbedroomdooropenedandhejoinedme,stillwearingpajamasandabluehoodedrobe.Forthefirst
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time,weactuallysattogetheronacouchinsteadofabed.
OneofElvis’saidesspreadatowelacrossthecoffeetableandplacedtwoplatesofsouthwesternomelets,bacon,coffee,andjuiceinfrontofus.Thetelevisionwasturnedon,andElvisandIchattedasweate.
Shortly,someofthemenI’dmetthenightbeforebeganfilteringintotheroom.Giventhefactthateveryman
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thereworethesamegoldnecklacewiththeTCBlightningboltemblem,IguessedtheyhadtobepartofaspecialgroupassociatedwithElvis.
Ihadn’tspentmuchtimealonewithElvis,butnowIhadtheopportunitytowitnessmoreofhissharpsenseofhumorashelitupacigarandbeganjokingaroundwiththeguys.Hefoundsomeofthethingson
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televisionamusingandmadefunnycommentsashesurfedthroughvariouschannels.
Astheothermenlaughedalongwithhimandtheconversationbecameincreasinglyanimated,Elvis’sconversationwaspepperedwithcursewords.Ithoughtthismustbehiswayoftalkingaroundtheguyssince,exceptforanoccasionalfoulwordhereandthere,Ihadn’tnoticedhimspeakthisway
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before.Later,asourrelationshipgrew,IlearnedtooverlookthechoicewordsElvisusedattimes,althoughI’dneverbe100percentcomfortablewiththem.
ElvisandthemencontinuedtopalaroundwithoneanotherwhileIatequietly.WhenIfinished,Istoodtogotothebathroom.
Elvisgrabbedholdofmyhand,startlingme.“Whereareyougoing?”heasked.
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“Justtowashmyhands,”Ireplied.
“Oh.Okay.Hurryback,”hesaid.
Iwaspleasedandflattered.Elvishadbeensoengagedinconversationwithhisentourage,I’dthoughthewouldn’tevennoticeifIslippedoutoftheroomforafewminutes.Apparently,though,hewasstillfocusedonme,andmypresencewasimportanttohim.
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AsthetimeforElvis’sshowdrewnear,hewentintohisbedroomtogetreadywhileIdressedinmine.BythetimeIreturnedtothelivingroom,therewasabuzzofactivity.Variousaides,alongwithElvis’shairdresser,physician,roadmanager,andbodyguards,wereallrushinginandoutofhisbedroom.
Beforelong,Elvissteppedoutofhisroomwearinga
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whitejumpsuitwithvaryingshadesofblueinarainbowpatternswirledacrossthefrontofhissuitanddownthesidesofbothpantlegs.Hishairwasstyledtoperfection.Heworeamatchingbeltwithchainsaroundhiswaist,andhisfeetwerecladinwhiteleatherboots.Seeinghimdressedinoneofhisstagesuitsupcloselikethis,helookedsohandsome,ittookmybreathaway.
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Whilesomepeoplegatheredaroundtofinishpreparinghimtogoonstage,Elvisglancedoveratmewithafaintsmile,placinghishandsonhisbeltandshiftingitupabit.Heraisedaneyebrowatmeandgavemeaslightlyworriedlook.
Icouldn’tbelieveElviswasshowingahintofanxietybeforeaperformanceaftersomanyyears!Thatendearedhimtomeevenmore.I
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mouthedthewords“verynice”tohimfromacrosstheroom,wantinghimtoknowthatIthoughthelookedgreat.
SurroundedbyElvis’sentourage,wefinallylefttheroomandwalkeddownthehotelcorridor.Elvisgrewquiet.Icouldtellhewasfocusedonhisupcomingshow.
Wetooktheelevatordowntothehotel’sgroundfloor.Outside,acoupleofcarsand
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alimousinewerewaitingforuswithapoliceescort.Ihadneverbeeninalimo,soclimbingintooneofthesecarswasyetanothernoveltyforme.
Iscootedintothecenterofthebackseat.Elvissatbesideme.Someoftheothermencrowdedinwithus,whileotherspiledintothesecondcar.IsensedthatElviswasstillanxiousabouthisperformance.Hestared
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pensivelyoutofthewindowduringtheshortride,occasionallymakingsmalltalkorkiddingsomeone,butspeakingsoftly.Heexplainedthisbywhisperingtome,“I’mprotectingmyvoice.”
UponourarrivalattheCowPalacearena,ahugeindoorarenainDalyCity,everythingwarpedintohyperspeed.Weimmediatelyexitedthecar,andElviswasrushedintoadressingroom.I
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wasescortedpastbackstagehandsontothefloorofthearenaandtoldtowaitbythestage.
ThearenalookedfullandtherewasacomicnamedJackieKahanealreadyperformingonstage.IwouldlaterlearnthathehadbeenElvis’sopeningactforthepastsixyearsorso.Istoodaloneandfeltextremelyexcitedbutalittlescared,too,asIwaitedforsomeoneto
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tellmewhattodoorwheretogo.
ReflectingontheonlyotherElvisconcertI’dseen,backinJulywithmymomandsister,IthoughtabouthowluckyIwastobehererightnow,abouttowatchhisshowfromtheperspectiveofaguestinsteadofonemoreticketholder.
Eventually,DeanNichopoulosapproachedandhandedmeasoftdrink,then
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broughtoverasteelchair,explainingitwasforme.Elviswantedthechairplacedrightonstagebehindhissoundmen!Itfeltgreatthathewantedmethisclosetohim!
“Justmakesureyouheadforthelimoatthestartofhisclosingsong,‘Can’tHelpFallinginLove,’”hewarned.“Otherwise,itmightbetoughtogetyououtofherewhenthefansrushthestageattheendoftheshow.”
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MyheartbeatfasterasIwasassistedontothestage.ThereImetsoundmenFeltonJarvisandBruceJacksonasIsatdown.
JackieKahanedidagreatjobofwarmingupthecrowd.AsJackie’sroutinewounddown,athrillofanticipationbegantoripplethroughtheaudience.Iwasfeelingthisexcitement,too,butonamuchmoreintense,personallevel.Iwasn’tjustgoingto
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watchElvistheperformertonight,butamanwhomademefeelspecialandwasbeginningtostirfeelingsinme.IreallywantedtoseeElvisdowell.
Finally,thelightsslowlydimmedasmusiciansandsingerswalkedontothestageandtooktheirplaces.Screamseruptedfromtheaudienceastheorchestrabeganplaying“AlsoSprachZarathustra,”betterknownas
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thethememusicfromthemotionpicture2001:ASpaceOdyssey.
Elvis’sonstageentrancewasgreetedbythousandsofflashingcamerabulbs.Theflashesblindedmemomentarilyandgavethearena’sinterioraneeriestrobelighteffect.Likeamagnet,Elvisdrewalleyestohimasheassertivelystrodebackandforthacrossthe
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stagetogranteveryonethebestchancetoseehimandtakephotographs.
ElvisthenapproachedCharlieHodge,whohelpedplacethestraptoaguitaracrosshisshoulder,andmovedtothecenterstagemicrophone.Therehebeganplayinghisguitar,beltingout“C.C.Rider”withgreatpassion,volume,andtimbre.Hisiconicvoiceboomedoutoverthearena,immediately
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bringingmanyintheaudiencetotheirfeet.
Throughouttheconcert,Elvisgenuinelyseemedtobehavingfun.Hejokedwiththecrowd,hismusicians,andthebackgroundsingers.Charliesangharmony,playedrhythmguitar,occasionallyhandedElvisaglassofwater,andwasquicktoplaceafreshscarfaroundElvis’sneckafteronewentsoaringfromhishandoutintothe
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audience.Sittingonstagesoclosetohim,Ifounditalarmingtowatchhowthefanstumbledandclimbedoveroneanotherinaheatedcompetitiontograbascarf.Iwasafraidoneofthemmightgethurt.
AsIwatchedElvisperform,realtimeseemedsuspended.He’dbeenonstageforwelloveranhourwhenthebandstartedtoplay“Can’tHelpFallinginLove.”
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Withastart,IsuddenlyrememberedDean’swarningaboutbeinginthelimobeforethesongended.
Istoodupandpreparedtoleave.Suddenly,theword“Stay!”resoundedthroughthespeakers.
IglancedovermyshoulderandsawElvismomentarilypointatmewhilecontinuingtosing.Icouldn’tbelievethathewasimmediatelyawarethatIwas
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leaving!Isatbackinmychair,
embarrassed,wonderingifanyoneelsehadpickeduponthis.Icouldonlyhopethedimlightinginmycornerofthestagehadmadeitimpossibleforanyoneintheaudiencetonoticeme.
Igrewincreasinglynervousasthesecondstickedby,worriedabouthowI’dmakeittothecarintime.Finally,whenIsawElvis
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walkingtotheoppositesideofthestage,Ijumpedupandranoff,stillalittlefearfulthathe’dnoticeIwasgone.ThelastthingIwantedhimtothinkwasthatIdidn’twanttohearhisclosingnumberorappreciatetheefforthe’dgonetoinordertobringmehere.
Thelimousinewaswaitingattheendofanundergroundramp,itsenginerunning,itsdoorsopen.Someoneledme
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there,andnotamomenttoosoon,forsuddenlyElviscamerushingtowardthelimo,surroundedbymembersofhisentourage.
Hehurriedlyclimbedintothecar,drenchedinsweat,withatoweldrapedaroundhisneck.Hisbodyguards,Dr.Nichopoulos,JoeEsposito,andafewothersquicklyjoinedus.
“Goodshow,goodshow,”Joecongratulatedhimas
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Elvisleanedbackintheseat,wipinghisfacewiththetowel.
OthersbegancomplimentingElvisaswell.Ifinallyjumpedin.“Youwerewonderful,”Isaid.
Asthelimousineslowlybeganmovingforward,Elvisleanedtowardmeandsoftlyasked,“Didyouseetheveryendoftheshow?”
“No,”Iadmitted.“Iwastoldtobeinthecarbeforethe
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lastsongfinished.”Isawaflashofannoyance
darkenhisface.“BesureGingerremainsseateduntiltheveryendofthenextshow,”heannouncedtoeveryoneinthelimo.
Ifeltasmiletugatthecornersofmymouth.Iwasgoingtoseeanotheroneofhisshows!
Fansmobbedthelimoasourcaremergedfromthebuilding.Itwasascary
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feelingtobesurroundedlikethat,withsomefanseventryingtoclimbontopofthelimo.
ItookholdofElvis’shand.Elvis,however,seemedcalm.Hewasclearlyaccustomedtothissortofthing.Hewavedtohisfansandjokedwithmeaboutbuyingaplasticarmwithahandattachedsoitwouldlooklikehewasstillwaving,whilerestinghisown.
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Icouldn’thelpbutthinkabouttheearlyBeatlesmovieAHardDay’sNightandtheshotsinthatfilmoftheirfanschasingafterthem.Waitaminute,Ithought.Elvismusthaveexperiencedthatlongbeforetheydid!Ididn’tseehowanyonecouldevercompletelygetusedtothiskindofattention.
Backatthehotel,ElviswentintohisbedroomwithhisaidesandDr.
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Nichopoulos.Iwentintomine.Afterthemenleft,Elvisaskedformeandorderedroomservice.
IwalkedintoElvis’sbedroomandwassurprisedtoseehimalreadydressedinpajamasandarobe.Icouldn’tblamehimforwantingtogetoutofhisstagesuitandintomorecomfortableclothing,butIwasstillsurprisedbythepajamas.Itwasn’tthatlateat
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night.Variousothermembersof
hisstaffenteredtheroomandourfoodwassoonbroughttous.Whileweate,Elvisbeganscrutinizinghisperformance.Isawhowimportantatop-qualityshowwastohimashewentovereverything:theband,thelighting,thesound,andtheaudienceexperience.Hedidn’twanttodisappointhisfansinanyway.
Aswesatthereandtalked
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abouttheshow,itdawnedonmethatIhadenteredElvis’ssuiteataroundthesametimethepreviousnight.Elvishadbeendressedinhisrobethen,too,andsurroundedbythesemen.Hadhefinishedashowlastnight?And,ifso,whywasn’tIinvited?
(Itwouldn’tbeuntilafterElvis’sdeaththatIwouldlearntherealreasonIhadbeenleftsittinginmyhotelroomforaday:Linda
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ThompsonhadbeeninthehotelandElviswasusheringheroutwithonehandandmeinwiththeother.WhatElviswanted,Elvisgot.Formanyaroundhim,thiswas“takingcareofbusiness.”)
•••
Aftertheguysleft,ElvistoldmethathistourwouldfinishthefollowingeveninginAnaheim,California.“You’ll
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stay,won’tyou?”heasked.“Ofcourse,”Isaid,thrilled
bytheinvitationtoseeanotherofhisperformances.
Oncewe’dsettledthat,Elvispickedoutabooktoread.Afterentertainingthousandsofhisfans,heseemedtoneedawaytofocushisthoughtsandturneverythingoff—afeatIimaginedcouldn’tbeeasy,especiallyforamanwholovedperformingasmuchas
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Elvisdid.Wereadtogetherfora
longtime.Elvisalwaysputintensephilosophicalthoughtintointerpretingwhathefeltvariousauthorsweretryingtosayintheirbooks.Thisexercisewashelpfultomebecausethebooksthemselvesweren’teasytounderstandrightaway.IfeltlikeIwasinthepresenceofaninterestingteacher.
Ibegantogetsleepyafter
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atime,butIdidmybesttostayfocused,feelingitwasimportanttoElvis.Arounddawn,anaidebroughtinasmallyellowpacketandleftitonthenighttable.Elvisswalloweditscontentswithwaterfromanearbyice-filledjug.
Iwasinstantlyalertandcurious.“What’sthatfor?”
“Somethingtohelpmesleep,”Elvissaid.
Hehadbeendeeply
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absorbed,evenenergizedbythedifferentbookswe’dbeenlookingover,soIdidn’tthinktwiceabouthimneedingtotakesomethingtohelphimsleep.Althoughitwasmorningbynow,Itoldhimgoodnight.Onceagain,hewalkedmetomyroomlikeagentleman.
Forsomereason,Ididn’tsleeplong—probablybecauseofthecombinationofjetlagandthestrangereverse
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scheduleElviskept,turningdayintonightandnightintoday.WhenIgotuparound1P.M.,itwasquietintherestofthesuite.
IfiguredElviswasstillasleepbecausewe’dbeenupsolate.Ihadn’treallyeatenmuchdinnerandnowIwashungry.Ifeltmorecomfortableaboutorderingroomservice,soIdid,eatingaloneinmyroomasIcontemplatedthisintriguing
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newworldIwasinhabiting.TherewasElvis’slifestyleanddynamicpersonalitytothinkabout,alongwithhismusic,hisreligiousstudies,andthemanypeoplewhoseemedtosurroundhim24/7.
Itwasintense,exhilarating,andexhaustingasItriedtoprocesseverythingandunderstandwhereIwasinallofthis.Ididn’tyetthinkofmyselfas“theone,”thoughElvis
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seemedtobedoinghisbesttomakemefeellikeIwasspecialtohim.Ifhewantedourrelationshiptogofurther,IdecidedIwasready.
Finally,around4P.M.,someoneknockedonmybedroomdoor.IopenedittofindElvisstandingthereinhispajamasandrobe—asightIwasbeginningtothinkofasnormal.“I’mgoingtoorderusfood,”hesaid.WhenIconfessedthatI’dalready
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eaten,itseemedtobotherhim.“Fromnowon,I’dlikeustoeattogether,”hesaid.
“I’msorry,”Iapologized.IhadnoideaElviswouldbesensitiveaboutthat.Atthesametime,Iwaspleasedthathe’dsaid“fromnowon,”whichindicatedhewascertainlyseeingafutureforourrelationship.IwantedtofitinhoweverIcould.
Ontourwithhimlater,wheneverIhappenedtobein
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myroomwhenbreakfastwasbroughtin,Elviswouldknockonmydoor,takemyhand,andleadmetothecoffeetableorhisbedsowecouldeattogether.
•••
Beforelong,Elvis’sfoodwasbroughtuptohimandwesattogetherinthelivingroomwhileheate.HetoldmehewasgoingtoperforminLas
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VegasrightafterthistourandaskedifIwouldliketogowithhim.“I’llbetherefortendays,”hesaid.
Ilovedwatchinghisshowsandwasexcitedbytheprospectofspendingmoretimewithhim.Iwasconcerned,though.I’donlybroughtenoughclothesforwhatIthoughtwouldbeashortvisit.CouldIreallygofromCaliforniatoLasVegaswithhim?Andwhatabout
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myjob?HowcouldIjustnotshowupfortendays?
AsIwasthinkingaboutthelogistics,themeninElvis’sentouragebeganshowinguponebyone.Whatwasquicklybecomingafamiliarscenarioensued:Elvisjokedaroundandsmokedwhileeveryonelaughedalongwithhim.AfterElvis’sdeath,IwouldlearnmoreofthepersonalhistoryElvishadwithsomeofthese
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men,whounbeknownsttomeatthetime,hadbeendubbedthe“MemphisMafia”bythemedia.
IleftthelivingroomtoplaceacalltoMemphis,lettingmyparentsknowIwouldn’tbecominghomeforawhile.Itwasunusualformetobeawayfromhomeforsolong,anditfeltgoodtoheartheirfamiliarvoices.
Attheendofourconversation,mymother
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mentionedthatshehadspokentoherfather,mygrandfather,whomIwascloseto,aboutmetravelingwithElvis.Beingeighty-fiveandold-fashioned,mygrandfatherhadexpressedconcernastowhetherthiswasproper.“TellElvisshe’smygirl,”mygrandfatherhadsaid.
IunderstoodhowsomeonefromhisgenerationmighthaveconcernsaboutwhatI
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wasdoing.IfiguredmyparentsdidaswellbecauseIseemedtobemovingheadlongintoanuncertainfuture.Ihadmyownfears;Ididn’twanttofallinloveonlytogetmyheartbroken.Ontheotherhand,Elvis’smagnetismwaspullingmecloserandclosertohimbytheday.
IaskedmymothertocalltheshopwhereIworked.“Pleaseexplainwhat’s
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happening,”Itoldher,wonderingwhetherI’dstillhaveajobwhenIcamebackfromLasVegas.
Icouldn’tworryaboutthatrightthen,though.MyfocusnowwasonbeingwithElvis.Iwantedtodothatmorethananythingintheworld.Therestofmylifecouldwait.
•••
Aswepreparedtoleavefor
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Anaheim,Ibegantopack.IknewIwastotallyunpreparedforLasVegas,butwhatcouldIdo?
Iclosedmysuitcaseandwalkedintothelivingroom,thinkingI’djusthavetomanagewiththeclothesIhad.Elvissoonjoinedme,havingchangedintohiscasualnavybluejumpsuit.
Duringtheridetotheairport,ElvisfellintowhatIwasstartingtoseewasoneof
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hisfrequenthabits:Heproppedhisrightfootontopofhisleftkneeandbegantonervouslyshakeit.Iwastickledtonoticehehadn’treallychangedclothesatall,fortheedgeofhispajamabottomwasstickingoutfrombeneaththepantlegofhisjumpsuit.
Ahugepassengerjetwaitedforusattheairport.Untilthen,I’dhadnoideaElvisownedanotherplane.
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Hisdaughter’sname,LisaMarie,waswritteninblueontheupperfrontoftheaircraft.HighuponthetailwasapictureoftheAmericanflag,andbelowthatappearedthelettersTCBingoldaboveagoldlightningbolt.
Aswewalkedupthestairwaytothedooroftheplane,Elvistoldmehehadpickedoutthecolorschemehimself.“ThefirsttimeIshowedittomydaughter,
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Lisa,shejustyawned,”hesaidwithagrin.
Aflightattendantgreetedus.Ialsomettherestofthecrewandthepilot,CaptainElwoodDavid.Ithoughtthecaptain’snamewasacoolcoincidence,sincemyfather’smiddlenamewasElwoodandthiswastheonlyothertimeIhadheardit.
TheJetStarhadcertainlyimpressedme,buttheLisa
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Mariewasmagnificent.Themaincompartmentoftheplanewasfurnishedlikealivingroom,withtwosuedecouches—onegreen,onebrown—leatherchairs,leather-toppedtables,andeventelevisionsets.AsIfollowedElvisdeeperintotheplane,wepassedalargeconferencetablesurroundedbytanleatherchairsandenteredasittingroomfurnishedwithbluesuede
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chairs.Finally,weentereda
bedroom.Decoratedinblue,ithadeverythingyoucouldwant:aqueen-sizebed,areadingchair,andevenadressingareawithahalfbathandbluewashbasin.IstayedinthebedroomwithElviswhiletheotherstookseatsupfront.Duringtheshortflight,Elvisproudlycontinuedtellingmeabouttheplane’svariousspecialfeatures.
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Afterlanding,someemployeesbeganenteringthebedroomtohelpElvisprepareforhisshow,soImovedupfront.WhenElvisfinallywalkedout,hewasdressedinabeautifuljumpsuitwithanornateNativeAmericanfeatherdesign.WeweresoonofftotheAnaheimConventionCenter,where,onceagain,Ifoundmyselfseatedonstagebehindthesoundmento
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watchtheshow.ThistimeIwasmindful
aboutremaininginmychairabitlonger.ItwasfantastictobesoclosetoElviswhenheperformed.Sittingonstagereallypulledmeintohisshow.Ifeltluckytobesocompletelyinthemomentwithhim,followinghiseverygesture,comment,joke,andglance.
Asthesong“Can’tHelpFallinginLove”drewtoa
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close,theband’sdrummerkickedinandElvisbegandoingimpressivekaratemoves,whichendedwithhimcrouchedinalonglowstance,onelegbentandtheotherextended.Helookedquicklyoveratmeandsmiled.
Ismiledback,realizingthiswaswhathe’dwantedmetosee.Havingbeenafanofkarateasachild,Ilovedseeingitontelevisionandin
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films.IcouldtellElvismusthavestudieditforyearstobethisproficient.Iwouldn’thavetradedbeingwhereIwasthatminutetobeanywhereelse—orwithanyoneelse.
Whentheshowwasover,Ihurriedtocatchthelimousine,almostbumpingintoElvisasweexitedthetheater.Safelyinsidethecar,hesaidhewashappyI’dseenhisfinale.
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“Goodshow,goodshow,”Joedeclaredonceagainasourcarspedawayfromthebuilding.
BackaboardtheLisaMarie,Dr.NichopoulosandsomeaideswalkedtothebackoftheplanewithElvisandclosedthebedroomdoor.AsIfollowedbehindthem,Inoticedthatmanyofthesamepeoplewereontheplanewithus,alongwithsomenew
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faces.AlStradawalkedoutof
thebedroom,carryingElvis’sbootsandstagesuit.He’dleftthedoorpartiallyopen.Throughthecrack,IcouldseeElvis,halfcladinhiscasualnavyjumpsuit,standingwithhisarmsintheairandouttohissides.IwasamusedtoseeDeanscramblingaroundhim,zippinguphissuitandputtingsocksonhisfeet.
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ElvissawmewatchingandmotionedformetoenterthebedroomasDeanandDr.Nichopoulosleft.Walkingtowardhim,Inoticedthezippertagtohissuitwasflippedupward.Decidingtoplacethefinishingtouchonhischangeofclothes,Iquicklyflickedthezipperdownwithmyfinger.
IwasstunnedwhenElvisreachedoutandgrabbedmywrist.“Don’tdothatagain,”
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hesaid.“I’vebeentrainedtoguardagainstsuddenmoves.”
Ibelievedhimforasecond.ThenElvisbrokeintoasmileandIsawhewasjoking.Still,afterseeinghiskaratemovesonstage,IbelievedElviswouldhavebeenperfectlycapableoftakingsomeonedowniftheneedarose.
ElvissatontheedgeofhisbedandItookthechairbesideit.AstheLisaMarie
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tookoff,ElvisopenedasuitcaseandremovedCheiro’sBookofNumbersagain.BythenIunderstoodenoughfromourreadingstoknowthatthepointofthisnumerologybookwastohelppeopleusethepowerofnumberstopredictthefutureusingthingslikebirthdates.
NowElvisturnedtoapageIhadn’tseenyet.Onthispage,Cheirodescribedhowpeopleshouldwear
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certaincolorsandcarryluckystonesaccordingtotheirnumbers.Aswetalkedaboutcolorsandtheirmeanings,ElviswasremindedofastoryhisfatherhadtoldhimaboutthedayheandhistwinbrotherwereborninTupelo,Mississippi.
“Whilemymommawasinlabor,”Elvissaid,“mydaddywentoutsideourhometogetwaterfromthewell.WhenDaddyturnedaround,he
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noticedabluelightaboveourhouse.DaddyrushedbackinandfoundoutmybrotherJessewasstillborn.ThenIwasborn.”
Elvisspokewithreverence,asifthebluelightrepresentedGod’srelationshiptohimandhisownunderstandingofthepathhislifehadtaken.Vernon’sstoryinitiallysoundedfar-fetchedtome,butstill,itgavemechills.I
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wonderedifElvisreallybelievedthestoryanddecidedfromhistonethathemostlikelydid.ReflectingonwhereElvishadcomefromandwhohehadbecomemademewonderifhereallyhadbeenchosenbyGod.
SinceIhadbeenbroughtupinaChristianfamily,IbelievedthemiraclesdescribedintheBibletobetrue.IfeltElviswasastrongChristianbecauseofhislove
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ofgospel,andifhedidn’tseeaconflictwiththiswayofthinking,Ifelttherewouldn’tbeaconflictinmybeliefsaswell.Iwasdeterminedtokeepanopenmind,feelingthatmaybeGoddoestoucheachofusindifferentways.“Idobelievecertainthingslikethatcanhappen,”ItoldElvisnow,speakingassolemnlytohimashehadtome.
Atthatmoment,Elvis
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pulledoffoneofhissockstoshowmehisrightfoot.Hissecondandthirdtoeswerejoinedtogetheratthebottom,aphysicalattributehecalled“twintoes.”
“Ithinkbeingatwinwasthecauseofit,”hejoked.
WhenIlaughed,Elvisgavemealonglookandsaidsoftly,“Youknow,Ginger,IfeellikeI’veknownyouforalongtime.WhenIfirstsawyouitwaslikeasirenwent
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offinsidemesaying,‘Back...whoa.Back,boy!Findoutwhatshe’slike.’”
AsElvistoldmethis,heplacedonehandoverhisheartandraisedtheotherintheairasiftryingtohaltsomething.“SeeingyouwaslikeseeingsomeoneI’vealwaysknownandyetneverknown,”hewenton.“IkindofseemymotherwhenIlookatyou.”
Toosurprisedtospeak,I
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wonderedifhewastalkingabouthowIlookedorhowIacted.Eitherway,Iwasdeeplytouchedandtookthisasacompliment.ElvisturnedhisattentionbacktoCheiro’sbookwithoutwaitingforareply.He’dmadethesestrongstatementssocasually,yetsosincerely.Icouldn’thelpbutaskmyselfwhetherIfeltthesameway:AsifI’dknownhimforalotlongerthanthefewdayswe’dspenttogether.
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Theanswerhadtobeyes.WhenImetElvisthatfirstnightatGraceland,inLisa’sbedroom,Iwastheonewhohadgreetedhimfirst.Somethingdeepinsidehadmademefeelinstinctivelycomfortableenoughtodoso.
Afterashortwhile,Elvismentionedheneededtotalksomebusinessandcalledafewotherstotheback.Ilefttheroomtogivethemprivacyandwaitedjustoutsidethe
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bedroomdoor.Theotherpassengerson
theLisaMariewereconversingwithoneanother.Severalwereplayingcardsorothergames.Idefinitelyfeltlikethenewgirlintown.
Isquaredmyshoulders,tookadeepbreath,anddeliberatelywalkedupfronttointroducemyself,thentriedtojointheconversations.CharlieHodgeweavedinandoutofthemainroomwitha
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cocktail,tellingjokes.Deanshouted,“I’mtheking!”aftermakingagoodmoveinbackgammon,agameIhadneverheardofbefore.
Therewereafewotherwomenontheplaneaswell.SomeofthemworegoldnecklaceswiththelettersTLC,similartotheTCBnecklacesalotofthemenhad.SoonIwouldlearnthatTLCstoodfortenderloving
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care.ThesenecklacesweregiftsfromElvis,giventohisfamily,friends,andafewselectothers.
Ihadintroducedmyselftoacoupleofpeople,tryingtomakeheadway,whensomeoneapproachedtosayElviswasaskingformetoreturntohisroom.Ididso,hopingthatatleastI’dmadethefirststepintryingtogettoknowtheinsulargroupsurroundingElvis.
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CHAPTER6
AfterlandinginLasVegas,weclimbedintoawaitinglimousineandwereescortedbypolicetotheHiltonInternationalHotel.Aswepassedbyalarge,glitzymarqueedisplayingElvis’sname,Imusedonthefactthat
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I’dneverbeentoLasVegasbeforeinmylife,andnowI’dbeenheretwiceinashorttime.
Onceagain,weenteredthehotelthroughthebackdoor,butthistimerodetheelevatortothethirtiethfloor.IfollowedElvisdownahallwaytowardasecurityguardsittinginachairbesidesomedoubledoors.Oneofthedoorswasopened;wewalkedthroughitanddowna
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fewstepsintothelivingroomofapenthouse.
Itwasasumptuoussuitedecoratedwithgoldcarpetinganddrapes.Blackpillowsaccentedthegoldsofaandchairsfurnishingthelivingroom.Therewasadiningroomandkitchen,too.
I’msureImusthavelookedasawedasIfelt,asIgapedatournewsurroundings,becauseElviswaswatchingmyreaction
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andsmiling.Fromthemainpartoftheenormoussuite,hewalkedmedownashorthallwayandintoamasterbedroom.Therewerehisandherbathrooms,asittingarea,andaking-sizebedonaraisedplatform.Themirroredceilingabovethebedreflectedourmovements.
Anaideenteredthebedroom,openedasuitcasecontainingbooks,andlaidafewonthefloorbesidethe
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bed.Anotheraideplacedawatercontaineronthenighttable,alongwithaboxofRoiTancigars,thebrandElvishadoccasionallysmokedinfrontofme.Theaidealsoleftascheduleonthenightstandlistingwhichemployeeswereondutyandatwhattime,alongwiththeirroomnumbers.BynowIhadobservedthattheaidesseemedtohavevariousassignments.Somehelped
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withwardrobe,whileothersservedasextrahandsduringconcertsorbroughtfoodandpacketsofmedicationtoElvis.
Oncethey’dmadesureeverythingwastoElvis’sliking,theaidesevaporated.NosoonerhadtheyleftwhenElvispressedabuttonbythebed.Thedrapesagainstonewallslowlybegantoopen,revealingwindowsandaspectacularviewofLas
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Vegasspreadbelowourpenthouse.
Elvisgavemeatouroftheotherroomsconnectedtothesuiteandmentionedthathisfatherwascomingandwouldbestayinginone.Iwonderedwhichbedroomwouldbemine,afternoticingJoeEspositoinoneofthem.
Tellingmethathisdad,Vernon,hadsufferedaheartattacktheyearbefore,ElvissaidhewasgladVernonwas
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abletocometohisshowsagain.WereturnedtothelivingroomandElviswalkedovertoarecordplayer.ThesonghechosetoplaywasCharlesBoyersinging“OnceUponaTime.”
Asthesongechoedthroughoutthesuite,Elvisclosedhiseyesandbegantospeakthelyrics,Boyer-style.Hecontinuedtodothesamewiththesong,“SoftlyIMustLeaveYou.”Thewordswere
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beautifulandIsat,enchanted,asElvisdeliveredthemwithgreatpassion.
Whenthealbumended,Elvistoldmethat“SoftlyIMustLeaveYou”waswrittenbyamaninahospitalwhobegantofeellikehewasdyingafterhiswifelaybesidehimandfellasleep.Notwantingtowakeher,themanwrotethewordstothesonginalettertohiswife.IknewthissonghadtouchedElvis
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deeply,asIrecalledhimsingingandtalkingaboutitonstage,thefirsttimeIsawhimperformbackinJuly.ElviswouldplaythisalbummanymoretimesformewhilewewereinLasVegas.
•••
Withnoshowuntilthenextevening,Elvishadtimetorelax.Ifollowedhimintothebedroom,thinkingwemight
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rest,buthestayedupasvariousemployeespoppedinandout,somegoingoverbusinessandothersjustcheckingtoseeifheneededanything.
Dr.Ghanemstoppedbytosayhello,makingmewonderwhathadhappenedtoDr.Nichopoulos.WhenElviswantedtospeaktooneofhisstaffprivately,he’dsometimesgesturetothebathroomdoorandjokingly
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say,“Stepintomyoffice.”Idecideditmadesense;thebathroomwasprivateandmoreconvenientforhimthangoingtoanouterroomoraskingotherstoleave.
Whenthingsquieteddownandwewerefinallyrelaxinginbed,Elvispickedupabook.ThistimeitwasTheProphetbyKahlilGibran,theLebanesephilosopherandartist.Ididn’tknowityet,but
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duringtheintimatemonthswewouldspendtogether,Elviswouldrefertothisbookmanytimes.Itwasanimportantphilosophicaltouchstoneforhim.
Elvisturnedthebookoverandshowedmetheauthor’sphotoonthebackcover.“Doesn’thehaveaknowinglook?”heasked.
ItookinwhatseemedtometobeapensiveGibranandansweredyes.
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TheProphetspokeofapersonnamedAlmustafawhowaswaitingtoreturnhomeafterlivingtwelveyearsinthecityofOrphalese.Withsadness,heanswersquestionsfromthepeopleoftheislebeforehedeparts.
Elvissingledoutsomequotesandreadthemtome.OneofthemcamefromasectionwhereAlmustafaisaskedtospeakoflove:
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Whenlovebeckonstoyou,followhim,Thoughhiswaysarehardandsteep.Andwhenhiswingsenfoldyouyieldtohim,Thoughtheswordhiddenamonghispinionsmaywoundyou.Andwhenhespeakstoyoubelieveinhim,Thoughhisvoicemayshatteryourdreamsasthenorth
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windlayswastethegarden.Forevenaslovecrownsyousoshallhecrucifyyou.Evenasheisforyourgrowthsoisheforyourpruning.
Elvisreadthewordswithgreatpassionandpower.IcouldsensethathereallywantedtograspwhattheauthorkneworhowGibran
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hadbeenfeelinginordertowritethisway.Formypart,Ilistenedtothewordsandfeltmyowninexperienceinrelationships.Atagetwenty,Ihadyettoknowatrulygreatlove.WouldElvisbemyfirst?
Aftersharingthesepassageswithme,Elvisexplained,“Idon’tthinkapersoncancontrollove.Whenithappens,youjustgoalongwithitandtryyourbest
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tobepreparedforthegoodandbad.”
And,whenAlmustafaisaskedwhatofmarriage,Gibranwrotethesewords:
Youwereborntogether,andtogetheryoushallbeforevermore.
Youshallbetogetherwhenthewhitewingsofdeath
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scatteryourdays.Ay,youshallbetogethereveninthesilentmemoryofGod.
Butlettherebespacesinyourtogetherness,
Andletthewindsoftheheavensdancebetweenyou.
Atonepointduringthis
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reading,Elvispausedtosmileandsay,“IthinkIcouldbeengagedtoyou,”thenreturnedhisattentiontothebook.
Iwasnolongerconcentratingonthebook.Iwastooflabbergasted.Engaged?HadIheardElvisright?
Idecidedhewasjoking,sayingthisjustbecausewehappenedtobereadingtogetherandenjoying
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ourselves.We’donlybeentogether,inall,aboutaweek.
Still,hisstatementhungovermeasElviscontinuedtoread,emphasizingcertainwordsandshakinghisheadinamazementattheirpower.
Ithoughtthewritingwaswonderful,too,andfoundmyselfgoingoverquotesandaskingquestionswhileElvisanalyzeddifferentpassagesfromthebook.Eveninsuchashorttime,Icouldfeelthat
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readingwithhimwashelpingmelearnandgrow.
Alittlewhilelater,Elvispausedagainandshuthiseyes.“Youknow,whenIclosemyeyes,Icanenvisionyouinalongwhitegown,”hesaid.Thenheslowlyopenedhiseyes,cockedhisheadtooneside,andraisedaneyebrowatme,gaugingmyreaction.
“Oh,”Isaid,strugglingtothinkofsomereply.“That’s
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nice,”Iaddedandsmiled.Alongwhitegown?Engaged?IsitpossiblehemeanswhatIthinkhemeans?Thiscan’tberight,Ithought.Notaftersuchashorttime.
Ontheotherhand,I’dalreadyseenhowspontaneousanddecisiveElviscouldbeaboutcertainthings.Ihadcertainlyfeltastrongattractionbetweenusfromthefirstdaywemet,but
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theideaofusalreadydiscussingmarriagewasnearlyimpossibleformetograsp.Iwasjusttwoyearsoutofhighschoolandwecouldn’thavebeenatmoredifferentplacesinourlives.Yet,thesepotentialobstaclesseemedtoberapidlyfading.Also,itwasnosmallthingthatthiswasElvis,amanwhoseemedtoliveinaworldofhisownmaking.
Withoutremarkingonmy
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shockedexpression,whichI’msuremusthavemirroredmythoughts,Elvissimplysmiledandwentbacktoreading.Meanwhile,mymindcontinuedspinningoutofcontrol.HowcouldElvisfeelsostronglyaboutusalready?
Asdawnbroke,Elviswentintohisbathroomandchangedintopajamaswithnomentionofaseparateroomforme.Realizingtherewouldbelittletonoprivacynow,I
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decidedtojustgowiththeflowandwentintothedesignatedladies’bathroomtochangeforbed.NotonlydidIstillhavetoworkonfeelingcomfortablewearingpajamasaroundElvis,Inowhadtobeokaybeingdressedinthem,chanceswere,infrontofhisentireclanofmalepalsandsupportstaff.
IcameoutofthebathroomandsatbesideElvisonthebed.Ihadbeentryinghardall
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eveningtounderstandandaccepttheideasandinformationhe’dbeensharingwithme.Nowhesprangsomethingnewyetagain.
“Comeon,let’smeditatetogether,”hesaid.“It’scalmingandawayofbeingintouchwithone’shigherself.”
Ihadnevermeditatedandhadnocluewhathemeantbya“higherself.”Still,Iwaswillingtotryit.Isatbeside
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himandcrossedmylegs,imitatinghisposition.
“Pyramidspossessaspecialenergywhichhelpgivestrengthtoanindividual,”Elvisexplainedasheshowedmehowtoformapyramidshapewithmyindexfingersandthumbs.Thenheplacedhishandsuptohisforeheadandtoldme,“Praytothethirdeyeandsay,‘Christlight,Christlove,Christpeace.’”
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AfterI’drepeatedthesewords,Elvisexplainedthatthethirdeyewasanenergycenterthatrelatedtobeingabletoevaluateourpastexperiencesandlifepatterns,sowecouldputthemintoperspectivethroughthewisdomofthethirdchakra,whichwaslocatedbetweentheeyes.Ifthischakramalfunctioned,thesymptomsmightbeaheadacheandeyetension.
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WesatinthispositionandItriedtofocusonblockingouteverythingelseasIrepeatedthesewordswithElvis.Tomysurprise,afterawhileIfeltapeacefulfeelingwashoverme.IcoulddefinitelyunderstandhowsomeonelikeElvis,withsomanydemandsonhistimeandenergy,couldbenefitfrommeditation.
Elvislookedrelaxedwhenwe’dfinishedmeditating.He
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toldmethatwhenhisex-wife,Priscilla,wasspeakingwithhimonthephoneonceandtellinghimthatshedidn’tknowhowtohandleLisa,he’dsaid,“Getapenandapieceofpaperandwritedownthisword...meditate.”
Hehadyettomakeanyphysicaladvancestowardme,otherthanthelightkissesI’dreceived.Iwasn’treallysurprisedbythis,givenhis
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schedule.Butnowherewewere,inanotherhotelroom,andhewasn’texhaustedfromashowtonight.Wouldhemakeamove?AndwhatwouldIdoifhedid?
Therewasnoneedforconcern.Elvistooktwocottonballsandputtheminhismouthtowetthem,thenplacedacottonballineachear.“Thishelpstoblocktheoutsidenoise,”heexplained.Hewasclearlypreparingfor
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bed.ItseemedthatElviswasas
eagertorespectmeasIwastoberespected.HepurposelykepthisdistancefrommeandIgotthefeelingthathewassavingourphysicalencounterforatimewhenitwouldberightforbothofus.
Westartedwatchingtelevisionand,afterwhathadbeenalong,exhilaratingnight,webothsoonfellasleep.
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Whenwewokeagain,anaidebroughtinapacketforElvisandleft.Elvistoldmeitwasamixtureofvitamins,medication,sinuspills,andaspirin.Ifiguredthiswasacombinationdesignedtogivehimtheenergyandclearheadheneededtoperform.
Wethenwentintothelivingroomandate,visitingwithsomeofhisentourage.Whenhiskarateinstructor,EdParker,appeared,Elvis
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referredtohimashishighpriest.ElvishadexplainedtomeearlierthatEdwasamartialartsexpert.Edhadtrainedmanystuntmenandcelebrities,andElvishadhiredhimtohelpwithsecurity.
“Mypreviousbodyguardskeptgettingintotroubleandcausingproblemsforme,”Elvissaid,“sotheyhadtobefired.”
ThiswasthefirsttimeI’d
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heardElvistalkaboutkaratewithEd,andEd’sknowledgewasextremelyimpressive.NowIlearnedthatitwasEdwhohadpromotedElvistoaninth-degreeblackbelt.Elvistoldmehedidn’twanttherankoftenthdegree,because“therewasnowheretogoafterthat.”Hewantedsomethingtoaspiretoinkarate.
Earlyintheevening,Elvisaskedmetogoshopping.“I
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wantyoutolookspecialformyshows,”heexplained.
Heaskedabodyguardtoaccompanyme.IunderstoodthatElvisfeltresponsibleformysafety,butIfeltalittleuncomfortableshoppingwithastrangemanandhavingElvisbuymeclothes.Ontheotherhand,IwassurethatappearanceshadtobeimportanttoElvis,andIdidn’twanttodisappointhim.
TheHiltonhadsome
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beautifulshopsdownstairs.Ibrowsedinsideafewstoreswhilethebodyguardwaitedjustoutsidethem.WeweregoingtobeinLasVegasquiteawhileandIdidn’tknowwhattobuy.
Consciousofnotspendingtoomuch,butwantingtogetsomethingthatpleasedElvis,Ifinallydecidedonapairofsilverandrhinestoneeveningshoes,asmokygraycocktaildress,apeachgown,and
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anotherwhiteeveningdresswithlongsashes.Thebodyguardpaidforeverythingandwereturnedupstairs.
ElviswasinthemasterbedroomwhenIreturned,sittingonthebedandstillinhispajamas.“Let’sseewhatyougot,”hesaid.“Trythemonforme.”
Feelingshyagain,Iduckedintothebathroomandslippedintothewhitedress.I
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pausedforaminuteinfrontofthemirror,hopingElviswouldbepleased.
WhenIwalkedout,abigsmileflashedacrosshisfaceandIfeltamixtureofprideandrelief.“Iloveit!”Elvissaid.“YoulooklikeaGreekgoddess.”
Feelingmoreconfidentnow,Iquicklytriedontheotherdressesandhecomplimentedthoseaswell.Isensedthewhiteonehad
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beenhisfavorite,though,anddecidedtochoosethatonetowearforhisopeningshow.
Iputmynewclothesawayand,sinceElviswasinpajamas,changedbackintomineaswell.Imightaswellgetusedtowearingthem,Idecided,sinceheappearedtoliveinhis.
ElvishandedmeoneofhisrobesandpickedupCheiro’sBookofNumbers.Ifollowedhimintothelivingroom,
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takingaseatbesidehimonthesofa.
Elvishadearliertoldmethathisnumberwaseight.Nowhepointedoutpassagesaboutcertaincolorsofstonesthat,accordingtoCheiro,wereluckyforthosewhowereanumbereighttowear.Oneofthesestoneswasablackdiamond,sohe’dhadthatstoneplacedinafewofhisrings.
“Ilostoneoftheringsand
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anothergotbrokenwhenIslammedmyfistonthefloorduringashow,”hesaid.
Listeningtohimtalkaboutluckynumbersandstones,IsensedthatElvisfeltastrongdesiretofeelprotectedbothon-andoffstage—notjustphysically,butpsychologicallyandspirituallyaswell.
Elvisstoodupandwentbackintothebedroom,thenreturnedwithamagnificent
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ringI’dseenhimwearduringhisperformances.Proudlyrotatingtheringinhishandtocatchthelight,hetoldmeitwascustommadeofgoldwithblackonyx.Thecenterstonewasaneleven-caratdiamond.Belowit,thelettersTCBwereindiamondssurroundedbydiamondlightningbolts.
“IwearBand-Aidsonmyfingerswhileperformingtoguardagainstcuts,”hesaid,
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“andsonoonecanpullmyringsoff.”Thenheasked,“Didyounoticehow,onstage,IkeepasidestancewhenIbendovertoacceptagiftorgiveakiss?”
“Yes,”Isaid.“Whyisthat?”
“Sonobodyintheaudiencecanpullmeoffthestage.”
AsElvisbegantalkingabouthisupcomingshows,heseemedalittlemorenervous
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aboutthesethanhehadaboutthepreviousonesI’dseen.
“I’mnotbeingjudgedbyjustthegeneralaudiencehere,”hepointedout,“butbymypeersaswell.”
Atonepoint,LarryGellerwalkedintothesuite.Hehesitated,silentlysignalingtoElvis,“ShouldIstayorgo?”LarrywantedtocolorElvis’shair—afactthatshockedme.IhadnoideathatElvis’shaircolorwasn’tnatural.Looking
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slightlyannoyed,ElvisdismissedLarryandaskedhimtocomebackthenextday.
TheinterruptionmadeElvischangethesubject.Nowhebroughtupthetheoryofsoulmates.Hebelievedtwopeoplecouldbefatedtobesoulmatesandplaycertainrolesinoneanother’slives.
“They’remeanttomeetandbepartofalarger,inevitablepicture,”hetold
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me.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’d
everheardofthisconcept.Iwasintrigued,butIwonderedwhyElviswasmentioningittome.
Ithoughtbacktohisearliercommentsaboutbeingengaged,envisioningmeinawhitegown,andmebeinglikesomeonehe’dknownandyetneverknown.WasElvisthinkingthatwecouldbesoulmates?
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Again,Iexperiencedconflictedemotions,wantingtobelieveElvisthoughtIwasspecialinhislife,whileatthesametimetryingtoprotectmyselfagainstbeinghurt.
Ourconversationcontinued,alternatingbetweennumerologyanddelvingdeeperintoElvis’sthoughtsaboutsoulmates.IlearnedaswetalkedthatLarrywastheonewho’dgivenhimmostofthebooks
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we’dbeenreading.Decidinghewantedto
learnmoreaboutsoulmatesnowpromptedElvistoaskanaidetocontactLarry,hopinghemighthavesomebooksonit.Larryreappearedalmostimmediately,eagertospeakwithElvis.However,seeingthatLarrydidn’thaveabookwithhim,ElvisspoketohimbrieflyandLarryleft.
Wecontinuedtalkingthroughthenight,withthe
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notionofsoulmatesandapossiblefuturewithElvisswirlingthroughmymind.Neardawn,Elvistookthecontentsofayellowpacketthat,onceagain,hadbeenleftonhisnighttable.Inoticedthewordsleepwrittenontheoutsideofit.ThiswasonlythesecondtimeIbecameawareofElvisneedinghelptogettosleep;Ihadn’tnoticedanypacketthepreviousmorning,and
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assumedhe’dgonetobedwithoutanymedicine.
Aftertakingthesleepmedication,hisspeechbegantoslowdownasittookeffect.Ihadn’tnoticedthisbefore.Shortly,ElvislaybackinbedandIhelpedpullthecoversuparoundhim.Irestedmyheadonthepillowbesidehimandreflectedonthethingswe’dreadandtalkedaboutforthepastseveralhours.Hispowerfulbeliefincertain
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thingslikenumerologyandfatedsoulmateswaspersuadingmetobroadenmyhorizonsbeyondthetraditionalChristianbeliefsofmychildhood.OurdialoguehadalsoshedmorelightonhowElvissawthetwoofusthroughthefilterofwhathewasstudying.Thathesawusaspossiblesoulmateswasaprofoundthing.
•••
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Thatnextafternoon,ImetElvis’sfather,VernonPresley,forthefirsttime.Vernonwassixty-oneyearsoldandclosetoElvis’sheight(fivefeet,eleveninchesaccordingtoarmyrecords),butVernonwasthinandfraillooking.Hishairandmustachewerebothsilver,butIcouldseethestrongresemblancebetweenElvisandhisfather.
Vernonenteredthesuite
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withanattractiveblondeinherthirties.IlearnedthatVernonandElvis’sstepmotherwerenolongertogetherasVernonintroducedthewomanashisfiancée,SandyMiller.(VernonandDeePresleyhadbeenseparatedsince1974;SandywasadivorcedlabtechnicianandnursefromColorado.)
ElvisspokewithVernonabouthowthingsweregoing,
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andIcouldtellthatElvistookhisfather’sopinionsandthoughtstoheart.Vernonwaspleasanttome,buthedidn’tsaymuch,understandablyfocusinghisattentiononhisson.
AfterVernonandSandyleft,ElvisaskedLarrytocomeinandcolorhishair.Closertoshowtime,ElvisinvitedJoeintoourroomandwantedtospeakwithhiminprivate.Isteppedintothe
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livingroomtogivethemtimealone.
Afterafewminutes,Joereappearedandleftthesuite.IthoughtElviswouldaskforme,butinsteadJoereturned,wentbackintoElvis’sbedroom,andhastilyexitedthesuiteagain.Joedidthisafewmoretimes.
WhenElvisdidfinallycallforme,nosoonerhadIsatdownbesidehimonthebed,whenElvisgotupandwalked
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intothelivingroom.Iwascompletelymystified.
ThenElvisreturnedtothebedroomoncemore,satacrossfrommeonthebed,andaskedmetoclosemyeyesandholdoutmyrighthand.Ididasheasked,tremblingalittlewithnervesbythistime,andfelthimsliparingontomyfinger.
Openingmyeyes,Isawthathe’dgivenmeagorgeousgoldanddiamondcluster
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ring.IwastryingtowrapmymindaroundthisgenerousgiftwhenElvisaskedmetoholdoutmyotherhand.Thistimeheplacedaringofsapphiresanddiamondsontomyleftringfinger.
“Here,”hesaidcheerfully.“Youhavetohavebackups.”Bringingonehandfromaroundhisback,heproceededtogivemetwomorerings!Oneofthemwassetinrubiesanddiamonds,
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andtheotherwasaseconddiamondclusterring.
“Man,thisoneremindsmeofmybirthday,”Elvissaid,pointingtothefree-formdiamondsonthering.“They’resetintheshapeofthenumbereight.”
AnyoneoftheseringswasmorethanI’deverbeengiven.Iwasspeechlessandoverwhelmed.IfeltthatallofJoe’scomingsandgoingsmusthavehadsomethingto
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dowithElvisputtinghiminchargeofsecuringtherings.
ItwasalltoomuchandIfeltslightlyawkward.Ididn’twantElvistofeellikehehadtodothis.Hesitantly,Itriedtoexplainthistohim.
“Elvis,theseringsarebeautiful,butI’veneverreallybeenajewelryperson.”
Undaunted,hesaid,“Thisisonlythebeginning!You’lllearntolikeit.”
“Okay,”Iagreed.“Iguess
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Iwill.”
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CHAPTER7
WhileElvisgotreadytogoonstagethatnight,Iwentintothebathroomandmademyowntransformation.Ichangedintomynewwhitegownandbuckledthestrapsonmyrhinestoneshoes.Iplacedmynewringsonfour
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ofmyfingers,stillamazedthatElvishadthoughttobuythemandmanagedtopulloffsuchahugesurprisewitheverythingelseonhismind.
Finally,feelingmuchlikeCinderellaafterherfairygodmotherhaswavedhermagicwand,Iwalkedintothelivingroomanddiscoveredafewotherwomenwaitingthere.TheyweredressedmorecasuallythanIwas,andIworriedthat
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Ihadoverdressed.Iwasafraidthiswouldalienatethem,andIreallywantedtofitin.You’rewearingwhatElvis
likes,Iremindedmyself.Ihadtoadmit,Ilikedit,too.
AthinyoungwomanwithshortblondhairintroducedherselfasShirleyDieu,JoeEsposito’sgirlfriend.Ididn’tgetachancetospeakwiththeotherwomenthere,however,
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asoneoftheaidesappearedandquicklyledmedownstairstotheHiltonshowroom.
Onceagain,Iwasawedbythesplendorofmysurroundings.Theshowroomwasabsolutelybeautiful,withchandeliers,alargestage,andstylishlydressedmenandwomenintheaudience,someofthemsittingincurvedredbooths.Iwasescortedtoacenterbooth,whereItooka
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seatbesideVernonandSandy.
Astheopeningactconcludedandthelightsdimmed,Iwasshockedwhensomeoneapproachedourbooth,stuckoutapieceofpaperandpentowardmeforanautograph,andsaid,“Priscilla?”
Howodd.DidIlooklikeElvis’sex-wifeinthedark,Iwondered?
Vernonimmediately
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shooedthefanawaywithhishand.TheJoeGuercioOrchestrabegantoplay,andElviswalkedonstagewearingaKingofSpadesjumpsuit.Rightoffthebat,hehadtheaudiencecaptiveinthepalmofhishand.ThiswasamuchsmallervenuethanI’deverseenhimperforminbeforeandtheshowfeltmoreintimateandpersonal.Elvisjokedaroundwiththeaudience,andtheyfelt
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comfortableenoughtoyellbackathim,makingcommentsandrequestingsongs.
Elviswasclearlyenjoyingtheinterplaywiththeaudienceandseemedtobeingreatspirits.Atonepoint,heintroducedtheactressVikkiCarr,singerGlenCampbell,andVernon.Whenhesang“SoftlyIMustLeaveYou,”Irememberedthestoryhe’dtoldmeaboutthedyingman
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lyingnexttohiswifeandgotchills.
Despitethesmaller,lushsettinganddesignerclothingandexpensivehairstyles,thesefanswereonlyslightlylessexuberantthanthefansattheCowPalace.TheyseemedtohavethesameuncontrollableneedtomakephysicalcontactwithElvis.Atvarioustimes,womeninelegantgownsactuallyliftedtheirdressesandbegan
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climbingovertabletops,hopingtogetcloseenoughforakissoroneofElvis’sscarves,buttheywerestoppedbysecurity.Childrenwerethrustontothestage,too,andElvisneverfailedtonotice,immediatelyconnectingwiththem.Hehadabigsoftspotforkids.
Whentheshowended,Vernon,Sandy,andIwereusheredintoabackstagedressingroomwhileElvis
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changedinanadjoiningroom.IsatquietlyonacouchwhileVernonandSandygreetedpeople.Ididn’tthinkI’dseeElvisuntilhe’dfinishedvisitingwitheveryone,butafterafewminutesanaidemadehiswaythroughthecrowdedroom,leanedover,andtoldmethatElviswantedmewithhim.Onceagain,Ifeltathrillatbeingsingledout.
AsIfollowedtheaideinto
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theadjacentroom,IsawElvisseatedandindeepconversationwiththesingerGlenCampbellandhiswife,Sarah.
AfterbeingintroducedtoGlenandSarah,theycontinuedtheconversationthey’dbeenhavingaboutthescienceofnumbersandvariousothertopics.IlistenedcarefullyandwasabletoreflectonwhatElvishaddiscussedwithmeoverthe
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lastfewnights.Iwasactuallysurprisedthatwhatwasbrand-newtomeseemedtoalreadybesomethingofrealinteresttoanotherpersonintheentertainmentfield.
Thinkingandtalkingaboutthesealternativebeliefsdidn’tfeelthreateningtome.Elviswasjustdeeplycuriousaboutlifeingeneral,andwonderingwhyhisownlifehadturnedoutthewayithad.SpendingtimewithElvisoftenfeltlike
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takingaphilosophycourse,makingmeopenupandconsidernewideas.
Despitemyinterestintheconversation,atonepointmythoughtsmomentarilydriftedtothepeoplewaitingtoseeElvisinthenextroom.He’dbeentalkingwithGlenforquiteawhile.Iwonderedifanyoftheotherpeoplewouldgettiredofwaitingandleave.
WhenElvisandGlenfinishedvisitingandwe
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steppedintotheouterroomagain,however,itwasstillcrowded.Elvistooktimetogreetallofthosewaitingforhim—hewasgenerousthatway—andthenwefinallyreturnedtothesuite,whereatlastIgotachancetotellElvishowmuchIhadenjoyedhisshow.
ElvisorderedroomservicewhilehisfatherandSandycameintovisit.Vernongaveacurt,candidappraisalofthe
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show.Iwouldlaterfeelthat,whenitcametohisperformances,Elvisseemedtovaluehisfather’sjudgmentabovethatofalltheothermenaroundhim.
Atonepoint,ElvismentionedtoVernon,“Youknow,Daddy,Lisa’scomin’in.”AsVernonsmiled,Elvisproudlyadded,“And,Ginger,Iwantyoutomeether.”
“I’dloveto,”Isaid,lookingforwardtoit.
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OnceVernonandSandyhadgone,anaideappeared,laidatowelonthebed,andplacedatinfoilpanfulloflasagnainfrontofElvis.Itwasalargeamount,notportionedout.IwonderedifhewasintendingtoeatthewholethingasElvissprinkleditwithsalt.
EdParkerandafewothermembersofElvis’sentouragecameandwent.Asthemenweretalking,Isatquietlyand
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noticedElvissaltthelasagnaagain.Caughtupinvisiting,hedidn’ttakeabite,butendedupsaltingthefoodseveralmoretimes.
Whenhefinallytookabitoflasagna,ofcourseitwascold.Elvissentitbacktobereheated.Whenthefoodwasbroughtback,IknewithadtobeextremelysaltyandworriedabouthowthatmightaffectElvis’shealth.Luckily,hedidn’teatmuchofit.
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•••
Lateintothenight,wewerefinallyalone.AsElvispickedoutabooktoreadandwesettledbackagainsttheheadboardofhisbed,heasked,“DoyouknowwhataFerrarilookslike?”
“No,I’mnotexactlysure,”Iadmitted,thinkinghemustnotremembertellingmeabouthisBlackMamba.
“Ifyouweremeandyou
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weregoingtobuyanewcar,whatkindwouldyouget?”heasked.
Iwasflatteredhewantedmyopinion,buthadnoideawhatkindofcarhemightliketodriveanddidn’tdareguess.“Well,itdependswhatyouwant,”Ihedged.
Heponderedthisthoughtforafewseconds,thensaid,“Idon’tknow.Ineedyourhelp.”
Itookadeepbreath,
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considering.“ACadillacorContinentalwouldbenice,”Iventured.
“Whatcolor?”heaskedatonce.
“Blueorwhitewouldbepretty,”Isaid.
Ahintofasmilepassedoverhisface.“Thanks,Ginger.I’vejustbeenthinkingaboutgettinganewcarlately.”Thenwewentbacktoreading.
Icontinuedtobe
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impressedbyElvis’szealousspiritualappetite.Despitethelongdayandtheenergyhe’dexpendedonstage,followedbytalkingwithpeopleforhours,Elviswasstillonaspiritualhigh.Hegotenergizedasheread.Wheneverhecameacrossanewideaorhadafreshthoughtaboutsomethingwe’dfoundinabook,hewoulddiscusshisthoughtsandideaswithmeevenatthe
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expenseofgoingtosleepatanormalhour.
“Aren’tyoutired?”Iaskedatonepoint.
Heshookhishead.“It’smuchbettertothinkatnight,whentheairisstillandothersaresleeping,”hesaid.“Mostwritersandgeniusesworkbestatnight.”
Ididn’tknowanywritersorgeniuses,butthiscertainlyseemedtobetrueforthemanIwasstartingtohavestrong
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feelingsfor,soIcontinuedtoreadwithhim.
Asdawnapproached,anaidebroughtinayellowpacketandplaceditonthenighttable.Thesepacketswereroutine,Irealized,deliveredinthesamecasualmannerasthejugofwateratElvis’sbedside.Heplacedacottonballinsideeachearagain,tookthepacketofmedication,andwenttosleep.
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Ifellasleepbesidehim.Afewhourslater,Ifeltmovement.Elviswasawake.“Who’sonduty?”heasked.“Canyoucallwhoeveritisforme?”
IcouldtellbyhisvoiceandthewayhewasmovingthatElviswasstillgroggyfromwhateversleepmedicationhe’dtaken.Iquicklylookedathisemployeecontactlistsheetandcalledtheroomnumber
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ofthepersononduty.Anaideentered,assisted
Elvistothebathroomandbackashewasalittleunstableonhisfeet,thenleft.Thiswasunsettlingformetowitness,yettheaidehadtreateditascompletelynormal.
Elviswentbacktosleepalmostimmediately,butIlayawake,wonderinghowlonghe’dbeentakingthismedicationandwhyhe
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neededit.Becauseitwasdeliveredinlittleyellowpackets,Ihadnoideawhathewastaking,butitseemedquitestrong.
Ithought,too,aboutElvis’spaddedbedroomdoorsandcoveredwindowsatGraceland.Ifeltasharppangofsympathyforhim.Elvisseemedtohaveeverything,excepttheabilitytodowhatmostofustakeforgranted:justclosehiseyes
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andpeacefullyfallasleep.
•••
Elviswantedmebyhissidenearlyeveryminute.Iwashisprimaryfocus,andhewasmine.Still,IoftenfeltlikeI’dbeentransportedtoaforeigncountrywhereIhadyettounderstandthelanguageorcustoms.
Gettingtoknowtheaveragepersonisonething,
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buttryingtounderstandElvis,hisjob,andthemanydifferentpeoplewhosurroundedandsupportedhimwasasteeplearningcurve.ThebestanalogyIcancomeupwithisthatElvisatworkwaslikeachampionathletecompetinginaneventeachday,withtrainers,doctors,andstaffkeepinghiminperformance-readyshape.
Iwouldoftenfeeltired
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fromnotgettingafull“night”ofsleep,butgraduallyIwasstartingtoadjusttohisscheduleandtobeingsurroundedbyotherpeople.MostofthepeopleworkingforElviswerefriendlytome,butalittledistant.Theyweredoingtheirjobsratherthanjustvisiting.
ItwasnowFriday,December3,andIdiscoveredthatElviswouldhavetwoshowsonweekends:oneat9
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P.M.andtheotherat1A.M.Itsaidsomethingabouthisstamina,Ithought,thathehadtheenergytodoboth.
Wewokearoundfourintheafternoon,asusual,andateinthelivingroomwhilemembersofhisentouragevisitedoffandon.Alittlewhilelater,ElviswasinhisbathroomandIwassittingonthebedwhenthephoneonthenighttablerang.Iwaitedtoseeifanyonemightanswer
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itfromanouterroom,buttheringingcontinued.
Finally,Ipickedupthereceiver.“Hello?”
“IsElvisthere?”awomanasked.
“Yes,buthe’sbusyrightnow,”Isaid.
Thewomantheninquired,“IsthisGinger?”
“Yes,”Ireplied,mycuriosityaroused.“Whoisthis?”
“ThisisLindaThompson.
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DoyoumindifIwait?”Iwasshocked.Linda
Thompson?Whywasshecallinghimnow?Andhowdidsheknowmyname?
“No,it’sfine,”Isaid,andputdownthereceiver.
Dr.Ghanemwalkedintotheroomjustthen,andItoldhimLindawasonthephone.Hewenttothebathroomdoor,knockedonit,andsteppedinside.
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Elvisemergedfromhisbathroom,lookingnonetoopleased.Feelingillatease,Ileftthebedroomtogivehimsomeprivacyandwalkedintothenow-emptylivingroom,mythoughtswhirling.IbegantowonderifElvishadseenLindarecently.Ihopednot;Ididn’twanttobeinthemiddleofanything.
Dr.GhanemwalkedoutandElviscalledmynamefromthebedroom.WhenI
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entered,helookedbotheredandsaid,“Sorryaboutthatcall,”thenaskedmetositbesidehimonthebed.“Lindaandme...thatrelationship’sbeenover,youunderstand?We’refriends,”hesaid.
Inrecentyears,I’dseensomemagazineswithphotosofElviswithvariouswomenandaccompanyingstoriesthathewasdatingthem,soIthoughthewasbeinghonestandhadn’tgoneoutwith
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Lindainawhile.Ifhehad,maybeitwasjustasfriends.Still,Icouldn’thelpbutrememberLinda’spicturesinhisbedroomatGraceland.
“Okay,”Isaid,butmyguardwasup.
Elvismusthavereadtheclosedexpressiononmyface.“Youknow,mybodyguard,Sam,isLinda’sbrother,”hesaid.“Idon’twantyoutofeeluncomfortablewiththat,okay?”
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Ihadn’tknown.ButthatexplainedhowLindaknewmyname.OutwardlyIagreed,butIknewthiswouldbeawkward,notonlyformebutforSam.Acceptingthesituationwouldbemoreeasilysaidthandone.
•••
Showtimewasnearlyhere.ThebedroomwasabuzzwithmembersofElvis’sstaff
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helpinghimprepare.Oncehewasdressed,hesawmewatchinghimuseeyedrops.“Theyhelpkeeptheglaredownfromthestagelights,”heexplained.
IsatwithVernonandSandytowatchhisfirstshow,unabletofullyenjoymyselfbecauseIwasstillfeelingemotionallyunsettledbyLinda’scall.WhenElvissangasongcalled“TryingtoGettoYou,”Ifocusedonthe
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lyrics,onelineinparticular:“Thereweremanymilesbetweenus,Butitdidn’tmeanathing.”Inaway,Ithought,thatsongrelatedtothetwoofus,withthemilesbeingouragedifferenceofnearlytwenty-twoyears.Weweretryingtogettoknoweachother,ElvisandI,andouragedifference“didn’tmeanathing.”Irelaxedandlistenedtohimsingthissong,whichquicklybecameoneof
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myfavorites.Betweenthehotstage
lightsandhisjumpsuit,Elvisperspiredalotwhenperforming.Duringthisshow,thesweatconstantlydrippingfromhisbrowirritatedhiseyes.Afterward,hequicklyvisitedwithafewpeoplebackstageandthenhurriedtooursuite,wherehelayonthebed.
“Willyouhelpme,Ginger?”heasked.He
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wantedmetodampenawashclothsohecouldplaceitoverhiseyes.
Ididso,sittingbesidehimandgentlylayingthewashclothacrosshisbrow.Iwashappytofeelneededandusefuleveninthissmallway.Fromthenon,aftersomeperformances,wehadaritualofmesittingonthebedandputtingawarm,wetwashclothoverhiseyestogivehimcomfort.
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Elvisrestedforawhile,thenatesomethingbeforereturningdownstairsforthesecondshow.
WhenElvis’sperformanceended,Iwasescortedbackstage,butinsteadofgoingtohisdressingroom,Elvisaskedmetofollowhim.Idid—mycuriosityonfire—alongwithafewpeoplefromhisentourage.
WefollowedElvisoutofoneofthehotel’sbackdoors.
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There,gleamingbeneathnearbylights,wasabrand-newwhiteLincolnContinentalMarkVwithwhiteleatherseatsandaburgundydashboard.Elviswalkedtowardthecarandeveryonegatheredaroundit.
Iwasstillconfusedaboutwhythiscarwashereorwhatweweredoing.ThenElvislookedatmeandnonchalantlysaid,“It’syours,Ginger.”
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TosayIwasoverwhelmeddoesn’tevenbegintodescribetheenormityofmyemotionalreaction.Ihadneverevenownedacarbefore,andnowIhadaLincolnMarkV?
IhuggedElvishard,myheartbrimmingwithgratitudeasIsuddenlyrealizedthatourconversationthenightbeforehadabsolutelynothingtodowithhimwantingtobuyacarforhimself.
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“Thereweren’tanywhiteLincolnContinentalsinLasVegas,”Elvistoldmeproudly,“sowelocatedoneinCaliforniaandhaditdriventous.”
Stunned,speechless,awed:Thereweren’tenoughwordsintheworldtotellElvishowIfelt.AllIcouldsaywas,“Thankyou.”
Iwasexcitedtotest-drivemynewcar,butElvisturnedtogobackinside.Ididn’t
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knowLasVegas,understoodhemustbetired,andwasokaywithfollowinghimbackuptothepenthouse.Iwasstillreelingwithexcitement.
Oncewewerebackinthesuiteandseatedinbed,Elvisaskedme,“Haveyoueverbeenmarriedbefore?”
“No,”Isaid,alittlesurprisedbyhisquestion.
“Wereyouseeinganyonebeforewemet?”hepressed.
Ianswered,“Yes,”
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momentarilythinkingaboutLinda’sphonecall.Iwonderedifthatwaswhathadpromptedthisconversation.
Elvisthoughtaboutthisforafewmoments,thensaid,“Well,Iwouldlikeitifyouwouldn’tseeanyoneelse.”
Hewasseriouslyaskingforacommitment!
“Iwon’t,”Isaid,certainthatElvismeanthewouldn’tseeanyoneelse,either.
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Itfeltgoodknowingthatwewerenowtakingthistoadifferentlevel.
Elvissurprisedmeagainbypickingupthephonereceiverandhandingittome.“Iwantyoutocallwhoeveryou’vebeenseeingandendyourrelationshipwithhim.”
IknewtheobjectofmyaffectionnowwasElvis,butthisputmeinanawkwardposition.AlthoughIhadspokentoLarryaboutElvis,
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hehadstillheldouthopethatwe’dgetbacktogether,andIknewfinalizingourbreakupoverthephonewouldhurthim.ThiswouldbeinsensitiveandIdidn’twanttohurtsomeonewhohadbeennothingbutnicetome.IowedittoLarrytodothisinperson.
“Elvis,Ican’tdothatrightnow,”Isaid.
Istartedtoexplainthiswhensuddenly,Elvis’smood
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changed.Forthefirsttime,Isawthathehadahair-triggertemperasElvispickedupafullbottleofGatoradefromhisnighttableandstormedoutofhisbedroomandintothemiddleofthesuite.
Ifollowedhim,completelystunned,intohisroadmanager’sroom.InfrontofJoeandhisgirlfriend,ElvistooktheGatoradecontainerandthrewitagainstthewall.Itscontentssplashed
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allover.Shockedandembarrassed,
Iagaintriedtoexplainmyfeelings.Noneofthismadeanysense!Ihadnevermeanttoangerhim.
Joeandhisgirlfrienddidn’thaveaclueaboutwhatwasgoingon.Iwasn’tsure,either.
Irealizedforthefirsttime,thatifElvisandIcontinuedourrelationship,itwouldmostlikelybeplayedoutin
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frontofhisentourageand,attimes,inthepubliceye.Iwasalsogoingtohavetocometotermswiththefactthatothersmightspeculateaboutme,andaboutmyrelationshipwithElvis,withoutfullyunderstandingwhatwasgoingonwithusinprivate.CouldIlivewiththat?
Ihadto,ifIwantedtobewithElvis.
JoesaidafewwordstoElvisand,betweenthetwoof
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us,wemanagedtocalmElvisdownafterafewminutes.IfollowedElvisbackintothemasterbedroom,whereheshutthedoorandremainedsilentashegotintobed.Itentativelysatdownbesidehim,wonderingwhyhe’dgottensoangry.Hadthisbeenabigmisunderstanding?Hadhemisinterpretedmesaying,“Ican’tdothisrightnow,”tomeanIwasn’tgoingtocommittohim?Wasit
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simplybecauseIhadn’tdonewhathewantedwhenheasked?
IttroubledmethatElvishadflownoffthehandlelikethatandIwasstillreelingalittlewithembarrassment.Asoddasthissounds,italsomademefeelgoodtothinkthatElviswasreallythatseriousaboutus.ButhowcouldIbesure?
WhatElvisdidnextmademebelievehefeltasdeeply
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aboutmeasIdidabouthim.Withoutsayingaword,Elvissuddenlyleanedinandkissedmeonthemouth,butnotalightkisslikebefore.Thenheslowlybeganremovingmybathrobe.
Ifeltchillsashetouchedme.Wasthisit?Werewefinallygoingtomakelove?Iwasarousedbutanxious,barelyabletobreathe.
Ihadbeenafraidoflettinggoofmyfeelings,terrifiedof
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beinghurtbysleepingwithElvisandthenhavehimmoveontosomeoneelse,butatthismoment,Iwantedtomakelovewithhim.Istayedcompletelystill,lettingElvisopenmyrobeandbegintouchingme.
“Idon’tbelievepeopleshouldbecompletelyundresseduntilthey’remarried,”Elvissaidsoftly,kissingmeagain.
Then,stillpartiallydressed
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inoursleepwear,ElvisandImadeloveforthefirsttime.Thiscrazytensionandourheightenedemotionsmadeourintimacyallthemoreintense.Elvis’slipsweresoftandhiskisseswerefilledwithpassion.Hewasgentle,yetIfelthisdeterminationtoprovethatheshouldbetheonlymaninmylife.
Hesucceeded.Iwasexperiencingemotionsandphysicalsensationsthatwere
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completelyoutofcontrol,and,inkeepingwithElvis’sTCBmotto,itwasallhappeninglightningfast.
Therewasnodoubtaboutit.IwasfallinginlovewithElvis.
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CHAPTER8
MakinglovewithElvishelpedforgeanevendeeperemotionalbondbetweenus.IfeltlikeIwascompletelyhis,ineverywaypossible.Inolongerhadanycontrolovermyfeelingsforhim.Inourbrieftimetogether,Elvishad
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alreadyturnedmysleepingandeatingpatternsupsidedown,andalmosteverythingelseinmylifeaswell.Nowthingswererapidlymovingbeyondanynormalframeofreferenceforme,andallmyintuitiveguidepostswerefallingbythewayside.Thenewnormalformewasthattherewasnonormal.
Theverynextafternoon,ElvisandIeagerlyawaitedhisdaughter’sarrival.Now
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eightyearsold,LisahadbeenlivinginLosAngeleswithhermothersinceherparentsdivorcedin1973.Havingthetwoofusmeet,Ifelt,wasonemorewayforElvistobringmeintohislife.
IwassittingbesideElvisonthesofainthelivingroomwhenthedoortothesuiteopenedandapetiteblond-hairedgirlcamein,followedbyananny.Lisa’sresemblancetoElviswas
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uncanny.ElvisandIstoodupas
Lisarantowardhimandtheyhugged.Heintroducedmetoherandwesatbackdown.Lisawasseatedbetweenus,butsheremainedcompletelyfocusedonherdad.Itwasclearthatsheadoredhim.Atonepoint,Lisaaccidentallyrestedherhandonmykneeandglancedmyway,butwasquicktoturnherattentionbacktoherfather.
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IenjoyedwatchingElviswithher.HisfacereallylituparoundLisa,andIsensedhewasacaring,prouddad.Atonepoint,ElvislookedatmeoverLisa’sheadandsaid,“WhenLisawasborn,Iheardmymother’svoicesay,‘She’sbeautiful,son.’”
IlovedchildrenaswellandhadbeenanauntsinceIwastenyearsold,soIwashappytohaveLisawithus.
WhenitwastimeforElvis
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toprepareforhisfirstshow,LisaandhernannywentofftoherroomandIleftformybathroomtogetready.Inthemiddleofapplyingmymakeup,IlookedinthemirrorandwasstartledtoseeLisa’sreflection.Shehadbeenstandingbehindmeandsilentlywatching.
“Hi,”Isaid,andturnedaroundtosmileather.
“Hi,”Lisasaid,thensatdownandbegantryingon
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someofmyshoes.Ididn’tmind.Iwasglad
thatsheseemedtobesocomfortablewithme.Thenshesurprisedmeagain.
“IthoughtyouwereLinda,”Lisasaid,glancingupatme.
Itwasaninnocentremarkonherpart,yetIwassuddenlyawarethatLisamayhavegottenclosetosomeofElvis’sformergirlfriends.IwasanewfaceinLisa’slife,
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andwebothneededtimetogetusedtoeachother.
“Well,I’mnotLinda,”Isaidgently,andwentbacktothebusinessofputtingonmymakeup,chattingwithherabitasshecontinuedplaying.
•••
ImaynothavegottenatourofglitteringLasVegasyet,butthatdidn’tstopElvisfrombringingmoresparkletome.
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DisregardingwhatI’dtoldhimaboutnotreallybeingajewelryperson,hesurprisedmewithabeautifuldiamondandemeraldnecklacebeforehisnextshow.Thatwasfollowedshortlybythegiftofanotherdiamondnecklaceandadiamondwatch.WhenItoldhim,“Thisisreallytoomuch,”heshookhishead.
“Peoplelovetoseebeautifulthingswhentheywakeup,”hesaid.
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IfeltthiswasaninsightintoElvis’sthinking.Hesawhimselfassomeonewhowasinapositiontoenhanceotherpeople’slivesbybringingbeautyintoit,becausehethoughtthatwouldmakethemhappy.Hewasnotonlyagenerousmanbuthehadafundamentallygenerousandkindspirit;hewantedtomakelifebetterforthosehetouchedinallwaysthathecouldboththroughmusicand
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inhiseverydaylife.Hewasagiverinthemostdecentway,notataker,andthiswasoneofthethingsthatdrewmetohim.
Elviswantedmetowearallofmyjewelryatthesametimeforhisshows.AlthoughIdidfeelregal,Ialsofeltoverdressed.Iwasn’tusedtothis.IremindedmyselfthatIwaswithElvis,andneededtodressinawaythatcomplementedhisstyle.
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Intheshowroom,LisasatwithVernon,Sandy,andme.ElviscameonstagedressedinabeautifulIncaGoldLeafjumpsuit,andIwonderedwhatwasgoingthroughLisa’syoungmindasshelistenedtoherfathersing.Shemustbesoproud,Ithought.
Fansyelledoutvariousrequestsduringthatshow,astheysooftendid,andElvisdidhisbesttogivethemwhat
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theywanted.Elvis’saudiencemayhave
beguntoage,buttheywantedhimtoremaintimelessandperformthemovesthathadmadethemfallinlovewithhim.Asashowman,hewasaperfectionistwithakeenear.Anytimeheheardthesmallestthingthatdidn’tsoundquiteright—feedbackfromamicrophone,astrangenoise,anoffnote—Elviswouldstop,apologizetohis
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audience,andusuallystartover.
Thatnight,ElvisintroducedLisaandhisdadtotheaudience,promptingalargestagelighttosweepacrosstheroomandsettleonthetwoofthem.Smiling,LisastoodupandVernonwaved.
ThesingersRoyOrbisonandEngelbertHumperdinckwerethere,andElvisacknowledgedtheirpresence
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aswell.Hewasinajovialmood,jokingwithhisbandandtryingonvarioushatshandedtohimbymembersoftheaudience.Isatinwonder,struckbywhatacharismaticperformerhewas.Onemoment,Elviswouldbedeliveringanelectricmusicalperformance.Thenext,hewasplayfulandflip,usinghumortoseguefromonesongtoanother.
Charlie,alwaysreadywith
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lyricsheets,handedonetoElvisbeforehesang“BridgeoverTroubledWater”thatnight.Itwasalengthysong,butElvisonlyreadalineortwoandthendiscardedthesheets,givingmethesensethathereallyknewthesong,butwantedtomakesurehedidn’triskmissingasingleword.
Backinthedressingroomaftertheshow,IsatonthecouchnearLisa,Vernon,and
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Sandy,quietlywatchingpeoplemingle.RoyOrbisonandhiswife,Barbara,enteredtheroom.IwasthrilledtoseeRoy,sinceI’dbeenafanofhismusic.Hewaseasytospot,dressedinallblack,withpaleskinandhistrademarksunglasses.
Bythen,Elvishadfinishedchangingoutofhisjumpsuit.Heenteredtheroom,greetedhisdaughter,dad,andafewothers.Thenhesatdown
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besideme,andtheOrbisonscameovertositacrossfromusandtalk.TheroomwassonoisythatElvishadtoleanforwardtohearthem.Icontinuedtositquietlybesidehimandwatcheveryone.
Suddenly,Elvislookedoverhisshoulderatme.“Wouldyouputyourhandonmybackandcalmmedown?”heasked.
Ihesitatedamoment.Myfamilywasclose,butwe
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rarelydisplayedanypublicaffection.EventhoughElvisandIhadbeenintimate,Ifeltshyaboutcasuallymassaginghisbackinpublic,letaloneinfrontofacelebritylikeRoyOrbison.
Ilightlyplacedmyhandonhisbackandgentlybegantorubit.
Elvislookedoverhisshoulderatmeagainandsmiled.Iwasgladthatthetouchofmyhanddidseemto
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calmhim.Iwantedtopleasehimandseeingthatsmallgestureslikethisdid,washelpingmelearntobemoreopenlyaffectionateinpublic.
AftertheOrbisonsleft,IcaughtaglimpseofhowtrulyappreciativeElviswasofhisfans.Hegreetedthreeladieswho’dbeenwaitingtopresenthimwithhandmadefiguresofthethreewisemen.Eachfigurewasbeautifullycrafted,andElvisspokewith
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theladiesforawhile,admiringthedetailandworkmanshipthathadgoneintomakingthem.ThesegiftswouldbebroughtuptothesuiteandeventuallytakenbacktoGraceland.
Whenhissecondshowwasoverandwewerefinallyaloneinthesuite,Elviswasservedalatemeal.Ashegrabbedthesaltshakerandbegansprinklingitoverhisfood,onceagainIthought
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thiscouldn’tbehealthy.Thiswasconfirmedwhen,shortlyafterfinishinghismeal,hehelduphislefthand.“Ican’tbelievehowbloatedIget,”hesaidwithadiscouragedlook.Hethentriedbendinghisfingerstoshowmehowswollentheywerefromfluidretention.
“ThedoctorshavemetakewaterpillsbeforeIgoonstage,”hecontinued,soundingaggravated,
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explainingthatthepillsweremeanttohelpremovefluidfromhissystem.“Ihatetodothis,becausethosepillsmakemefeelweakandzapsomeofmystrength.”
Ourrelationshipwasstillsonewthatitwasdifficultformetofeelcomfortabletellinghimwhatheshouldorshouldn’teat.“Iheardtoomuchsaltcancausefluidretention,”Itoldhimandleftitatthat,hopingthatover
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timeImightbeabletoguidehimtotakeahealthierapproachtofood.
•••
Wewenttobedarounddawn,asweusuallydid.ThenextafternoonIwokeupearlyandwalkedoutontotherooftopterracetoadmiretheview.
Istoodoutsideforafewminutes,feelinglikeatourist,amazedbythesheerfactthat
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Iwashererightnow,experiencingsomanynewthingswithElvis.JustasIwasfinallyturningtogobackinside,IwasstartledtoseeLisastartingtoclimbontoaledgebehindme.Shemusthaveenteredthesuiteandfollowedmeoutside.
“Lisa,don’tdothat,”IsaidascalmlyasIcould.AsIwalkedherbackinside,Igentlyexplainedhowdangerousitcouldhavebeen
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forhertoclimbonthatledge.Icouldn’tevenimaginewhatElviswoulddoifsomethinghappenedtohisonlydaughter.
Lisascamperedofftoherroom.Ireturnedtothebedroomand,seeingElvisstillasleep,decidedtokeeptheincidentfromhim.Hehadenoughconcernsatthetime.Lisawasokayand,afterourtalk,Iwassureshewouldn’tdoitagain.
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Laterthatafternoon,astout,baldingmanwithalargecigarclenchedbetweenhisteethenteredoursuite.Elvisintroducedhimtomeashismanager,ColonelTomParker.ElvistoldmethattheyneededtotalksomebusinessandaskedifI’dmindleavingtheroom.
Otherthanacasualhello,Iwouldn’tseeorspeakmuchwithColonelParkerinLasVegas.Heneverstayedlong
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whenhecametothesuite,andheandElvisalwaysmetinprivatetodiscussbusiness.
•••
Thatevening,Elvisinjuredhisankle.Iwasinmybathroomwhenithappened,buthelatertoldmehehadsteppedofftheplatforminthebedroomandtwistedit.Toeasethepainandprotectit,hehadhisanklewrapped.
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Hetoldhisaudienceaboutitthatnightduringtheshow.
Hechattedaboutafewotherthingsonstageaswell,includinghisbirthday,numerology,andthesignificanceofblackdiamonds.“Theydon’tshine,”hesaidofthediamonds.“Theydon’tdonothin’.They’rejustthere...they’relikeCharlie,”hejoked.
Uncomfortable,andnot
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wantingtoinjurehisanklefurther,hesometimessatonastoolwhileperforming,butstillputhisbesteffortintoputtingonagoodshow.
Inthesuiteafterward,Elvisbeganexperiencingpaininhisupperlegaswell.Hetoldmehethoughthehadapinchednerveandfeltthathemighthavepulledahamstringmuscleduringapreviousshow.
Myheartwentouttohim.
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ElviscalledforDr.GhanemandLarryGeller.IcouldunderstandwhyElviswantedtoseehisdoctor,butIwasmystifiedaboutwhyhe’drequestedhishairdresser.
Whenthetwomenappeared,ElvisputLarrytousebyhavinghimmassagehisleg.Dr.GhanemadministeredashotofcortisoneintotheinjuredmusclesothatElviswouldbeabletoperform.
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Whenwewerealoneagain,Elvisstartedtalkingaboutthedrydesertair.Hehadalreadymentioneditduringafewshowsandwasworriedaboutgettingasorethroat.“Idon’tseehowsomesingerscanactuallyliveandperformfull-timeinLasVegas,”hesaid.“It’sessentialtoalwaysprotectthevoice.That’swhyIdon’tusuallytalkloud.Youshouldnevershoutortalkloudover
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atelevisionsoyoucanpreserveyourvocalcordsaswell.”
Elvisdeeplyappreciatedthevocaltalentofotherperformers,especiallythebeautifulvoicesofhisbackupsingers,SherrillNielsenandKathyWestmoreland.Thatnight,suddenlyinthemoodtovisitwithoneofthem,hecalledSherrillandaskedhimtocometoourroom.
ElvisteasedSherrill
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onstagebuttrulyadmiredhim,tellingme,“Hisvoiceneverseemstofalterorcrack.”IcouldappreciatewhatElvismeant.Sherrillreallydidshineasheplayedguitarandsangforuswhilewesatinbed.
Elvisalsoenjoyedhavingconversationswithhisbasssinger,J.D.Sumner.HeinvitedJ.D.toourroomoccasionally,andaskedhimtohitsomeofhisfamouslow
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notesforme.Thesespecialmoments
wouldcontinueonfuturetourswithElvis,andItreasuredthemall.Theywerelikehavingminiconcertsrightintheprivacyofourownbedroom.
Beforegoingtosleepthatmorning,IlearnedthatElvissometimeslikedtobecoddled.Heaskedmetowetapairofcottonballsinmymouthandplaceoneinside
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eachofhisears.SeeingthisasalittleboysidetoElvis,Ididn’tminddoingit.ThisbecameoneofthesmallthingsIwashappytodoforhim,likerubbinghisbackorsoothinghiseyeswithawashcloth.
ThisLasVegasengagementwaslettingmegettoknowtwodifferentmen.ThefirstwasElvistheentertainer,whogavemearareinsidelookattheintense
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natureofhispreparationforshows,hisjoyandstrainduringperformances,andwhatittookforhimtowinddownandsleepafterbeingonstageinfrontofsomanyadoringfans.
TheothermanwastheprivateElvis,withhislove,passions,concerns,hurts,likes,anddislikes.HewasveryobservantandhadsomepetpeevesthatIneverwouldhaveguessed.Hewouldget
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annoyed,forinstance,ifapersondidn’tlookdirectlyathimwhilehewastalking.ItalsobotheredElviswheneverhenoticedsomeoneyawningwhilehewasspeaking.“It’sthesignofashortattentionspan,”hetoldme.
Afterthat,wheneverIwastiredfromtryingtokeepupwithhisschedule,ImadesuretostiflemyyawnswheneverIwasaroundhim.
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•••
Elvishadgivenmealittlespendingmoney.WhileLisawasvisiting,IaskedifIcouldtakehershopping,sinceIhadn’treallyhadachancetobealonewithher,andhesaidyes.
Wakingearly,IgotLisaandtookherdownstairs.Shehadshownagenuinefondnessforshoesandlater,ifminewentmissing,Iwould
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findherwearingthem.Idecidedashoestorewouldbeatreatforher.
Weenteredashoestoreinthehoteland,inthemidstofmetryingonapairofpumps,IlookedoverandsawLisaseatedonthefloor.Shewassurroundedbyshoesshehadremovedfromvariousdisplayracks.
AsLisabegantryingsomeofthemon,Iwalkedovertoher.“Lisa,theseareladies’
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shoesandtoobigforyou,”Isaid.
Shelookedupatmeandsaid,“That’sokay.I’llgrowintothem.”
Ihadtolaugh,becauseshewasright.
Wecontinuedon,visitingotherstoresinthehotel.Acouplepassingbystoppedusatonepoint.“IsthatElvis’sdaughter?”theyasked.
“Yes,”Isaid,startled.AlthoughLisaresembledher
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dad,ithadn’tevenenteredmymindthatsomeonecouldpossiblyrecognizeher,especiallyifshewaswithme.IhadunderestimatedthekeeninterestofElvis’sfans.
WeranintothepilotMilosoonafterthat,andhekindlyofferedtodriveLisaandmeinmyContinentaltodosomeshoppingoutsidethehotel.IknewourtimewaslimitedbeforeElviswoke,butIthoughtitwouldbefuntogo
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aroundLasVegasforthefirsttime,especiallyinmynewcar.
LisaandImadeourwaytotheHiltonentranceandinafewminutes,MilopulledupintheContinental.Lisaclimbedintothemiddleofthefrontseat.Igotinbesideherandshutthedoor,stillindisbeliefthatthisgorgeouscarwasactuallymine!
MilodroveustotheMGMGrandHotelandwaitedwhile
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LisaandIbrowsedinside.Carefullykeepingtrackoftime,IendedourshoppingatastorethathadlargebarrelsofcandyandletLisafillsmallbagswithsomegoodies.
ItwasnicespendingtimewithLisa.Shewasasweetlittlegirl,closetomyniece’sage,andIhopedwewouldbecomefriends.
UponourreturntotheHilton,Elviswasawakeand,
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muchtomysurprise,displeasedthatwe’dgoneout.Hedidn’trecalltellingmethatIcouldtakeLisa.“Youshouldneverhavegoneoutwithoutabodyguard,”hereprimanded.
Iwasalittlehurt.IexplainedthatIwouldneverhavetakenherwithouthispermission.ThisnewworldI’denteredintowassomethingIdefinitelywasn’tusedtonavigating.
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Sensingmyfeelings,Elvisdelicatelyrepeated,“Justnexttime,makesureyoutakeabodyguard.”
ItdawnedonmethenthatoneofthedailyfearsElvislivedwithwasthatsomeonemightkidnaphisdaughter.“Iwill,”Isaid.
LisavisitedoffandoninthesuiteasoftenasshecouldinbetweenElvis’sschedule.Shestayedonlyafewmoredays,butwhensheflewback
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toLosAngeles,IwassurealargepieceofElvis’sheartwentrightalongwithher.
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CHAPTER9
Elvislikedhavingmewithhimanytimehewasn’tperformingordiscussingbusiness.Thisfact,alongwithmyshynature,meantthatotherthanacasualhello,Ididn’ttalkmuchwiththemanyotherpeoplewhowere
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alwaysswirlingaroundhim.Onoccasion,I’dseeafew
womenchattingtogetheroutinthelivingroomofElvis’ssuiteclosetoshowtime,buttheykepttheirdistance.Inpart,IthinkthiswasbecauseIwasidentifiedas“Elvis’sgirl,”butIwasalsoyoungerthanmostofthemandinclinedtokeeptomyself.I’msuretheotherwomenweretryingtofigureoutwhattomakeofme.
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Oneofthem,afriendlyHawaiianwhoaccompaniedCharlie,madeanefforttospeakwithme.IthoughtsheresembledElvis’sex-wife,Priscilla;othersmusthavethoughtthesamething,becauseonenightsomeonemistookthiswomanforPriscillaasIwasaccompanyingherfromtheshowroomtotheladies’room.Ithoughtthiswasironicbecauseafanhad
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mistakenmeforPriscilla,too,andthiswomanandIdidn’treallylookalike.
Overall,though,Iwasleftprettymuchonmyown.Iwasacutelyawareofhavingthisincredibleexperience,butwithnoonearoundwhoIreallykneworfeltcomfortableenoughtoshareitwith,Isometimeswishedoneofmyclosefriendswerewithme.Ihadcheckedinoncewithmyfamilyearlyon
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butitwasimpossibletodescribeoverthephonejustwhatIwasexperiencing.
Elvismanagedtoperformhisnextshowdespitestillexperiencingenoughpaininhislegthatheevenmentionedittotheaudiencewhilehewasonstage.Thepainwasdefinitelystartingtointerferewithhissinging;atonepoint,heaskedacoupleofhisbackupsingerstoperformwithouthimsohe
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couldrest.Backinsidethepenthouse
thatnight,hesummonedLarryandCharlietoourbedroom.Whentheyarrived,ElvistoldmehewantedLarrytoperforma“healing”onhisleg.
Ihadnoideawhatthismeant,butfromthatmomenton,Iwassoonplungedintotheliteratureandpracticeofbothpsychichealingandself-healing.LarryandElviswere
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firmbelieversinthis.Iwasopen-minded,butmyonlyexperiencehadbeenwithtraditionalmedicine.However,beingwithElvis,Iwouldsoonwitnesssomethingshappenaroundhim,andstartwonderingifperhapshewasright,andthatmaybeGoddidinstillinustheabilitytohealourselves,ifwecouldconcentratehardenough.
Thatnight,asElvisand
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Larryexplainedhowpsychichealingworkedandwhattheywereabouttodo,IunderstoodwhyElvishadaskedforLarry’spresencethepreviousnight.AsLarryexplained,ifapersonwasinpainandconcentratedonahealingcolorintheareawherethepainwas,theyorotherscouldhelphealtheinjuredareaor,attheveryleast,makethepainsubside.
ElvisandLarrywentonto
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explainthecorrelationbetweencolorsandspiritualhealing.Greenwasthehealingcolor;yellow,theChristcolor;purple,theGodcolor;andsoon.Asbizarreasthisallsoundedtomethatnight,Iwascurioustoseewhatwouldhappennext.Sofar,withElvisalmostanythingseemedpossible.Whynotthis,too?
CharlieclosedthebedroomdoorandLarry
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beganlightingcandles,placingtheminvariousareasaroundus.Hethenturnedoffthelights.
Inthedimlylitroom,ElvislaydownonhisstomachacrossthebedwhileCharlieandIstoodtoonesideandwatched.Itwasexceptionallyquiet.ThenLarryaskedeachofustoimagineagoldenlightoverElvis’sleg,andtochannelallofourthoughtsandenergy
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intothatvisualization.IunderstoodthegoldencolortobeaChristcolor,butfigureditmustalsobeforhealing.IalsoguessedthatLarrywantedCharlieandmetobetherebecausethemoreenergythatwasfocusedonhealing,thebetteritmightwork.
AsLarrybegantoalternatelymassageorholdhishandoverthemuscleinthebackofElvis’sleg,I
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focusedintenselyonthatarea.Iwasn’tawareofhowmuchtimepassed,butwhetheritwasjusttheeffectofthecandlesoranactualphenomenon,IthoughtIsawasoftgoldenglowradiatefrombeneathLarry’shand.
WhenLarryhadfinished,heturnedthelightsbackonandblewoutthecandles.Elvisstoodup,tookatentativestepandsaidhislegfeltbetter.
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HadIjustwitnessedatruepsychichealing?Clearly,ElvisandLarrybelievedso.DidI?
Commonsensemademequestionthis.Yet,anotherpartofmehadalwaysbelievedinthepoweroffaith.IhadjustwitnessedElvishavepainandnowI’dheardhimsay,“Ifeelbetter.”
Asunbelievableasthisseemed,ifthismysticaltypeofhealinghadindeedgiven
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Elvissomerelief,that’swhatmatteredmosttome.
•••
AfterLarryandCharlieleft,Elvisbegantellingmeaboutabreathingtechniquehehadlearnedwhilestudyingmartialarts.Elvisbelievedthat,ifdonecorrectly,thistechniquewouldenableanindividualtomoveobjectswithouttouchingthem,using
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mentalenergyalone.“Showme,”Isaid.Elviswalkedovertoa
sectionofthebedroomcurtainsandplacedhispalmacoupleofinchesawayfromthem.Hetookafewdeepbreaths,focusedonhishand,andsaid,“Watch.”
Istaredatthecurtainsandtriedtokeepanopenmind.Suddenly,IthoughtInoticedahintofmovement.Iblinked.WasIreallyseeing
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thecurtainsmovebecauseofElvis,orwasittheresultofcirculatingair?
Elvisgavemealittlesmile.Hisknowingexpressionhelpedsupportmygrowingbeliefthat,withElvis,thingsI’doncethoughtwereimpossiblemightnotbesofar-fetchedafterall.
Alittlewhilelater,asElvisandIweretalking,hebeganquotingfromoneofhisbooks.Wehadgoneover
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themsooftenthatI’dmemorizedsomeofthelines.Now,whenheforgotpartofasentence,Iwasabletojumpinandfinishitforhim.Helikedthat,tellingmethatIwasaquicklearner,whichmademefeelgood.
Atonepoint,Isuddenlybegantofeelalittlequeasy.Elvisnoticedmydiscomfortandaskedmetoliebackonthebed.WhenIdid,heplacedhishandlightlyover
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myabdomenandhelditthere,askingmetofocusonthecolorgreensohecouldhealme.
Iforcedmyselftoliequietlyandconcentrateonthecolorgreen.Afterafewminutes,Elvissuddenlywhippedhishandhighintotheair,asifpullinganillnessrightoutofmybody.
Miraculously,Ifeltlessnauseous.CouldElvisreallyhealme?Andcouldheteach
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metohealmyself?Iwasabitshakenbythe
experience.Ifeltthat,inorderforthiskindofthingtowork,onehadtobelieveinit.MaybeIwasbecomingabeliever.Elvishad,onceagain,challengedmetoexperiencesomethingnew.
Asthenightwenton,theteacherinElviscontinuedtoemerge.Atonepoint,Iwasreadingtomyselfwithmyheadtiltedforwardoffmy
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pillow,andElvislookedoveratme.“Liftyourchinandsitupstraight,”hesuggested.“You’renotgettingenoughoxygen.”
Itookhisadviceandsatupinbed.
Later,Elvissaid,“Youshouldavoidwrinklingyourforeheadandyoushoulddrinklotsofwaterbecauseit’llhelppreventdarkcirclesunderyoureyes.”
FiguringthatElvisdidn’t
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wantmetolooklikeaneighty-year-oldraccoon,andalwaysopentobeautysuggestions,Iwasgladtofollowhisadvice.
•••
DespiteLarry’smassagesandministrations,Elvis’slegcontinuedtobotherhim.DuringhisDecember7show,hetalkedabouthispinchednerveandapologizedtothe
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audience,sayinghewoulddohisbesttogiveagoodperformance.
Laterintheshow,Elvisannouncedthathewantedtodosomethinghehadn’tdonebeforeandsingacoupleofspiritualsongsthatweren’tnormallyincludedinhissetlist.WithallofthereadingElvishadbeendoingonEasternreligions,IhadyettoaskhimhowhefeltaboutJesus,orwhathebelieved
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aboutGod.But,whenamemberoftheaudienceshoutedtoElvis,“You’retheking!”hisanswertoldmeagreatdeal.
“Thankyou,sir,”Elvissaid.“I’mfixin’tosingaboutHim.”Hewasmakingitclearthat,forhim,therewasonlyoneKing.
•••
Ihadn’tspokentomyfamily
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sincemyearliercall.Oncewereturnedtothesuiteafterthatparticularshow,Ifeltlikecheckinginwiththem.Icalledhomeandmymotheranswered.Shesoundedsleepy,andIfeltbad,realizingI’dforgottenaboutthetimedifference.Evenworse,mymothertoldmethatmygrandfather,AlonzoSpencer,hadbeentakenillafewdaysearlierinhisnursinghomeinArkansas.
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IlovedAlonzoandhadalwaysfeltclosetohim.Hewasmysolesurvivinggrandparent.Mymotherwasneveronetoworryothers,butIknewherwellenoughtodetectanuneasinessinhervoice.
AfterIhungup,Isatthere,staringatthephoneandworrying.DidIneedtogoseemygrandfather?Ifelttorn.Ididn’twanttoleaveElvis,butwhatifIdidn’tgo,
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andsomethinghappenedtoAlonzo?
IwentbacktothebedroomandtoldElvisaboutthephonecallandhowIwasfeeling.
“Didyourmothersayanythingthatalarmedyou?”heasked.
“No,notreally,”Isaid.“Ijustheardsomethinginhervoice.”
Elvisreassuredmethatmygrandfatherwouldbeall
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right,whichwascomforting,andsaidhewouldlikemetostay.Iknewhewasprobablyright—afterall,mymotherhadn’tsaidanythingaboutmeneedingtoseemygrandfather—soIagreed.
Meanwhile,ElvissaidhewasstillfeelingsomepaininhislegandwantedtoseeDr.Ghanem.InsteadofhavingthedoctorcometotheHilton,Elvisarrangedtogoseehimthistime.
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IfiguredheprobablywantedtogetoutforachangeandIaccompaniedhim.Oncewewereinthecar,however,myconcernaboutmygrandfather’shealthreturnedandgnawedawayatme.Imusthavebeenextraquiet,becauseElvisaskedwhatwasbotheringme.
“I’mthinkingaboutmygrandfather,”Isaid.
Elvisagaintriedtocalmmyworries.Whenwearrived
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atthephysician’soffice,Dr.GhanemofferedmeaseatinthechairbehindhisdeskwhileheandElviswentintoanotherroom.Iwaited,hopingthatDr.Ghanemcouldhelphimwithhispain.
Afterafewminutes,Dr.Ghanemreturnedandwalkeduptome.“Ginger,can’tyouseeElvisneedsyou?”heasked.Thissurprisedme.I’dbeenconcernedaboutmygrandfatherbuthadn’tsaidI
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wasleaving.Irealizedwithastartthat
ElvismusthavediscussedthispossibilitywithDr.Ghanem.BeforeIcouldreply,Elvisjoinedus.
“Iwanttogetatopdoctortohelpyourgrandfather,”hetoldme.“I’llseetoitthateverythingpossiblewillbedone,ifneedbe,tohelphim.”
Elvisthenaskedforthephonenumberofthenursing
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home.Iwastakenabackdespitedeeplyappreciatinghisoffer.ItwashardtofathomthatElvishadaneedformethatwassogreatthat,evenwithmygrandfather’shealthissue,hedidn’twantmetoleave.
Dr.GhanemlefttheroomtogiveussomeprivacywhileIcalledmymom.ShehadnoideahowalarmedIhadbecome,andshegavemethenumberofthenursinghome.
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AsElvisbegandialingit,Iwonderedifwhoeveransweredatthenursinghomewouldreallybelieveitwashim.IwasunawareatthetimethatthepressknewofmyexistenceandstoriesaboutmeandElviswerecirculating.WordwasalreadyspreadingrapidlyaboutapossiblemarriagebetweenElvisandme.Myaunts,forinstance,hadheardradiopersonalityPaulHarvey
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announcemyengagementtoElvis.Thenursinghomeemployeesseemedtoknowaboutitaswell.TheyputElvisstraightthroughtotheheadnurseadministrator.
Elvistalkedtotheadministratorforafewminutesaboutmygrandfather’scare.Whenhehungup,hetoldmemygrandfatherhadthebeginningofwhatcouldbepneumonia,buttheywerewatchinghim
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closelyandhewasinverygoodhands.
“Thankyou,”Isaid,andimmediatelyfeltbetter.
JustwhenIthoughtElviscouldn’tpossiblybeanykinderorbighearted,heaskedmetogetmymotherbackonthetelephone.“I’dliketoflyyourfamilyintogivethemabreak,tomeetmeandseemyshows,”hesaid.
Stunned,Iredialedmyhomenumberandhanded
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Elvisthereceiver.Ashespokewithmymother,Elvistoldheraboutcallingthenursinghome,thensaid,“I’dliketoseetoitthatyourfatherhasthebestpossiblecare,withthebestdoctor,shouldhesuddenlytakeaturnfortheworse.”
Lookingdown,helistenedsilentlyforafewminutes.Iknewmymothermustbethankinghim.
ThenElvisinterruptedher.
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“Mrs.Alden,I’minlovewithyourdaughterandIwanttomarryher,”hesaid.
Ashockrippledthroughmybody.IstraightenedbesidehimasElvislookeddirectlyintomyeyes,andIhadtoforcemyselftobreathe.Couldthisreallybehappening?
Ifiguredsomeonebackhomeatthatmomentmustbepickingmymotherrightupoffthefloor,asElviscasually
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proceededtoinvitemyfamilytoLasVegasfortheweekend.Thenhehungupthephonewithalookoftotalsatisfaction.
Formypart,Iwashavingtroublefindinganywordsatall.Elvismayhavemadearemarkaboutusbeingengagedearlier,butthisdeclarationcompletelyblewmeaway!NowIlookedbackoneverythingElvishadsaidtomeaboutsoulmatesand
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wonderedifI’dfoundmine.ManyofElvis’swordsand
hisbehaviorhadcertainlyintimatedhehadbeenthinkingagreatdealabouthowImightfitintohislife.Nowhe’dmentionedmarriagetomymotherasifhehadcometoaconclusion,formulatedaplan,andjustwantedmetoknowsohecouldcarryitout.ElviswassomeoneIcertainlythoughtIcouldmarry,buteverything
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washappeningtoofastformetoprocessitallatonce.OurtimetogetherhadbeensointensethatIfeltlikeIneededtoslowdownandcatchmybreath.ButallIcouldthinktodoatthemomentwasthankhimagainforhiskindnessandgenerositytowardmeandmyfamily.
Afterwe’dreturnedtooursuitefromthedoctor’soffice,Elvisbeganflippingthrough
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thepagesofCheiro’sBookofNumbers.Stoppingonsomepassagesdealingwithourrespectivenumbersoffourandeight,hebeganexaminingtheirqualitiesandanalyzinghowtheyaffectedoneanother.IwonderedifheknewhowstunnedIwasfeelingandwastryingtoprovetomethatwewerecompatible.Orwashelookingforanumerological
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validationofhisfeelings?Mymindwasonoverdriveashetalked.HowcouldElvisknowwithsuchcertainty,aftersoshortatime,thatIwastheoneforhim?
ThenexttimeIcalledhome,mymothermentionedElvis’sdeclarationthathewantedtomarryme.IcouldonlysaythatI’dbeenassurprisedasshewasandthatElvissurelookedserious.“YouknowasmuchasIdo,”
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Isaid.Meanwhile,mymother
hadspokenwithdoctorsatthenursinghomeandbeentoldthatmygrandfatherwasdoingokayandthathewasn’tanyworse.“Theysayit’sallrightforustocomeseeyou,”shesaid.
Delighted,IrelayedthenewstoElvis,whoimmediatelybeganarrangingformyfamily’sfirstvisittoLasVegas.
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CHAPTER10
Ihadn’tspokenmuchwithVernonPresleyyet,butsincehewasElvis’sfather,Ihopedhewouldlikeme.ItwashardformetofindtimetotalkalonewithVernonbecausewheneverhewasinoursuite,hemostlytalkedwithElvis.
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Heonlyoccasionallyaskedmeaquestionordirectedacommentmyway.Wecouldn’tconverseduringElvis’sshows,andbackstage,withSandyathisside,Vernonwasusuallybusytalkingwithguests.
December8provedtobeahorriblenightwhen,afterElvis’sshow,Vernoncollapsedinthebackstagedressingroom.Elvis,myself,Dr.Ghanem,Sandy,andJoe
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rodewithhimtoSunriseHospital,whereVernonwasrushedintotheemergencyroom,followedcloselybyDr.GhanemandSandy.
Whilewewaited,Elvisfoundanemptywheelchairinamostlyvacantcorridorandsatdowninit.SomeoneplacedachairbesidehimformeandIsatdown,too.InoticedElvis’seyesgetmistyandhelightlywipedthemwiththebackofhishand.I
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placedmyarmaroundhim,wantingtocomforthimanywaypossible.Onenightearlier,I’dbeenafraidImightlosemygrandfather.NowherewasElvis,inasimilarsituationwithhisownfather.Iknewhowhelplesshemustfeel.Herewasamanwhothoughthecoulddoanything,yetthiswasbeyondhisreach.IwishedtherewassomethingIcoulddoforElvis,thewayhehadofferedtohelpme.At
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thismoment,allIhadtogivehimwasmylove,andthat’swhatIgave.
Wesaidprayersinthehallwayaswewaitedfornews.SandyfinallywalkedoutandexplainedthatVernonhadfluidbuildupinhislungs,butotherwisehewasdoingallright.Shealsomentionedthathewoulddefinitelyhavetostopsmoking.
Dr.Ghanemjoinedus
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then,relayingsimilarinformation.HetriedtoreassureElvisandputhimatease.IwaitedwhileElviswentintoseehisfather.Afterward,thedoctorsrequestedthatVernonstayinthehospitalovernight.
IhadseenElvisbepensivebefore,butduringourridebacktotheHilton,hewasdeadquiet.IwasdeterminedtocomforthimandrespecthisfeelingsanywayIcould.
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IfElviswantedtothinkinsilence,Iwastheretokeephimcompany,orifhewantedtotalk,Iwastheretolisten.
Aswereturnedtooursuite,RickyStanleywaswaitingforus.HeimmediatelywalkeduptoElvisandhuggedhim.Rickythensurprisedmewithahugandsaid,“Thankyouforbeinghere,Ginger.”
Itmeantagreatdealtome,hearingthat.Iwas
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gratefulif,insomesmallway,IhadactuallyhelpedElvisinatimeofneed.
Alittlelater,Elvisdecidedhewantedtomeditate—notsurprising,Ithought,onsuchanemotionalnight.HeaskedLarryandCharlietojoinusinourroom,wherethefourofussatonthebed,heldhands,andvisualizedcolors,ourheartsandmindsfocusedonhealingVernonPresley.
Thefollowingevening,
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mystomachbecameunsettled.WhetherthiswasfromthetensionI’dfeltduringthepreviousnightorfromsomethingelse,Ihadnoidea.NotwantingtoworryElvis,Idecidedtotryaself-healing.
Wehadbeenreadinginbedtogether;nowIleftElvisandwentintothebathroom,whereIshutthedoorandstretchedoutonthecarpetedfloor.Itooksomedeep
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breaths,focusedonacolor,andconcentratedonfeelingbetter.
Whenmystomachfeltlessqueasy,Ireturnedtoourroom.Elviswasstillinbed,reading,andasIsettledinplacebesidehim,helookedupfromhisbook.“Whywereyoulyingonthefloor?”heasked.
Completelymystified,Iasked,“HowdidyouknowIwasonthefloor?”
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Withoutsayingaword,Elviswinkedandsmiledthatsatisfied,knowingsmileIwasbecomingfamiliarwith—asmilethatintimatedsometypeofsixthsense.
Ifeltmyeyesgowide.HadElvissomehowperformedahealingonmefromadistance,throughacloseddoor?
Iwasbeginningtobelieveincertainpowersdespitethefactthatlogictoldme
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otherwise.NowIrememberedhowElvishadoncesaidheknewwhatwasabouttohappen,andwhere,asifhehadthegiftofsecondsight.Hadhejustdemonstratedthatgifttome,orwasitaninnocentparlortrick?
ThelongerIwaswithElvis,themoreanythingseemedpossible.
•••
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IhadenjoyedwatchingElvisteasehisbandmembersonstage,andI’dgrownaccustomedtohimchangingthelyricstocertainsongsinjest.However,duringhisnextshow,Elvisseemedtoactuallyforgetafewwords.
Foramoment,Ithoughtmaybehewassimplyboredbyrepeatingsomesongs.Iquicklydismissedthenotionthathewouldturninasubparperformance,though,because
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theElvisIwasgettingtoknowonlyeverwantedtogivehisaudiencethebest.
Couldhiswaterpillsoranypainmedicationbeaffectinghismemory?Italsoseemedlikelythat,withVernoninthehospitalandsomuchgoingonaroundhim,Elviscouldforgetafewwords.Iwasslowlybecomingawareofhowunforeseenfactorscouldaffectaperformance.
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IwaitedforElvisinthedressingroomaftertheshow.Beforelong,hesentformefromtheadjacentroom.WhenIentered,IsawtwogorgeouswomendressedinfurcoatsseatedoneithersideofamanwhoElvisintroducedasPrinceAdnanKhashoggi.ThewomenseemedcompletelyenthralledbyElvis,hangingonhiseverywordasthemenconversed.IsatbesideElvis
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andlistenedquietly.PrinceKhashoggiandthe
ladieshadnosoonerleftwhenElvisturnedtomeandsaid,“Ihadtousethebathroomthewholetime.”Ashehastenedtothemen’sroom,heglancedoverhisshoulderatmeandgrinned.“Ibetthat’sthefirsttimeyoueversawaprinceandakinginthesameroomtogether,”hesaid.
Asthedoorclosedbehind
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him,Icouldn’thelpbutlaugh.
•••
OurprayerswereansweredonFriday,December10,whenVernonwasreleasedfromthehospital.OnceVernonwasbackattheHilton,Elvisvisitedalonewithhisfatherinhisroom.Afterward,Elvistoldmehewantedhisfathertoreturnto
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MemphissohecouldrestfromthehustleandbustleofLasVegas.
Atthesametime,ElviswasworriedaboutVernonbeingontheairplaneandhavingasuddenrelapseduringtheflight.VernonarguedthathewasfeelingwellenoughtoremaininLasVegas.Intheend,Elvisagreedtolethisdadstaythroughhislastshow.
Meanwhile,Elvisdecided
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hewantedmetohavemoreclothingandarrangedformetogoshoppingwithJoe’sgirlfriend,Shirley.ShehadbeenacocktailwaitressinLasVegas,Elvissaid,andreallyknewherwayaround.
Iwasexcitedabouttheouting.Shirleywasenergeticandtalkative.However,aswerodearoundLasVegasinacartogether,ShirleyimmediatelybroughtupElvisandbeganaskingquestions
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aboutthetwoofus.Iwasn’tonetoopenupwithsomeoneIdidn’tknow.Icertainlydidn’twanttodiscussmyrelationshipwithElviswithanyoneoutsidemyfamily.Ikepttheconversationlightandeasy,dodgingherquestionsasgracefullyaspossible.
Fortunately,beforelongwepulleduptoastorecalledSuzyCreamcheese.Itwasahigh-endboutiquefilledwith
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clothinglikenothingI’deverseenbackinMemphis.
AsIbrowsedthroughtheapparel,Shirleyoccasionallyhandedmesomepiecesshethoughtwereniceandpickedoutafewforherself.IendedupchoosingsomeclothingthatIhopedElviswouldlikeaswell.ShirleypaidforournewoutfitswithmoneyIassumedJoehadgivenherfromElvis.
WereturnedtotheHilton
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and,laterthatevening,ElvissenthisLockheedJetStartoMemphis,pickingupmyparentsandsiblings;mysister-in-law,Carolyn;andTerry’sboyfriend,Tony.BillyStanley,whohadleftafterElvis’sAnaheimshow,wasontheflight,too,alongwiththewifeandthesonofoneofthebodyguards.EveryonearrivedinLasVegasintimeforElvis’ssecondshow.
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Duringportionsofhisfirstshow,Elvishadperformedsomeofhissongswhileseatedonastool.Hislegwasstillnot100percentpain-free,andIhopedhewouldn’tinjureitanyfurther.
Afterward,wereturnedtothesuitesohecouldrelaxand,beforelong,Iwastoldmyfamilyhadarrived.Excited,Icalledtheirroom,tellingthemI’dseethemsoon.
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Closetoshowtime,abodyguardwassenttomyfamily’ssuiteandtheywereescorteddownstairs.Islippedintoapeachvelvetgown,putonmyeveningshoes,andfollowedJoebacktotheshowroom.ThistimeJoeleftmetomakemyownwaytowardtheusualbooth.
AsIwenttositdown,IdidadoubletakeasInoticedmybrothersmilingatme.Ihadwalkedrightpastmy
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familywithoutrecognizingthemintheboothbesidemine!HadIreallybeenawayfromhomethatlong?HadmynewexperienceswithElvisoverthepastweekscompletelyalteredmyperception?
RealizingwhatI’ddone,Iquicklybackedupandjoinedthem.
ItwassurrealbutwonderfultogathermyfamilyaroundmehereinLas
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Vegas.Finally,thepeopleIlovedwereinoneplace.VernonandSandysoonentered,takingaseatintheboothbesideours.
IhadbarelybegunvisitingwithmyfamilywhenthelightsdimmedandJoereturned,tellingmethatElviswantedmetositintheboothwithhisfather.
Iwasmomentarilytakenaback.Whydidn’tElviswantmesittingwithmyown
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family?KnowinghowillVernonhadbeen,though,Iwhisperedtomyfamily,“IthinkElviswantsmetokeepVernonandSandycompany,”andmovedtothenextbooth.
AsElvis’sintrothemebegantoplay,Iwasexcitedformyfamily.NowtheywouldexperiencethesameincrediblefeelingI’dhadthefirsttimeIsawElvis’sshowashisguestinsteadofanaudiencemember.Elvis
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appearedtoputextraeffortintohisoverallperformanceand,otherthanafewsoundproblems,itwasagoodshow.Iwasextremelyhappyandproud.
Amemorablemomentintheshowformewaswhensomeoneintheaudienceshouted,“Elvis,Iloveyou!”andhewasquicktoretort,“Ginger,isthatyou?”Elvishadmentionedmynameinfrontofthecrowd,andmy
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familywasrighthere!Afterward,myfamilywas
escortedtothepenthousesuiteandIstayedbehindwithElvisinhisdressingroomsohecouldchange.Hesteppedout,lookingincrediblyhandsomeinabluesilkshirt,blackpants,andblackboots.Asusual,hegreetedotherswho’dbeenwaitingandchattedgraciouslywiththem.
Oncewewereintheelevatorandheadinguptothe
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penthouse,however,IcouldtellbyhisnervousmannerismsandlittlethingsElvissaidthathewasanxiousaboutmeetingmyfamily.ThiswassomethingIagainfoundendearing,ifhardtobelieve.ThiswasElvis!Whatdidhehavetofeelnervousabout?
Whenweenteredthesuite,abodyguard’swifewho’dhadonedrinktoomanyturnedtolookatElvisand
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slippedoffherstoolatthebar,landingonthefloor.Elvislookedslightlyembarrassedasheapproachedmyfamily.Theywereseatedtogetheronthecouch.
AsIintroducedeachpersoninturnandElvisaskedhowmysistershadbeen,IrealizedIhadstillnevertoldElvisthatmyfathermethimyearsago,whenElviswasfirstswornintothearmy.I
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relatedthestorynow.IalsotoldElvisthatmysiblingsandIhadmethimatthefairgroundswhenwewerelittle.
Elviswasgenuinelysurprised.Ihadn’texpectedhimtohaveanyrecollectionofthesememories;however,helookedlongandhardatmydadandsaid,“Mr.Alden,Irememberyounow.”Hethenwenton,mentioningthearmybeforegoingonto
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discussotherthings.Later,whenwewerealone,Elviswouldbringupagainthatitwasprettyneatmyfamilyandhehadmetearlier.
Atonepointintheevening,Elvisaskedsomeonetobringhimthethreewisemengiftshehadreceivedafewnightsbackandtheconversationturnedspiritual.
MymothertoldElvisthatherfatherhadoncebeenapreacher,yearsback,which
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interestedhimandtheychattedalittlemore.Hethenpolitelyaskedmyfamilyiftheywouldmindhimcontinuinghisvisitwiththemthenextevening,becausehewastiredbutwantedtospendmoretimewiththem.HesaidhewouldliketotreatthemtoaFrenchshowgirlrevuecalledtheLidodeParisattheStardustHotel,thenhavethemreturntotheHiltontoseehissecondshow.
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Thefollowingnight,myfamilywenttoseetheLido,andElvis’sex-in-laws,theBeaulieus,alongwiththeirdaughterMichelleandsonDon,cametoseeElvisperformduringhisfirstshow.Wewereintroducedbackstageand,insteadofbeingseatedwithVernonintheshowroom,IwassurprisedwhenthistimeElvisplacedmeinaboothwiththeBeaulieus.Mr.
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Beaulieuwaspolite,brieflysayingafewwordstome,butIcouldn’thelpbutfeelawkwardthroughouttheentireshow.
ElvisandIeventuallywentbacktothesuitebetweenperformances.WhenIreturnedtotheshowroom,IsawthattheBeaulieushadstayedtowatchanothershow.Myfamilywassitting,unknowingly,inaboothbesidethem.
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ThistimeIwasdirectedtositwithVernonandSandy.Thisdecisionbaffledmealittle,asElvishadyettoseatmewithmyfamily.Asalways,though,ItriedtokeepanopenmindwhereElviswasconcerned.BynowIknewthatElvisdidthingsinhisowninexplicableway.SometimesIwouldunderstandhisthinkingandsometimesnot.
Duringthissecond
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performance,Elvisoccasionallysatonastool,stillfavoringoneleg,buthehadagoodtimeandjokedheavilywithCharlie,whichhadeveryonelaughing.Atonepoint,asheleanedovertokissamemberoftheaudience,Elvishastilysaid,“Ginger,it’sonlypartoftheshow.”
Hehadmentionedmynameagain!Iwasoncloudnine!
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Afterward,myfamilyjoinedmeinthedressingroomandIwasfinallyabletofreelychatwiththem.TheywerebowledoverwhenItoldthemaboutmynewcar.Elvisvisitedwithafewpeopleintheadjacentroomandkeptotherswaiting,asusual,includingmyparentsandtheBeaulieus,neitherofwhomwouldbeintroducedtooneanother.VernonandSandyspokewithmyparentsatone
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point,andVernongavemyfatheracigar,tellinghimthathisdoctorshadadvisedhimtoquitsmoking.
ElviseventuallyvisitedwiththeBeaulieus.Whentheyhadgone,Elviscameoutandgreetedmyfamily,thistimeinvitingthembacktothepenthouse,wherehegavethematourofthesuitewhileIwaitedinthelivingroom.
Whentheyreturned,hetookmeaside.“Putonyour
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whitegownandallyourjewelry,”hewhisperedinmyear.
Iwentintomybathroomanddidasherequested.Takingonelastlookinthemirror,Iliterallyglitteredfromheadtotoe.Feelingasregalasanyprincess,IsteppedoutandwasgratifiedtoseeElvisbeamingatmefromacrosstheroom.“There,”hesaidtomyfamily.“Iwantyoutosee
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yourdaughterinhertrueattire.It’slittleGinger’stimetoshine.”
Myfamilyhadseenmeweargownsatpageants,butthiswastherealthingandtheywerefullofcompliments.Elvislefttheroomthen,onlytoreturncarryingtheframedreproductionofapaintingofhimselfbytheartistLoxiSibley.
Afterwe’dadmireditfora
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fewmoments,Elvishandedthepaintingtomyfather.“Iwantyoutohaveit,”hesaid,onceagaindemonstratinghowmuchhewantedtogivetoeveryonearoundhim.IthoughtElviswouldbetiredaftertheshow,buthecontinuedtovisitwithmyfamilyforalongtime,andIwashappytoseehimenjoyinghimself.
Atsomepoint,theconversationturnedtoElvis’s
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loveofkarate.Gatheringmyfamilyinacircle,Elvissaidhewantedtodisplaysometechniquesforthem.
HeaskedEdParkerandRickyStanleytocomeintotheroom,thencarefullyplacedRickyinvariouspositionsashis“victim”whileEdnarratedwhatElviswasdoing.Edwasfascinatingtolistento,andIwasmesmerized.
ElvisandEdalso
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demonstratedafewoftheirownkaratemovesononeanother,anditwasgreattoseeElvisapparentlyfreefromthepainhe’dbeensuffering.Itwasallextremelyentertaining,butitwasquitelate.Mysister’sboyfriend,Tony,eventuallycouldn’thelphimselfandbegantoyawn.
Elvisshothimaquickglanceandsaid,“AmIboringya,son?”
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Extremelyembarrassed,Tonyabruptlyclosedhismouthandreplied,“No.”
ElviswrappeduptheeveningbytellingusastoryaboutBarbraStreisandapproachinghimtoworkonaremakeofthefilmAStarIsBorn.Thereweretworeasonshedidn’twanttodothatfilm,Elvisexplained.Thefirstwasthathedidn’tunderstandwhythemaincharacterwouldkill
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himself.Thesecondreasonwasthat,whenBarbraStreisandandtheproducer,JonPeters,discussedthemoviewithhim,Jonhadyawned.
“Man,Ijustcouldn’tseehimdirectingit,”Elvissaid.
•••
Sunday,December12,ElvisperformedwhatwouldbehislastshowinLasVegas.
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WayneNewton,LolaFalana,KayStevens,andMichelleLeewereallintheaudience.Thepresenceofsomanystarswasanaddedgiftformybrother,who,unbeknownsttoElvis,happenedtobecelebratinghisthirty-firstbirthdaythatday.
ElvishadagoodtimecuttingupwithCharlieonstagethatnight,andeventhoughCharlie’sbirthdaywasafewdaysaway,Elvissang
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“HappyBirthday”tohim.IonlywishedIhadtoldhimitwasmybrother’sactualbirthday,becauseifElvishadacknowledgeditfromthestage,whatagiftthatwouldhavebeen!
WayneNewtonvisitedwithElvisinhisdressingroomwhileWayne’swife,Elaine,chattedbrieflywithmeandmyfamily.Aftertheyleft,myparentsthankedElvisandreturnedtotheirroomsto
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pack.Itwasalittletoughformetosaygood-bye,butIremainedwithElvisanextradaysohecouldrest,whilemyparentsflewhomeontheJetStar.
AsIlookedbackonourintensetimetogetherinLasVegas,IwonderedwhatitwouldbelikewhenElvisandIwerefinallyapartinMemphisafterspendingsomuchintimatetimetogether.Wehadsharedourthoughts
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andfeelingsaswediscoverednewthingsabouteachother.Hehadevenspokenofmarriage.IhadbeenmagicallytransportedintoElvis’sworldandinhabiteditasfullyaspossible,learningmuchabouthisconnectiontohisfans,hislifeasaperformer,hisentourageofcloseemployeesandfriends,andhisspiritualquest.
Inourexcitingweekstogether,Elvishadbecome
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mymentor,lover,andprotector.Hehadrockedmenotonlymusically,butphysicallyandemotionally.Myworld,asI’dalwaysknownit,wasforeverchanged,nomatterwhathappenednext.
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CHAPTER11
IflewbacktoMemphiswithElvisontheLisaMarie.Astheplanetoucheddownonfamiliarsoil,itfeltnicetobehome.Yet,IalsofeltslightlydisplacedafterhavinglivedinElvis’sworldforalmostthreeweeksnonstop.
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DavidStanley,anotherofElvis’sstepbrothersandemployees,waswaitingtopickusupattheairport.Hewasclosetomyagewithlong,shaggy,darkbrownhairandabrawnierbuildthanhistwosiblings.IhadnotroublebelievingitwhenElvistoldmeDavid’snicknamewasMagillaGorilla.
DrivingtowardGracelanddownElvisPresleyBoulevard,aswenearedthe
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frontgates,Isawalargenativityscenenowsittinginthefrontyard.Ihadseenthisnativityscenemanytimesinthepast.Duringmychildhood,myfamilywoulddrivearoundtheareaeveryChristmas,marvelingattheholidaylightsasnearbyneighborhoodstriedtooutdooneanotherwithbeautifuldecorations.Whatseemedmagicaltomethenwasindescribablywonderfulnow
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asIvieweditseatednexttoElvis.
Aswepassedthelife-sizestatuesofMary,Joseph,andJesusinthemanger,Elvislookedmyway,shruggedhisshoulders,andjoked,“Whoarethosepeople?”
InsideGraceland,oneofthemaidsgreetedusandInoticedaChristmastreestandinginthediningroom.Fromthefoyer,Icouldn’ttellifitwasrealornot,butitwas
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beautiful.Iwonderedwhohaddecoratedit.
Justthen,anolderwomanwithanadorablehoney-coloredPomeraniancradledinherarmsenteredtheroomandwelcomedElvishome.ElvisintroducedherasAuntDelta.IwouldlaterlearnthatshewasVernon’ssisterandhadbeenlivingatGracelandsincethe1960s.AnaidecarriedthethreewisemenElvishadbeengiveninside
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andplacedtheminthefoyernearthefrontdoor.
Wordlessly,ElviswalkedupstairsandIfollowedhimwiththeunspokenunderstandingthatheexpectedmetoaccompanyhimtohisbedroom.Istillfeltlikeavisitorontheoutsidelookingin,butitseemedthat,forElvis,mebeingatGracelandwasalreadythemostnormalthingintheworld.
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AlthoughwehadtakenanextradayinLasVegastorelaxattheHilton,ithadstillfeltlikeawhirlwindtrip.Nowthatwewerehome,Icouldfeelmyadrenaline-fueledenergygivingwaytoweariness.IthoughtElvismustfeelthesamewayandwouldwanttorestorjustbeawayfromthemanypeoplewhohadsurroundedhimforthepastfewweeks.
Upstairs,Elvis
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immediatelydisappearedintohisbathroom.Istoodwaiting,unsureofwhattodo.IfeltthatIneededtogohome,regroup,andreflectonallofthenewexperiencesI’dhadwithElvis,butIdidn’twanttoleaveifthatwoulddisappointhim.Ialsoknewthat,becauseElvisandIhadbeentogethernonstop,Iwouldmisshim.
Elvisreturnedfromthebathroom,wherehehad
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changedintohisusualpajamas,andsatdownonhisbed.Pickinguponeofhisbooksfromthefloor,hemotionedmeovertositbesidehim.
IfthiswaswhatElvisneededtorelax,Iwashappytostayuntilhewasreadytogotosleep.However,asItookmyplacebesidehimwhileElvisread,myeyeswanderedtothepicturesofLindaThompsonontheshelf.
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Iwonderedifhe’dsimplyforgottentheywerethere.ShakingthoughtsofLindafrommymind,IturnedmyfocusbacktoElvis.
Atonepoint,Elvisaskedaboutmygrandfatherhavingbeenaministerandsaidhewantedtospeakwithmymotheragain.Icalledhome,saidaquickhello,andhandedhimthephone.
Elvisdoverightintoaconversationwithherabout
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theBible.“HaveyouevernoticedhowthewordhistorybrokenupmeansHisstory?”heasked,alludingtohistorybeingGod’sstory.
Mymotherhadastrongspiritualfaith.ShehadfrequentlyreadpartsoftheBibletous,soIknewshe’denjoythisconversation.Astheytalked,itwasinterestingtohearsomeofElvis’spersonalobservations
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regardingtheBible.Withallofthereadingwehadpreviouslydone,wehadnotyettoucheduponthisarea.
Theirconversationlastedafewminutes,thenElvisabruptlychangedthesubject.“Whatkindofcardoyoudrive?”heasked.
Ashesatquietlylistening,IknewshewastellinghimabouttheDodgeChargertheyhadrecentlypurchased.“That’syourfamilycar?”he
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asked.Whentheconversation
endedandElvishungup,heseemedtobemullingoversomething.Lookingmyway,heannounced,“Iwouldlikeyourparentstohaveanewcar,alargerone.”
Ididn’tknowwhattosay.Hecouldrendermespeechlesslikenobodyelse.
Afterthinkingaboutitforafewmoreminutes,Elvisasked,“Wouldyoumind
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givingthemtheContinental?IhaveanothercarIwannagiveyou.”Thistookmetotallybysurprise.
IntheexcitementofbeingwithElvisinLasVegasandcominghometoMemphis,Ihadn’tgiventheContinentalathought.Infact,Istillhadn’tevendrivenit.
“That’sfine,”Isaid,amazedthatElviswouldwantmyparentstohaveanewcar.“Butwhereisthe
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Continental?”“Itshouldbehere,”he
said.“SomeonewassupposedtodriveittoMemphis.”
“Oh.Okay,”Ianswered,smilingasIthoughtabouthow,inElvis’sworld,magicalthingslikethiscouldjusthappen.
•••
TheContinentalwasindeeddeliveredtoGraceland.Now
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Elviswantedmetodriveithome.Hecalledforanaidetoescortme.
Eagertosurprisemyparents,ItookaseatbehindthewheelofthecarforthefirsttimeandbeganfollowingAlStradatowardGraceland’sgates.Itwasasurprisinglyharrowingexperience.Ihadn’trealizedhowbigthecarwasuntilIwasdrivingit.AsIpeeredoverthewheel,the
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Continental’sexpansivehoodseemedtostretchoutforever.Itwasbasicallyalandyacht!AsthecarsqueezedthroughthebrickpillarsandontoElvisPresleyBoulevard,Iwasworriedabouthittingany-andeverything.
KeepingupwithAlwasn’teasy,either.Hewasdrivingfast,sofastthatIhadtheimpressionhewasjusttryingtogetthischoreoverwith.Iwonderedifhewastiredafter
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thetrip,too.Luckily,Imadeithomewithnofenderbenders.
MyparentswereatworkwhenIarrived,butmysisterswereinthehouse.Itwascomfortingtoseethem.Atthesametime,itactuallyfeltslightlysurrealtobeathome.Ibroughtmysistersoutside,andastheygaspedatthesightofthegleamingwhiteContinental,ItoldthemthatElviswantedmetogiveitto
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ourparents.Theywereflabbergasted.
TheywantedtohearaboutLasVegaswhenweheadedbackinside.AsmuchasIwantedtotellthemaboutit,IsuddenlyrealizedhowexhaustedIwas.IexplainedthatIneededtorest,becauseElviswassleepingandmightcallwhenhewokeup.Thiswouldbemyonlychancetogetcaughtuponsleep.
“CanItellyouallaboutit
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whenMomandDadgethome?”Iasked,thenretiredtomybedroom.Iwaspracticallyasleepbeforemyheadhitthepillow.
Idon’tknowhowmanyhoursIsleptbeforetherewasaknockonmydoor.Itwasmymom.Iwalkedwithmyparentsoutsideand,astheystareddisbelievinglyattheContinental,IrepeatedthewordsthatElvishadoriginallysaidtome:“It’s
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yours.”Itwasapricelessmoment.Itoldmyfamilyasmuch
asIcouldaboutwhatI’dexperiencedwithElvis,butIcouldn’trevealeverything,especiallytheinexplicablemomentswhenI’dwitnessedtheself-healingorElvis’sattemptstomoveobjectswithhismind.Idoubttheywouldhavebelievedmeanyway.
Inturn,theysharedtheirownexperiencesinLas
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Vegas,andhowthetriphadtakenmymother’smindoffherfather’shealthforabit.Itwasherfirsttimeonanairplaneand,althoughshehadafearofflying,“OncewewereinsidetheJetStar,”shesaid,“Ididn’tthinktwiceaboutit.”
Myparentshadn’tbeeninsidetheirroomattheLasVegasHiltonlongbeforetherewasaknockattheirdoor.Whentheyopenedit,a
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manstoodinthehallway,holdingavaseofflowershesaidwerefromElvis.Mymotherthankedhimandcarriedthevaseintotheroom.
Whensheturnedbackafterputtingtheflowersonatable,shecaughtthemaninchinghiswayintotheroom.“IsGingeryourdaughter?”hehadasked.
“Yes,”she’danswered,startled.
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“AresheandElvisgoingtogetmarried?”heasked.
Onlythenhadmymotherrealizedhewasprobablyareporter,andtheflowersweren’treallyfromElvisatall.“I’msorry,”shetoldhim,“butIcan’tansweranyquestions.”
Themanhadtriedtostepinsidetheroomevenmore.“Ipracticallyhadtoclosethedooronhim!”mymotherreportednow.
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Welaughedabouttheincident,butIwasuncomfortable.NeithermyfamilynorIhadanypreparationfordealingwiththepress.Ihopedthissortofthingwouldn’thappenagain.
Thatwasonehopethatwouldgounfulfilled.
“DoyouthinkIstillhaveajob?”Iaskedhernow.
“WhenIspokewiththem,theytoldmeyoudid,”shesaid.
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Ibreathedasighofrelief.AtleastonesmallthingwouldstillfeelnormalnowthatIwasbackinMemphis.
Laterthatnight,Elviscalledmyhousehimselffortheveryfirsttime.Myfatheraskedtospeakwithhim.HethankedElvisforthecar,buttoldhimtheyhonestlyfeltawkwardasitwassuchalargegift.Itwasfunseeingtheexpressiononmydad’sface,becauseIcouldtell
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fromhislookofshockandconfusionthatElviswaspressinghimuntilhefeltallrightaboutacceptingthecar.
WhenIgotbackontheline,Elvisinvitedmeover.
“I’lldrive,”Isaid,butElvis,alwaysthegentleman,insistedonsendingsomeonetopickmeup.
BackatGraceland,Iwasn’tinsidelongwhenElvistookmyhandandaskedmetowalkdownstairswithhim.
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Ifollowedhimoutsideontotheporch,wonderingwhathewasuptonow.Iwasrapidlylearningtoexpecttheunexpected.
HeadlightssuddenlyappearedfromaroundthesideofthehouseasagorgeoussilverandmaroonCadillacSevillepulledupinfrontofus.Anaideclimbedoutofthedriver’sseat,andElvisturnedtome.“Thanksforgivin’theContinentalto
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yourparents,Ginger,”hesaid.“Thisisyours.”
IhuggedElvis,understandingnowwhyhehadn’twantedmetodrivemyselftoGraceland,thenranovertoexcitedlylookovermynewcar.ItwasacustomizedversionofCadillac’snewlyintroducedSevillewithwirewheels,achromegrille,andabuilt-incitizenbandradio.
Elvisexplainedthathehad
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originallyboughtthecarforhisfather.“Mydadtoldmehedidn’treallyhaveanyuseforit,”hesaid.Icouldn’thelpbutwonderifElvishadfeltalittlehurtaboutthis.
Earlythenextmorning,IdrovemyCadillachomeandsleptforalittlewhile.Mylifehadtakenacompletelynewdirection.Whetherthisdirectionwasrealandpermanent,orjustamomentaryillusion,Iknew
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thatIwaswillingtotakeachanceontherelationshipIwasdevelopingwithElvis.
WhenIwoke,ImadethephonecalltoLarrythatIhadpromisedElvisIwouldmakebackwhenheaskedmetostopseeinganyoneelse.IinvitedLarrytomyhomeandmadeitclearthatwecouldn’tseeeachotheranymore.Ashardasitwastodo,IwantedtobewithElvisnowandIhadtobetruthfulaboutthat.
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Thatnight,ElvisinvitedmebacktoGraceland.Ifoundhimseatedonhisbed.WhenIenteredtheroom,hemadeasurprisingannouncement.
“LindaThompsoncalledandaskedifIwasgoingtospendChristmaswithher,”hesaid.“DoyouwanttospendChristmaswithme?”
“Yes!”Iansweredwithouthesitation.
Hesmiledatme.“Good.”
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Ifeltsuddenlyuncertain.WhywasLindastillcallinghim?I’dthoughthisrelationshipwithherwasover.IwashappythatElviswasinvitingmetospendChristmaswithhim,ofcourse,butwhatwouldhehavedoneif,forsomereason,I’dbeenunableto?WouldhehavespentitwithLinda?I’djustendedthingswithLarryandmadeacommitmenttoseehowthingsprogressed
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withElvis.WhyhadheeventoldmeaboutLinda’scall?Didhewantmetobejealous?
Elvisseemedtobetrackingmythoughts,whichIsupposemusthaveshownonmyface,becausehepointedtothepicturesofLinda.“Whydon’tyoutakethosedown?”heinstructed.
Doingthiswouldsuremakemefeelbetter.AsIbegangatheringthephotos,
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Elviswenton.“Lindaplacedthosethereawhileago,whenIwasaway,”hesaidandaskedmetoputthephotographsinhisofficebathroom.
Ihadnoideatherewasabathroomoffhisofficeatthatpoint;itwasoneroomI’dneverseen.Ionlyknewaboutthebathroomadjoininghisbedroom.
Photosinhand,Iwalkedintohisoffice,towarda
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closedaccordion-styledoor.Ihadalwaysthoughtthiswasacloset.Now,slidingthedooropen,Isteppedontoafloorcoveredindeep,bubblegum-pinkshagcarpeting.Intheopenclosetfacingmehungafewitemsofwomen’sclothing.Whosewerethey?
Mystomachwasinaknot.NaiveasIwasbackthen,I’dhadnoideaawomanhadbeenstayingherewithElvis.WeretheyLinda’sthings,or
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someotherwoman’s?Tomyright,makeupand
toiletrieswerescatteredacrossthecounter.Liquidmakeuphadsplatteredalongthebottomofthemirroredwallaboveit,makingmewonderiftherehadbeenasmallfightofsomekind.Avanitychairwastuckedbeneaththecounter,andontheleftwasaprofessionalsalonchairwithbuilt-inhairdryer.Besidethatwas
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anothercounterwithasink.Thatwallwasalsomirrored.Aglassbath/showerstallstoodattheendofthebathroom,amistygreentoiletacrossfromit.Atelephonewasattachedtothewall.Thefinishingtouchwasatallvasefilledwithyellowandgreenfeatherplumes.
Iplacedthepicturesonthevanitychair,notknowingwhatelsetodowiththem,andwalkedout,slidingthe
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doorshut.Backinthebedroom,Isat
downbesideElvis,feelingdisorientedandupset.Again,hereadmyemotionseasily.
Elvistookmyhandsinhis.“Youknow,InevercouldpicturemyselfmarriedtoLinda,”hesaid.“Shekeptaskingme,butIalwaysthoughtthatitwastheman’splacetoask.”
HeaddedthatLindahadbeenpursuingacareerin
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California,saying,“PoorLinda.She’sgoneHollywood.”
Ibegantorelaxalittle.Ihadneverbeentherethoughandsaid,“IthinkitwouldbefuntoseeLosAngelesoneday.”
Elvisshotback,“YougoingtoHollywoodwouldbelikethrowingpizzatohungrylions!”
IcertainlyhadnoplanstogotoHollywoodand
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appreciatedthathewasbeingprotectiveofme.Elvis’spronouncementwasalittleconfusingthough.Hollywoodhadbeensuchabigpartofhislifewhenhewasmakingmovies.DidElvisdisapproveofit?HadsomethinghappenedinHollywoodtomakehimfeelthatway?
Elvisturnedonthetelevisionandtookmyhandagain.“Youdon’thavetoworry,”hesaid.“Itoldyou
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before.LindaandIareover.I’llseetoitthatthethingsinthebathroomareoutofthere.Thatbathroomshouldbeforyoutouse.”
Irelaxed.ClearlyElvisintendedformetobespendingalotmoretimeatGraceland.Iwasgladtohearit.
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CHAPTER12
IhadastrongfeelingthatIwasgoingtobemoreonElvis’sschedulenowandknewthatIwouldn’tbeabletocontinueworkingandspendtimewithhim.Idrovetothedressshopandspokewiththeowneraboutleaving
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myjob.Ithadbeenonlypart-timework,andIdecideditwasworthputtingmycareeronthebackburnertospendasmuchtimeaspossiblewithElvistoseehowourrelationshipdeveloped.Luckily,theownerwasunderstandingandwishedmewell.
OnethingIwantedtodowasseemygrandfather.IletElvisknowandheadedtoArkansaswithmymotherfor
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aquickovernighttrip.Itfeltgoodtobedrivingalonewithher.Irarelyhadheralltomyself,evenwhenIwashome,andIalwaystreasuredourtimealonetogether.Neveronetopry,shehadalwaysbeentheretolisten.
Thistripwasnodifferent.Asthemilesflewby,wetalkedaboutwhatwashappeninginmylife.Iknewfromanearlyagethatmymotherandfatherhadalways
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enjoyedElvis’smusicandhadapositiveopinionofhimasaperson.Ididn’tgetanysensethatmymotherhadanyreservationsaboutourdatingorquestionedElvis’scharacter.However,althoughIdidn’treallyfeeltheagegapbetweenElvisandmyselfmattered,IdecidedtobringitupwithherbecauseIwonderedifshehadanyconcernsaboutit.
“Iknowthere’sabigage
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differencebetweenElvisandme,”Isaid,statingtheobvious,thenfellsilenttoseeifshehadanythingtosayaboutit.
Shereplied,“Iwonderedaboutthat,butIdidn’tsayanythingtoyoubecauseitdidn’tseemtomattertoyou.”
Shewasbeingdiplomatic,Irealized,anddoingthesamethingIwas:tryingtoassessmyfeelingsbeforeshegavemeanopinion.“Idon’tfeel
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thatit’sanissueatthispoint,Mom,”Isaid.
Luckily,sheseemedtoagree.“Elvisdoesseemtoactlikeamuchyoungerman.Heremindsmeofsomeonemoreyourbrother’sage,”shesaid,addingthatshetrustedElvisanddidn’tfeelanyreasonnottobelievehewassincereabouthisfeelingsformeandwouldtreatmeright.“Aslongasyou’rehappy,bothyourdadandIarehappyfor
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you,”shesaid.Itwaswonderfultoseemy
grandfather.Hisillnesshadn’tprogressed,andIhopedourvisittothenursinghomeliftedhisspirits.Becauseofhisageandhimhavingbeenill,itwasdifficulttosaygood-byewhenthetimecame.IhopedhewouldbewellaswelivedfarapartandIwasn’tsurehowsoonIwouldbeabletoseehimagain.
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“TellElvishe’dbettertakecareofyou,”mygrandfathersaidinparting.
WhenwereturnedtoMemphis,ElviscalledandinvitedmebacktoGraceland.Uponenteringhisoffice,Inoticedthebathroomdoorwasopenand,peekinginside,Isawthatthetoiletriesweregoneandallofthewomen’sclothinghadbeenremovedfromthecloset.HadElvistakenthemout,orhadhe
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askedsomeoneelsetodoit?Eitherway,Iwashappy,feelingthatthiswasabigstep.ElviswaslettingmeknowhewasseriousaboutusandcommittedtoourrelationshipasIwas.Soonafterthat,Elvisgavemehisprivatephonenumbersandbegancallingmyhousedaily.SometimesIphonedhim,butthiswasstillElvisPresley,abusyandimportantman,soIgenerallywaitedforhimto
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callme.Ascloseaswewerebecoming,Istilldidn’tfeelcomfortableenoughtojustpickupthephoneonawhimandcallhim.Whatifhewasworkingorhadotherobligations?Iwantedtorespecthistimeandprivacy.
NowthatwewerebackinMemphis,IwonderedifElvismightswitchbacktoamorenormalsleeppattern,buthedidn’t.Consequently,Ialternatedbetweenhis
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scheduleandmymoreordinaryhours.IsleptathomesomenightsbutmainlyfoundmyselfatGracelanduntilearlymorninghourswhenElviswenttosleep,thenI’dgohometonapduringthedaybecausetheoddhourssometimestookatollonme.
WheneverIarrivedatGraceland,AuntDeltaoroneofthemaidswouldusuallygreetmeatthefrontdoor.
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ThehousekeeperswereLottieTyson,MaryJenkins,NancyRooks,andPaulineNicholson.TheyreferredtoElvisasMisterElvisorMisterP,andastimewentby,theyevenbegancallingmeMissGinger.
Onceinawhile,CharlieorBillySmithopenedthedoorandgreetedme.CharlieoccupiedaroomonthefirstfloorofGraceland.Billylivedwithhiswifeand
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childreninatraileroutback.AlthoughtheywerearoundGracelandonaregularbasisalongwithaidesandafewotherfamilymembers,myfocuswasonElvis,andbecausehelikedkeepingmenearhim,Iwasn’tspendingtimealonewithanyofthematGraceland,thesameasinLasVegas.WhenIarrived,Iwastypicallytoldtogoupstairs,whereElviswouldeitherbeinhisbedroomor
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Lisa’s,visitingwithotherpeopleorwatchingtelevisionalone.Isoonmetmorefamilymembersandemployees.MinnieMaePresley,VernonPresley’smother,livedinthehouseandsleptinabedroombackbythestaircase.Shewasatall,thin,sweet,soft-spokenwomanwhomElviscalledDodger.ShegothernicknamewhenElviswasyoungandthrewaballather,missingherbyafewinches.I
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wasverytouchedwhenoneofthefirstthingsDodgereversaidtomewashowmuchshelovedElvis.
TishHenley,anurse,workedforDr.Nichopoulos,andherhusband,Tommy,wasacaretakeratGraceland,soIsawthemeveryonceinawhile.TishandTommybothlivedinatrailerontheproperty,asdidVernon’syoungersister,Nash.HaroldLloyd,afirstcousintoElvis,
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alsoworkedatthefrontgate,likeVernon’sbrotherVester.
Infact,asIgraduallysortedoutfacesandnames,IrealizedthatElvisseemedtohavetakenontheresponsibilityofsupportingagreatmanypeople.Unclesworkedasguards,familyandfriendslivedonthegrounds,andstepbrotherswereonthepayroll.Elvis’sgenerositywaslegendary,andnowherewasitmoreevidentthanat
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Gracelandwithhisextendedfamilyandfriends.
ElvismayhavehadmembersofhisfamilyandsomefriendslivinginGracelandandonthesurroundingproperty,butheseemedtopreferstayingupstairsinhispajamasandhaveothersvisithim.WhenIcametoseehim,heneverdirectlyaskedmenottowanderaroundthehouseorhangoutwiththeother
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people,butIstronglysensedhewantedmetobeathisside.
Thiswasfinewithme.Ididn’tblameElvisforwantingtostayinhispajamasandbecomfortable.Theornatesuitsheworeonstagewereheavy,tight,andconstricting.Heonceshowedmerawspotsonhisbackcausedbyoneofhisstagecostumes.Healsolikedtokeepthetemperatureinhis
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bedroomonthecoolersideand,whensittingwithhiminbed,Iusuallykeptablanketovermylegs.
Eveninhispajamas,though,Elvisstilllikedsomeflash.Heoftenworeablue-jeweledrobe,evenoverregularclothing.HeusedacolognecalledZizanieandNeutrogenafacesoap;eventoday,thosescentsmakemethinkofhim.
Wewouldoftensitonhis
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bedandreadforhours.Sometimeswewouldtaketurnsreadingtoeachotherorsitsidebysidereadingtoourselves.Wheneverwewerereadingtoourselves,ifthetwoofushappenedtotakeabreathatthesametime,orevensighatthesamemoment,Elvisalwaysnoticed.Oncehesaid,“It’salmostasifwe’reone.”
IfIdidstartreadingalone,Elviswouldusuallyputdown
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hisownbooktoseewhatIwasimmersedin,andhe’dendupaskingmeaboutit.IwasimpressedwithhisinsatiablecuriosityandappreciatedhiscontinuingeffortstobothinstructmeandfindoutwhatIwasthinking.
ElvisandIalsospenthourswatchingtelevisionandmoviesinhisbedroom.HehadthefirstBetamaxtapemachineI’deverseen,andIlovedthenoveltyofbeing
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abletowatchanymovieondemand.ElvisadoredtheBritishactorPeterSellers,andgotthebiggestkickoutofSellers’sportrayalofInspectorClouseauindirectorBlakeEdwards’sPinkPantherfilms.
Wewatchedthesemoviesmanytimes,andElviswouldoftentrytosquinthiseyesthewaySellersdidandmimicSellers’sphonyFrenchaccent,sayingtheword
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minkeyfor“monkey.”ElvisalsolovedtorepeatthatfamouslinefromCasablanca,“Here’slookingatyou,kid.”IwasneverboredwhileElvisandIwerewatchingtelevisionbecauseElviscouldn’twatchaTVwithouttalkingbacktoit.Ifoundthisquiteentertaining.He’doftenrepeatdialogue,andifamangotrejectedbyawomaninafilmorona
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televisionshow,Elvisoftenshoutedout,“Burned!”
HelovedcomedieslikeWhat’sHappening!!andespeciallygotakickoutofacharacternamedFishplayedbyAbeVigodaontheshowBarneyMiller.ElvisfoundAbeamusing,hesaid,because“healwayslookssodisgustedwiththeworld.”
HelovedthecomedyofReddFoxx,too,andsaidthat
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IshouldseehimperformliveinVegassomeday.Sadly,wewouldnevergetthechance.
Wheneverweweren’twatchingsomethingorreadingtogether,ElvisandIlistenedtomusic,orElviswouldsitattheorganandsing.InthiswayIlearnedsomethingabouthispersonalmusicaltastes.ElvisespeciallyadmiredtheAmericantenorMarioLanza,andthebaritonesingerBrook
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Benton,frequentlyplayingtheiralbumsforme.Beforethat,I’donlyheardBentonsinging“TheBollWeevilSong”and“RainyNightinGeorgia,”andI’dneverknownaboutMarioLanzabefore.Iquicklygrewtoappreciatehisgreatvoice.
Whenitcametosinging,Elvisbelievedhehadbeengivenadivinegift.Inhisview,hewasamessengermeanttobringjoytoothers.
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EvenbeforemeetingElvis,hisvoiceandmusichadbroughthappinesstomyfamilyforyears.OneofmyfavoritealbumswhileIwasgrowingupwasElvis’sHisHandinMine.Withgospelmusicrootedsodeeplyinhissoul,Iwasn’tsurprisedthatElviswantedtospendearlySundaymorningswatchinggospelshows.Helovedlisteningtothesingers.
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WhenevertheTVwasoff,Elvislefttheradioonandtunedtoamusicstation.Musicofalmostanykindseemedtocomforthim.Asheoftentoldme,“Musicistheuniversallanguage.”
IfElviswastryingtogetmetounderstandsomethingandasonghappenedtobeplayingwithlyricsthatcorrelatedwithapointhewastryingtomake,hewouldstopandnodhisheadtowardthe
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radio.“Listen,”he’dsay,“it’stalkingtoyou,”asifthesongwerebackinghimup.
Notallmusicwasforhim,though.Once,aheavy-metalsongwithashriekingguitarbegantoplayontheradio.Elvisgotuptousetherestroom,andashepassedbytheradio,hepausedforasecond,lookedatit,andsaid,“Boy,I’llbreakyourGoddamnfingers!”
Icherishedthoseearly
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morningswhenitwasjustElvisandmealoneupstairsatGraceland.Ifhegotanideaforasong,he’dgoovertotheorganinhisofficeandaskmetositbesidehim.Isometimessatonthefloortogivehimmoreroomonthebench.
Elvislovedplayingaroundwiththevariousinstrumentsoundsbuiltintotheorgan.Once,heturnedonthedrumsandjoked,“Someonebetterletthatguyouttathere.”
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Asthedrumbeatpoundedaway,helaughedandstartedsinging,“Youpoorworthless,foolish...foolish...fool.”
Othertimes,hewasserious,puttingagreatdealofemotionintodifferentsongsasheexperimentedwiththem.Elvissometimestriedreachingvariousnoteshethoughthenevercouldhit,too.Thrilledonetimewhenhehitanunexpectedbassnote,hesaid,“MyGod,I’ve
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neversungthatlowbefore.”Theindirectlightingalong
theedgeoftheceilingsinhisbedroomandofficewasalwayson.ManytimesasIwatchedhimattheorgan,wherehewasbathedinsoftlightandlostinsong,dressedinhisjeweledrobe,I’dfeellikeonepartofmewerethereandanotherpartofmewereviewingthisscenefromadistance.Istillcouldn’tquitebelievethatIwaswithElvis,
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andhearinghimsingneverceasedtobespecial.
WhileElvisandIwereupstairs,hisaidesmainlyhungarounddownstairsoncall.ThisseemedtobearelativelyundemandingjobwhenElviswasn’tontour.DeanNichopoulos,AlStrada,SteveSmith,andeitherDavidorRickyStanleyalternatedworkshifts.InolongersawElvis’sstepbrotherBillyaround.
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DavidStanley,Elvis’syoungeststepbrother,calledElvisBoss.DavidwasmarriedtoayounggirlnamedAngie,whomIhadyettomeet,andsometimeswhenhewasonduty,hewouldcomeupstairstotalktoElvisabouthismaritalproblems.ElvistoldmeitbotheredhimthatDavidwasgoingthroughthis;hehadfaithinthesanctityofmarriage.Iwouldgivethem
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privacyasElvistriedofferingDavidthebestadvicehecould.AsDavidbegantodothismorefrequently,however,ElvistoldmethathewasgettingfrustratedbecausenoneoftheadvicehegaveDavidseemedtobechangingthingsorhelpingDavidresolvethingsinhismarriage.
AlthoughIdidn’tseemuchofAuntDelta,herPomeranian,Edmund,had
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freereinofGracelandandperiodicallywanderedaroundupstairs.CharlieoccasionallypoppedinandoutofElvis’sbedroom,usuallytellingdirtyjokes,andoftenIcouldtellhehadbeendrinking.BillySmith,Elvis’scousin,wasafrequentvisitorupstairsaswell;heandElvissharedasimilarsenseofhumor,andElvisoftencalledhimMarbleEyes.
Dr.Nichopouloshad
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stoppedbyafewtimes,nervouslyjinglinghiscarkeysagainsthispantlegwhilechattingwithElvis.ElvisreferredtohimasDr.Nick,andIthoughthowniceitwastohaveyourdoctorcheckinonyou.
BeforeleavingGracelandtogohomeafterspendinganeveningwithElvis,Isometimesnoticedsleepmedicationpacketsleftforhim.Thissurprisedme
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becauseElviswasn’tontour.Whywouldhehavedifficultysleepingifhewasathome?Ididn’tthinkmuchaboutthisatfirst,though;ItrustedDr.NichopoulostokeepaneyeonElvis’shealthandfeltreassuredknowingtherewasalwaysanurseontheproperty.
Elvishadtwotelephonesonhisbedsidetable.Agoldoneservedasaprivateline,theoneIcalledwhenI
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phonedElvisandthatIassumedheusedwhenhecalledme.Theotherphonehadbuttonsmarkedforvariousroomsinthehouse.Bypressingabuttonmarked“kitchen,”Elviscouldrelaytothemaidswhatwewantedtoeat.Sometimesheaskedmetobetheonetocalldownstairs.Iwasn’taccustomedtogivingpeopleordersandknewitwouldtakemealittlewhiletogetusedto
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it.WhenIdidrelaywhatElvisrequested,IalwaysmadesureIsaidpleaseandthankyou.
ElvishadsimpletastesinfoodandespeciallylikedLottie’scooking.Shepreparedwonderfulsteakswithspecialseasoningandhamburgerswiththeirbunssteamedinbutter,whichElviscalledLottieburgers.Onenightatdinner,IhadmyfirsttasteofCanadianbacon
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withcrowderpeas,anotherofhisfavoritemeals.
IgotsousedtoourmealsbeingbroughttothebedroomthatIfounditdifficulttoimagineElvissittingatatabletoeat.Infact,duringthemanymonthswespenttogether,thatwassomethingIwouldneverwitness.
•••
Oneevening,wellpast
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midnight,Iwashomewithmyfamilyandfastasleepwhenarumbleinthedistancewokeme.Ourdogsbeganbarking,andtherumblingsoundslowlybecamemoreofaroar,growinglouderandlouderuntilitfinallystoppednearby.
Frommybedroom,Ihearddoorsinsideourhomeopening.Terry,whosharedaroomwithme,satupinbed.“What’sthat?”sheasked.
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Webothputonrobesandwentintotheden.Shortly,ourmom,Rosemary,andfatherappeared.Mydadwenttothefrontdoorandopenedit.Meanwhile,Ipeekedoutofourmusicroomwindowtoseewhatwasgoingon.Therewerenostreetlightsinourneighborhoodanditwaspitch-blackoutside.
Myfatherturnedonourfrontporchlightandsteppedoutsidewhileweanxiously
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watchedhimfrominsidethedoorway.Thesoundofrustlinginthegrassdrewourattention.
Ashadowyfigureemergedoutofthedarknessandintothelight.Itwasamotorcyclistcladinblackleather.Itwasn’tuntilhesteppedontotheporchandremovedhisshinyblackhelmetthatIsawitwasElvis!
AlStradastoodbehind
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him.IhadneverseenElvistravelanywherewithoutanentourage,soIfiguredtheremustbebodyguardswaitingaroundthecorner,unseen.ButonlyElvisandAlcameinside,andElvistookaseatonthesofainourden.JustwhenIhadbeenthinkingthisincrediblemancouldn’tsurprisememorethanhealreadyhad,hesucceeded.HerewasElvisatmyhouse!NotatGraceland,notinan
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arena,notinahotelpenthouse,butsittinginourdenlikehewasaneighborfromdownthestreet!
ThiswasthefirsttimeElvishadseenanyoneinmyfamilysinceLasVegas.Wewereallsostunnedtohavehimshowupatourhouselikethis,atsuchalatehour,thatwedidn’teventhinkaboutgettingoutofourpajamas.Elvisdidn’tsayawordabouthowlateitwas.Luckily,it
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wasaweekend,andneitherofmyparentshadtogetupforworkthenextday,butIdoubtedElvishadthoughtaboutthat.Thiswasmyboyfriendandmyparentscouldn’thelpthathekeptoddhours.ThefactthiswasElvis,alsogavehimalittlemorelatitude.Afterwe’dchattedforafewminutes,ElviseventuallybegantalkingwithmymotherabouttheBible.Shebroughtoutthelarge,
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worn,familyBiblesheoftenusedtoreadtous.Elviswentoverafewpassages,directingmostofhiscommentstomymother,andaskedifhecouldwriteinsidetheBible.
“No,Idon’tmind,”mymothersaid.Icouldtellhehadpiquedherinterest.
Elviswrotethewordaskabovethetitle“Genesis,TheFirstBookofMoses,”andthenbeganreadingaboutGodcreatingheavenandearth.He
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underlinedcertainlinesandwrotedownafewwords,dissectingthemashehaddoneoncebeforewithheronthephone,shortlyafterourreturnfromLasVegas.HethenmovedonandbeganunderliningversesintheBookofRevelation.
Thevisitlastedquiteawhile,andIlovedseeingElvisenjoyinghimselfwithmyfamily.Itwasamuchmorerelaxedandintimate
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settingforusalltobetogetherthanithadbeeninLasVegas.IwashappythatmyparentswerefinallygettingthechancetowitnessalittleofElvis’sspiritualquestandtoseehimasIhadoverthepastweeks,asamanwhowasbright,interesting,andcharming.
Neardawn,Elvisdecideditwastimetogoandwenttouseourrestroom.Alhadbeensittingquietlyintheroom
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withus.Nowmyparentsaskedhimalittleabouthimself.Alsaidthathewasn’tthathappywithhisjob,butsaidhewasworkingtohelpsupporthismotherinLosAngeles.IunderstoodhowAl’sjobcouldsometimesbedifficult.Elviswantedothersaroundhimtopickupandgowheneverandwherever.Hewantedtohavehisemployeesathisbeckandcall.HearingAltalk
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remindedmethat,evennow,AlwasatworkforElvis.Beingatmyhomewasapaidjob!Icouldseewherenightslikethiswouldn’tnecessarilybefunorexcitingforanaide.
WhenElvisreturned,Ifollowedhimoutside.“Thankyouforcomingover,”Isaidaswewalkedtogethertowardhismotorcycle.“Yourbikeisbeautiful.”
“I’lltakeyouforaridesometime,”hesaid.
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Then,strappinghishelmetbackon,Elvisclimbedontohismotorcycle.Algotintoawaitingcar.Istoodonthelawntowatchthemleave,smilingasIwatchedElvisrideoffintothenight.
•••
AfewdaysbeforeChristmas,ElvisaskedifIwouldhelphimshopforhisrelatives.HehadarrangedforGoldsmith’s
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DepartmentStoreinMemphistoreopenafterpublichours.Goldsmith’swaslocatedintheSouthlandMall,notfardownthestreetfromGraceland.Elvis’scousinPatsyGambillandabodyguardaccompaniedus.
Asweturnedintothemall’sparkinglot,weweregreetedbyapoliceofficerwaitinginhiscar.OneofthemallsecurityguardsopenedthedoortoGoldsmith’swhile
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thepoliceofficerwaitedoutside.
Itfelteerietowalkthroughthedepartmentstore,emptynowexceptforusandafewsalesclerkspatientlywaitingforthisoneshopper.IhadbeeninGoldsmith’smanytimes,butthiswasshoppingElvis-styleandcompletelydifferent.
WehadbeeninthestoreforonlyafewmomentswhenElvissaidhe’dliketobuyme
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somenightgownsandrobes.Iwassurprisedthathewantedtobuysomethingformeandbytheintimatenatureofthegifts.IfollowedElvisandtheguardtothelingeriedepartment,whereIbrowsedthroughthesleepwearwhilethemenmadesmalltalkcloseby.
Duringtheirchat,Elvisaccidentallyreferredtomeonceas“Sheila.”Hequicklycaughthimselfandsaid,
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“Ginger.”WhenIhastilyturned
around,wonderingwhoSheilawas,Elvisglancedatmewitha“sorryaboutthat”look.
Thisthrewmeforamoment,butIwentbacktoshopping.ItwasonlymuchlaterthatIlearnedElvishaddatedawomannamedSheilaRyanforafewyears,notlongbeforemeetingme.
Iselectedsome
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nightgownsandrobes,thenfollowedElvisovertothefurcoatsection,wherehebeganlookingthroughthecoats.HeseemedtoknowwhathelikedandIstartedtofeellikehedidn’treallyneedmealongashepickedoutacoatandhadPatsytryiton.
Lookingthroughafewmore,Elvissingledoutablack-and-whiteminkandonemoremadeofwhiterabbitfur.Heaskedmetotry
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themonsohecouldseeiftheywouldfitsomeofhisrelatives.Islippedintoeachcoatandturnedaround,brieflymodelingthemwhileElviswatchedandmulledthemover.HethenpurchasedallofthecoatswhileIbrowsedcloseby.
BackatGraceland,ElvisgavePatsythecoatshehadtriedonandIknewElvis’sotherrelativeswouldbepleasantlysurprisedbythe
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giftshehadwaitingforthem.IwonderedifhewasthisgenerouswithhisfamilyeveryChristmas,anddecidedheprobablywas.Elviswashisfamily’srealSantaClaus.Infact,I’dbeguntoseethateverydaywithElviscouldfeellikeChristmas.
IleftGracelandshortlyaftersunrise.Onthewayhome,IwonderedwhatIcouldgiveElvisfortheholidaysthathedidn’t
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alreadyhave.Icouldn’tpossiblyrepayhiminkindforthegenerousgiftshe’dgivenmyfamilyandme.
Atfirst,becauseofeverythingwe’dbeenreading,Iconsideredhavingaspecialturbanmadewithalargestoneinitscenter,butIdidn’tthinkI’dhaveenoughtime.Iwenttosleepforawhile,stillponderingideas,andlaterwentshoppingwithRosemary.
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Inanearbymall,Ifinallypurchasedagoldchainnecklacewithalargecrossmadeoutofagemstonecalledtiger’seye.ItwasasimplegiftcomparedtomostofElvis’sjewelry,butIlikeditandhopedhewould,too.
Thatnight,Elviscalledtoonceagaininvitemetohelphimchoosecoatsforsomerelatives.IwenttoGraceland,andfromthere,forthefirsttime,Igottorideinhis
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Ferrari.Thebodyguard,Sam,squeezedintothebackseatwithElvis’scousinBillyandBilly’swife,Jo.IsatinthepassengerseatwithElvisatthewheel.
SoonwewerezoomingalongontheexpresswaytowarddowntownMemphis.ElvisdroveataspeedIhadneverdaredtodrive.Itwasscary,yetexhilarating.Ineverdoubtedhisabilitytohandlethecar.
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Weflewpastaparkedpolicecar.Luckily,forsomereasontheofficerdidn’tpursueus.IwonderedifherecognizedElvis’sFerrari.Asfastasweweregoing,Idoubtthepolicecouldhavecaughtusanyway.
Arrivingdowntown,ElviswheeledintotheparkinglotofastorecalledKingFursandcametoaquickstop.Relieved,Iopenedthedoorandgotout,releasingthe
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othersfromtheirconfinementinthebackseat.AsSamstartedtogetout,hemadeacomicalsuctionnoise,pretendingtoremovehisfingersfromthetightgriphe’dhadonthebackofmyseat.Ilaughed,butIwassurehe’dexperiencedthatkindofridewithElvisbefore.
Insidethestore,Elvis’sattentionwentstraighttoafull-lengthwhiteminkcoathangingonarackintheback.
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Heaskedthesalespersontopullitoutandwantedmetotryiton.
Whilehiscousinsandbodyguardstoodaround,Isteppedinfrontofathree-waymirrorandslippedintothisincrediblecoat.InthereflectionIcouldseeElvis,nowseatedinachairbehindme,watchingandlookingquitepleased,withagreatbigsmile.Thesalespersonhandedmeawhiteminkhat,
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andwhenIliftedmyhairtotuckupunderit,Elvisjumpedupandwalkedtowardme.Puttinghishandonthebackofmyneck,inachildlikevoicehesaid,“Nowletmeseethatneck...nowthat’sachickenneck!”
HewasclearlygettingakickoutofteasingmeandIhadtolaugh.Laterhewouldtellme,“I’mself-consciousaboutmyownneck.It’stoothin.That’swhymy
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jumpsuitsandshirtsaredesignedwithhighcollars.”
Elvispurchasedthewhiteminkcoatandhatwithoutbotheringtolookatanythingelse.Onthewayoutthedoor,hetoldmetheyweremine.Astonished,Ithankedhim.Itwasclearhehadn’tgoneouttonighttoshopforanyoneelsebutme.
Hewavedahand.“Iwishthey’dhadafull-lengthblackoneforme,”hesaid.Hadthe
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salespersonheardhim,I’msuretheclerkwouldhavebentoverbackwardtofindone.
Thefiveofusreturnedtothecar,whereElvispeeledoutoftheparkinglotwithmeholdingonfordearlife,smilingatmynewnickname,ChickenNeck.Itwasn’tglamorous,butitwasmine.
BackatGraceland,Elviswentintothedressingareaofhisbathroomandreturned
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withthetwocoatshehadpurchasedthepreviousnight.HeaskedmetotakeoffthecoatIwaswearingand,whenIdid,heputoneofthecoatsaroundmyshoulders,givingmeasoftkissonmyneck.
“Theseareyours,too,”hesaid.
Iwasdazedbytheextravagance.Whatabouthisrelatives?Wasthishisplanallalong?Ihadnevergivenanythoughttoowningafur
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coat,andnowIhadseveral.Noquestionaboutit:Elvislikedtodothingsbig.Hecouldn’tjustgivemeonecoat;hehadtogivemethree!
“Thankyou,Elvis,they’rereallybeautiful,”Isaid,simply,forwhatmorecouldIsay?Thishadbeenanotheroneofhisplansandhewasbeaming.
Caughtupinthemomentandobviouslyproudofwhathehaddone,Elvissuddenly
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wantedmetocallmyfamilyandinvitethemovertoseewhathe’dgivenme.
ItwasaftermidnightwhenIcalledhomebutIknewthatmyfamilywouldbeokaywithlate-nightcallscomingfromGraceland.ItwasallpartofthisnewadventurewewerehavingwithElvisasourguide.IspokewithmymotherandtoldherthatElvishadsomethinghe’dliketoshowthefamily.Iknew
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they’dbecuriousbutonlymymotherandRosemarywereabletocomeover.ElvisaskedmetolayallthreecoatsoutonhisbedandsoIcarefullyarrangedthemonhisbedspread.WhenRosemaryandmymomarrived,heinvitedthemupstairs.Ofcoursetheyexclaimedoverhowbeautifulthefurswere.Mymotherwaswowedbecausethiswasherveryfirstlookinside
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Graceland.ElvisgraciouslytookheronabrieftourwhileRosemaryandIwaitedinhisbedroom.
Whentheyreturned,wefollowedElvisintohisoffice,wherehesangandplayedtheorganforallofus.Notlongafterward,amanwalkedintotheroom.I’dneverseenhimbefore.Elvissaidhelloandthetwoofthemdisappearedintothedressingareaofhisbathroom.Iwonderedifhe
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wastalkingbusiness.ForElvis,theworldwasawakewheneveryoneelsewasasleep,soIknewthatwaspossible.
Giventhelatehour,mymotherandRosemarytoldmetheydidn’twanttooverstaytheirwelcome.Theypreparedtoleave.Elvisreappearedbeforelong,however,andmymotherthankedhimforinvitingthemoverandsaidtheyshouldbe
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going.Wehadallstartedwalking
downstairswhenElvisstoppedmidwayonthestaircaseandsaid,“Oh,Ialmostforgotsomething.”Heopenedhishand.
Inhispalmglitteredtwodiamondrings.“Youwon’tfindtheseinaCrackerJackbox,”heteased,handingmymotherandRosemaryeacharing.
TheystaredatElvis,
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speechlessforamoment.Thenmymothershookherhead.“Elvis,I’msorry,butwecan’t—”shebegan,butElviscutheroff.
“Mrs.Alden,IreallywantyouandRosemarytohavethese,”heinsisted.
IhadalreadylearnedthattherewasnoforcethatcouldmatchElviswhenhewasintentonbeinggenerous.Mymotherandsisterfinallyrealizedthatandgraciously
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thankedhim.Iwastouchedbyhis
gestureandwonderedifthestrangerwhohadarrivedhadbroughttherings.Isawmymotherandsistertothefrontdoor,thentookElvis’shandasweheadedupstairs,thinkingI’dnevermetanothermansojoyfulandenthusiasticaboutsharingthebountyofhislifewitheveryonearoundhim.
Ieventuallywenthometo
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getsomesleep,butwhenIwokethatafternoon,Elviscalledandtoldmehewantedtogethisdadanewcar.Apparentlyhisgenerousmoodhadlastedthroughthenight.“Wouldyoucomewithmetolookforone?”
“Ofcourse,”Isaid.IdrovebacktoGraceland,
andtogetherwewenttoalocaldealership.Itdidn’ttakelongforElvistodecideonafour-doortruckforhisfather.
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Hiskindnessdidn’tstopthere.Elvisalsoboughtanewcarforoneofthedealership’semployeesbeforeweleft.Asalways,thecombinationofbeingabletosurprisepeopleandgivethemmagnificentgiftsneverfailedtoputasmileonElvis’sface.Hewantedtomakepeoplehappyandwowthemwhiledoingit.
•••
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LisaflewtoMemphistospendtheholidaysatGraceland,whereshedividedhertimebetweenElvisandplayingwiththechildrenofSandyMiller,TishHenley,andBillySmith.Iwasstillanewpersoninherfather’slifeandshewasalittlequietaroundmeatfirst,butIfeltconfidentwe’dgettoknoweachotherbetterovertime.DuetoElvis’snearlyreversedsleeppatterns,he
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allowedLisatostayupquitelate,buthewasagreatdad.Heespeciallylovedtuckingherintobed,oftensayingtome,“Let’sgosaygoodnighttoLisa.”
OnChristmasEve,IwaswatchingtelevisionwithElvisinhisbedroomandlefttousetherestroom.TheTVwasoffwhenIcamebackandElvisseemedabsorbedinreadingabook.
AsIwaswalkingaround
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thefootofhisbed,Inoticedsparklinglightsdancingallalongthewallsandceiling.Ilookedtowardtheheadboardandsawabeautifuldiamondnecklacewithmatchingwatchandbraceletproppeduponmypillow.Thebedsidelighthadbeenturneditswayandwasaimeddowntoshineonthejewelry.
Icaughtmybreath.Ihadreceivedsomanyincrediblegiftsalreadyandwasn’t
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expectinganythingforChristmas.Elvispretendedtoreadforafewmoreseconds.Thenheglancedupfromhisbookandjoked,“Iwishithadbeendesignedforaman,becauseIwouldhaveboughtitformyself.”
Takingthejewelryfrommypillow,Ileanedovertohughim.Onceagain,Iwantedtotellhimthiswastoomuch.However,nowthatwewerecloser,Iunderstood
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Elviswouldbehurt,orevenalittleangry,ifsomeoneturneddownagiftfromhim—especiallyifthegiftwassomethinghe’dputalotofthoughtandeffortintochoosingandhowhewouldpresentit.
Still,Itried.“Thisreallyisn’tnecessary,Elvis,”Iprotested.“You’vealreadygivenmethecoats,andIfeelbadbecauseIdon’thaveyourgiftwithme.”I’dbeen
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preparedtogiveittohimonChristmasDay.
Beforehecouldrespond,Lisacamein.ShesatonthebedinfrontofusandElvisturnedtheTVbackon.Lisabeganwatchingitwithus.Elvislovinglyobservedherforamomentandthentappedmeontheshoulder,motioningformetowatchLisaassheperiodicallyglancedabouttheroomandbackatthetelevision,
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oblivioustothetwoofus.“Wehavethesamelookin
oureyes,”Elvissaidsoftly.Isettledagainstthe
pillows,thinkingitwastouchingthathesawhimselfinhisdaughter.
ThehousewasquietearlyonChristmasmorning.Lisawasstillasleep,andbecauseElviswasgoingtobed,ItoldhimIwouldgoseemyfamily,exchangegiftswiththem,andbringhispresent
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backwithmelaterintheday.IalsohadasmallsilverbracelettogiveLisa.
Ivisitedwithmyfamilyathome,thenreturnedtoGraceland.IexpectedtoseeElvisasIusuallydid,relaxedanddressedinpajamas,withhishairabitmussed.WhenIreturnedthistime,however,hewassittinginhisbedroomdressedinniceclothesandwithhishairstyled.
Isatbesidehimonthe
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bed.“MerryChristmas,”Isaid,andhandedhimhisgift.Asheunwrappedthenecklace,Iheldmybreath.
Elvistookthecrossoutofthebox,lookedatme,andsmiled.“Iloveit,”hesaidandallmyfearsdisappeared.Hethenaskedmetofastenitaroundhisneck.
VernonandSandycameoverlaterthatevening,andwemetwiththeminthedressingareaofElvis’s
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bathroom.Isatonthebed,surroundedbyElvis’sclothing,whileElvistookacoupleofnearbychairsandplacedthemacrossfrommeforhisdadandSandy.Asthefourofuswerevisiting,LisajoinedusandIwasabletogivehermysmallgift,too.
Ifanykindoftraditionalgift-givingritualhappenedaroundthetreeatGraceland,itmusthavehappenedbeforeIgotthere,becauseElvis
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seemedtotallycontenttostayupinhisbedroomandspendthispartofChristmasdaywithme.Wewatchedtelevision,talked,andvisitedwithLisa.
AftertuckingLisaintobedthatnight,ElvisandIwentbackintothebedroomandIthankedhimagainformybeautifulgifts.
“Ilikewomeninfurs,”Elvissaid,andtoldmehe’donceboughtachild-sizemink
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coatforLisa,buthisex-wife,Priscilla,didn’twanthertowearitandreturnedit,thinkingitwastooextravagantfortheirdaughter.
Elvis’sfamilydidn’thavemuchmoneywhenhewasgrowingup,andIfeltthatwaspartofthereasonhewantedtospoilLisaandmanyoftheotherpeoplehelovedwithsuchextravagance.However,I
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coulddefinitelyunderstandhisex-wife’spoint.Whatchildneededaminkcoat?Ontheotherhand,howmanychildrenhadElvisasafather?
SinceElvisseemedsensitiveaboutthereturnedgift,Ichosenottosayanything.Hisimpulsehadbeenagenerousone,andIdidn’twanttoaddtoanyhurtfeelings.
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CHAPTER13
Elvis’snexttourwasscheduledtostartDecember27inWichita,Kansas,andwouldendonNewYear’sEveinPittsburgh,Pennsylvania.Iwaslookingforwardtoit.AlthoughI’dflownfromSanFranciscoto
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AnaheimandintoLasVegaswithElvis,thiswouldbemyfirsttimetoreallygetthefeelofbeingontheroadwithhim.
WhileIwashomepacking,LarryGellerhadflowninandgivenElvismorereligiousbooks.ElvisgavesomecopiestomewhenIreturnedtoGraceland,andIwashappytobeincluded.Ihadbeguntoenjoyourritualofreadingtogetherand
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talkingaboutthevariousideasthatwefoundintriguinginthesebooks.IwasalsogladtofindElvisrestedandreadytogo.Vernon,Sandy,andLisawerecoming,too,soIthoughtElviswouldbeevenmoreinspiredtoperform.
Whileothersrushedaroundpreparingforourdeparture,IremainedupstairswithElvisandLarry,lookingoversomeofthenewbooks.Itwasobviousfromlistening
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tothementalkthatElvisandLarryhadbeenstudyingspiritualmaterialforquiteawhile.Becauseoftheirextensivesharedknowledgeaboutreligionandphilosophy,Iwasn’tabletocontributemuchtotheconversation;however,Idefinitelyfoundthedialoguethought-provokingeventhoughIknewitwouldtakemetime—maybeyears—tomakesenseofthedifferent
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philosophiesthatfascinatedElvis.
Later,IwouldseethatElviswasn’tsimplyonaspiritualquest,butstrivingtobroadenhisgeneralknowledgeaswell.Manytimesontour,hewouldasksomeonetoholdadictionaryandchallengehimwithwordstospellordefine.
•••
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DuringElvis’sconcertinWichita,hesatbehindthepianoandplayedabeautifulsongtitled“UnchainedMelody.”I’dneverhearditbeforeandlovedit,feelingthesong’slyricsaboutloveandlongingspoketothedeep,soulfulconnectionbetweenElvisandme.LarryGellertoldmelaterthatithadbeenquiteawhilesincehe’dseenElvissitatthepianoandperformthewayhedidthat
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night.Despitethepaceand
demandsofhavingtotravelfromonecitytothenext,onthistourElvisseemedfreeofthehealthproblemsthathadplaguedhiminLasVegasandhewasinagreatmood.Hisvoicewasinfineshapeaswell,andhisoverallimprovedstatewasreflectedinthequalityofhisperformances.
Otherpeoplenoticedthis
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aswell.IhappenedtobestandingbesideLarrybeforeoneshowandheleanedoverandsaid,“Idon’tknowwhatyou’redoing,butwhateveritis,keepdoingit.”
Hearingthiscertainlywasanegoboost,butwhetherElvisfeltbetterbecauseofourrelationshipornot,itwaswonderfultoseehimdoingwell.Iwasalsoextremelyhappytoseethat,duringhisshows,Elviscontinuedto
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wearthenecklaceI’dgivenhim.
Elvisseemedattunedtomypresenceevenwhenhewasbusyperforming.WhilehewasonstageinBirmingham,Alabama,IwasdeeplytouchedwhenElvisloweredhisheadtowardthemicrophoneandsaid,“I’mgonnadothissongforyou,sweetheart,”thensang,“TheFirstTimeEverISawYourFace.”
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Speakingtomedirectlyinthemiddleofthesong,heinterjected,“Listentome,”andthen,“Yougottalistentome.”Elvissangthesongbeautifully,andIwasfallingevermoredeeplyinlovewithhim.
Noteverythingwentsmoothlyonthattour,though.Elviswasstillworriedabouthisfather’shealth,especiallyontheroad,andperiodicallymade
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commentstomeaboutit.Unfortunately,myattentionwasfracturedbypersonalconcernsofmyown,aftercheckinginwithmyfamilyandlearningthatmygrandfatherwasnowexperiencingcomplicationsduetopneumonia.
WewereinAtlanta,Georgia,onDecember30.ItriedtorestbeforeElvis’sshowthatnight,butIwashavingtroublesleepingand
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wokeshortlyafter2P.M.IstartedthinkingaboutmygrandfatherandtossedandturnedwhileElvisslept.FinallyIdecidedtoplaceacalltomyparents,whowereathisnursinghome,toseehowmygrandfatherwasdoing.
Whenmymothercameontheline,Icouldtellshe’dbeencrying.“Grandpapassedawayabouttenminutesago,”shesaid.
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“I’msorry,Mom,”ImanagedaroundthelumpinmythroatasIheardthepaininhervoice.
Hadmyurgetocallherbeenapremonitionormerelyacoincidence?Mymothertoldmeshe’djustbeendiscussingwhentohavethefuneralwithourrelatives.“WewerethinkingofhavingitonJanuarythird,”shesaid.
AwaveofsorrowwashedovermewhenIhungup.It
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wasreallyimpossibleformetosleepnow,butIdidn’twanttodisturbElvis,soIlayquietlybesidehim.Whenhewokeup,Itoldhimthesadnews.
Veryconcerned,Elviswantedtohelpinsomeway.Hecalledmymother,gaveherhiscondolences,andsaid,“Iwantyourfathertohavethenicestcasketpossible.”Heevenofferedtopayhisfuneralexpenses.
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Mymotherthankedhim,butsaidmygrandfatherhadsetasidemoneytopayforhisownfuneral.Everythinghadbeenprearranged.TheirconversationendedwithElvisassuringherIwouldbeatthefuneral.
DuringElvis’sshowthatnight,Icouldn’tshakemylingeringsadness.Ifeltsosorryformymom.Ialsofeltterribleaboutnothavingbeenabletoseemygrandfather
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onemoretimetosaygood-bye.
Elviswasintunewithmyemotions.WhilewewereflyingintoPittsburghforhisnextconcert,heencouragedmetotalkaboutmygrandfatherbyaskingmequestions.Isharedafewfamilymemoriesand,tomysurprise,foundmyselflaughingwithElvis.Iwasglad.IknewthatElvishadashowcomingupandIdidn’t
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wantmygrieftoaffecthismood.Iputonabravefrontandwasdeterminedtokeepasmileonmyface.
WestayedattheHiltoninPittsburgh.Thenextevening,IwasgettingreadyforElvis’sshowwhenhecalledmeintohisroom.Twoofhisstagecostumeswereonhisbed,onewithmulticoloredbluestripesandtheotherwiththeimageofablackeagleonitsfrontandback.
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“WhichonedoyouthinkIshouldwear?”heasked.
Iwasflattered.He’dneverwantedmyopinionabouthisstageoutfitsbefore.SinceitwasNewYear’sEveandnotanordinarynight,Ipointedtothejumpsuitwiththeeagle,thesymbolofAmerica.
Beforeweleft,Elvisaskedmetowearmyfull-lengthwhiteminkcoatandmatchinghat.Iputthemon,comfortednotbythecoat,but
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bythefactthatElvishadearlierliftedmyspiritsandwasdoingeverythinghecouldtoshowhowmuchhecaredaboutme.
TheatmosphereinthePittsburghCivicArenawassuperchargedwhenwearrived.PeoplewerereadytocelebrateNewYear’sEvewithElvis,andtheirexcitementbuoyedmyspirits.ChairshadbeenplacedononesideofthestageforLisa,
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Vernon,Sandy,andme,butLisachosetositinmylapduringtheconcert.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundher,happytohaveherclose.
Elvis’sperformancethatnightwasenergeticandnothingseemedtobehurtinghim.Soonaftertheconcertstarted,heintroducedhisfather,thenLisa.IhelpedLisastandsootherscouldseeher.
Asheeventuallytooka
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seatatthepiano,Elvissaid,“Iwanttodedicatethissongtomydaddy,Lisa,andGinger.”Heproceededtoplay“UnchainedMelody.”Asalways,Elvis’svoiceandthosehauntingsonglyricstouchedmysoul.
Itwasafantasticshow.TheeveningwasmadeevenbetterwhenwereturnedtotheHiltonandElvisreceivedaphonecallfromPresidentJimmyCarter,whowanted
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ElvistoserveasaspecialadvisertotheyouthofAmerica.Bytheproudlookonhisfaceandtheexcitementinhisvoice,IcouldseehowhonoredandtouchedElvisfeltbyPresidentCarter’srequest,andIwasthrilledforhim.
•••
BeingontheroadwithElviswasamazing,theexperience
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madeevenmoresurrealbecauseweweretravelingfromcitytocityandfromhoteltohotel.Everymorning,I’dhavetoremindmyselfwhereIwaswhenIwokeup.
OnthewaybacktoMemphis,Elvistoldmehe’dhaveasix-weekbreakfromperforming.Hewascomingdownfromtheexcitementofthetour,hismoodevenlowerbecauseLisawasgoingbacktohermotherinLosAngeles.
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Still,oncewe’dreturnedtoGraceland,Icouldn’tstaylong,either,sinceIhadtoattendmygrandfather’sfuneral.
“Wouldyoulikemetogowithyou?”ElvisofferedasIwasleaving.
Iwasastonished.ElvishadjustfinishedatourandIknewhemustbeexhausted.“Aren’tyoutired?”Iasked.
Heshookhishead.“I’dliketobethere.”
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IfeltverymovedthatElviswouldmaketimetosupportme.MyplanshadbeentodrivefromMemphistoArkansaswithmysiblings,butnowIwasstymied.IfElviscame,therewouldn’tbeenoughroominthecar.Maybemybrothershouldtakehiscar,too.Butthentherewerehisbodyguards:IhadyettoseeElvisgosomewherewithoutone.
OnceIwasbackathome,
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Iphonedmyparents,relayingthenewsthatElviswouldbecomingtothefuneralwithme.MyparentsinformedusthattheweatherinArkansaswasn’tgood,andonJanuary2,thecityofMemphiswaswallopedwithaterriblesnowandicestorm.
IcalledElvis.“Idon’tthinkwe’regoingtomakeittothefuneral,”Isaid,worried.“Theweather’ssobad.”Elviswouldn’tletthat
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fazehim.“IfIhavetocallthepresident,”hesaid,“I’llseethatyoumakeittoyourgrandfather’sfuneral.”
“Elvis,howisthisgoingtowork?”Iasked.
Hewassilentforaminute,thensaid,“We’reallgoingtoflyinontheJetStar.I’msendingsomeonetoescortyoutoGraceland.”
Itwasclosetomidnight.Iphonedmybrother,tellinghimtobringhisfamilyover
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tomyhouse.Beforelong,therewasaknockatourdoor.
Iopenedit,expectingtoseeoneofElvis’semployees,butinsteadrecognizedthemanstandingonourfrontporchasourlocalsheriff,GeneBarksdale.Thebrightflashinglightsoffivepolicecarsilluminatedthenightskybehindhim.
Thesheriffintroducedhimself.“I’mheretotakeyouandyourfamilyto
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Graceland,”hesaid.Thiswasourescort?
SheriffBarksdalesteppedinside,alongwithseveraldeputies,eachmanremovinghishatashecrossedourthreshold.Icouldn’thelpsmiling,thinkingthatElviswasprobablychucklingtohimselfrightaboutnow,asheimaginedtheshockedexpressiononthefacesofmeandmysiblings.
MyfamilyandIgathered
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afewbelongings,enteredthepolicecars,andslowlymadeourwaytoGracelandinacaravan.ElviswaswaitinginthefoyerwithCharlie,Lamar,hisstepbrothers,aides,bodyguards,andJoe.TheywereallpreparedtogowithusontheJetStar.Havingjustcomefromatour,Iknewthesemencouldn’tbetoohappyaboutthisnewtravelplan,especiallygiventheweather.
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ElvistoldmethattherunwaysatMemphisAerowerebeingdeicedsowehadtowaitalittlewhile.Heinvitedthesheriffandhisdeputiesinsideforcoffee.Rightbeforethepoliceleft,ElvispresentedSheriffBarksdalewithagunfromhispersonalcollection.
IintroducedElvistomybrother’sdaughters,AmberandAllison.Ashelookedoverthehugegroupofpeople
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he’dassembled,Elvisrealizedtherewouldn’tbeenoughroomforeveryoneontheJetStar.HeendedupcharteringaLearjetoutofNashvilletoflyintoMemphisformybrother,hisfamily,andafewothers.
Beforelong,IwasintheairwithElvisonhisplane,alongwithmysistersandafewmorefromtheentourage.Ourflightwasturbulentenoughthatsomeoftheguys
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periodicallyvoicedaconcern.AswewereflyingintoHarrison,Arkansas,theJetStarapproachedtherunway,butwedidn’tlandbecausetheconditionsweretoorough.Milomadeasecondattempt.
Mostofuswereuptight,saveElvis,whocalmlytoldeveryonenottoworry.Deepdown,Ididn’treallythinkanythingbadwouldhappen,either,becausewewerewith
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him.DuringmytimewithElvis,Ihadbeguntobelievehetrulywasspecial,andthatGodwasn’tgoingtoletanythinghappentohim.
Duetoiceandsnow,theJetStarskiddedabitwhenfinallytouchingdown,butwearrivedsafely.MilocamebackfromthecockpitandinformedElvisthathehadtoldthepilotofmybrother’splanetogoninetymilesnorthintoSpringfield,Missouri,
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becauseoftheweather.Milofelttheirplanewouldn’thavethebrakingpowertheJetStardidtolandonthisshorterrunway.
Myparentswerewaitingforusasweexitedtheplane.“Mrs.Alden,I’mverysorryaboutyourfather,”Elvissaidwarmlywhenhegreetedmymother.ShethankedhimandhethensenttheJetStartoSpringfieldtopickupmybrother,hisfamily,andthe
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others.Rentalcarswerewaiting
foreveryone.WefollowedmyparentstoaRamadaInn,wheretheywerestayingwithsomeotherrelatives.Elvishadreservedafewroomsfortherestofus.MysiblingsandIgatheredwithmyparentsintheirroom.IvisitedwiththemforawhileandthenjoinedElvisinhisroom.Elvishadbroughtbooksandhisjeweledrobewithhim;
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nowheputontherobeandsatonthebed,wherewereadtogether,talked,andrestedforafewhours.
Theservice,scheduledfor10A.M.,wouldtakeplaceinasmallcommunitycalledMountShermantwenty-fivemilesaway.IknewthisrelativelyearlymorningstarttimewouldthrowElvisoffhisusualscheduleandhopeditwouldn’tprovetoodifficultforhim.
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WhenElvisorderedbreakfast,Ibecameincreasinglyconcernedaboutourtiming.Itwasalmosttimeforustogetreadytoleavefortheservice,andElvisdidn’tseemtobeinanyhurry.AlStradaeventuallybroughtourfood.ElvisturnedontheTVandthetwoofusbeganeating.Suddenlytherewasaknockonthedoor.Alopeneditandmymotherwasstandingoutside.
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“Thestatepolicehavemadeanextraefforttomaketheroadtothefuneralmorepassable,”shesaid.Then,noticingElvisinhisrobeandourbreakfastinfrontofus,shegentlyremindedusofthetime,andsaiditwasquiteadrivetotheservice.
ThiswasenoughtonudgeElvisintofastgear.Wefinishedeatingand,asvariousmembersofhisentouragebegancheckingin
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withhim,Ileftsohecouldgetready.
Itwascoldoutside.Iputonmylongwhiteminkcoat,thenjoinedmyfamily,waitingforElvis.Beforelong,hesteppedoutofhisroomwithafewbooksinhand,wearingadark,high-collaredcoatandbluescarfaroundhisneck.
MyparentshaddriventheirLincolnContinentaltoHarrison.Nowtheyofferedit
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toElvis,tellinghimtheywouldtakeoneoftherentalcars.“That’sfine,”Elvissaid.
Charlie,David,andRickytookthebackseatoftheLincolnwhileElvisandIsatupfront.WithJoebehindthewheel,wepulledoutoftheparkinglotandheadedtowardtheMt.ShermanAssemblyofGodChurch.
Theweatherconditionswerestilltreacherous.Theridewasslowalongthetwo-
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lane,ice-andsnow-coveredroadandgrewworseasweenteredNewtonCounty,wheretheareabecamehillyandtheroadmorewinding.
WefinallyreachedthesmalltownofJasper,turnedontoanothernarrowroad,andbeganourascentupthesnow-coveredmountaintowardthechurch.TheroadlookedsoslipperythatIcouldn’thelpvoicingmyconcernsaboutbeingableto
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makeituptothechurch.“IfIcanlandmyjeton
thaticyrunway,Icanalsolandontopofthatmountain,”Elvisassuredme.
Fiveslick,nail-bitingmileslater,wefinallypulledintothesmallgraveledparkinglotofthecountrychurch.Mygrandfatherhaddonatedthelandforthischurch,helpedbuildit,andpreachedinit,too.Organmusicwassoftlyplaying
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whenwewalkedinside.Althoughwewerefifteenminuteslate,theministerhadwaitedforusbeforestartingtheservice.
Itwasasmallchurchwithonlysixpewsoneachside.Wequietlytookseatsintheback.TheReverendMaddoxsteppedforwardandbegansinging“HowGreatThouArt.”Therewasahintofnervousnessinhisvoiceuntilsuddenly,Elvisbegansinging
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along,andthenCharliejoinedin.IwasinitiallysurprisedthatElviswouldsing,buthediditsoftly,nottryingtotakeovertheservice,andthereverend’svoicegrewinpowerasElvissubtlynoddedhisheadathim.
TheReverendMartinVillinesandtheReverendGuyJones,bothfriendsofmygrandfather,handledtherestoftheservice,withtheReverendVillinesgivingthe
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eulogy.Neartheend,Elvisleanedmywayand,withhiseyesfixedonmygrandfather’scasket,saidunderhisbreath,“Son,you’reonyourown.”
ItwasalineIrememberedfromthefilmBlazingSaddles.Iwonderedifhewastryingtomakemelaugh.Attimes,Elvisdealtwithtensionbyinjectinghumor,andinastrangeway,hearinghimsay
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thisdidlightenmymoodforamoment.
Whentheserviceended,westeppedoutsidethechurch.Everyonewasverycourteousandpolite.OneofmycousinsbeganspeakingwithElvisascarsbegantolineupbehindthehearse.Elviscontinuedtalkingwithher,whichpromptedmymothertomentionthatitwastimeforustogo.
Beforereturningtoour
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car,Elvisquicklymentionedtomymother,“Mrs.Alden,youknowthischurchremindsmeofthechurchIwenttowhenIwasalittleboy.”
Wethendrovethetwomilestothecemeteryforashortgravesideservice.
Afteritwasover,Elvisonceagainwaskindandgraciouswitheveryone,takingtimetospeakwithafewrelativesandtellingone
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ofmycousinsthattheweatherremindedhimofhisdaysintheserviceinGermany.
WereturnedtotheRamadaInn,wherewegatheredourbelongingsandElvischangedbackintohisjeweledrobe.MyparentsweregoingtodrivetheContinentalbacktoMemphis,butElvisaskedmymotherifshe’dliketoflybackwithmeandmysisters.
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Mymotheracceptedtheinvitationwhenmyfathersaidhedidn’tminddrivingbecauseitwasonlyasix-hourtriphomeandsomeonehadtobringthecarback.Mybrotherdecidedtoaccompanyhim.OncewewerebackinMemphis,theJetStarwouldreturnformysister-in-law,nieces,andtheothers.
Elvishadmymotherridewithusonthewaytotheairportandtookaseatacross
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fromherwhenweboardedtheplane.Duringtheflight,thetwoofthembeganconversingaboutvariousthings.Iheardhimtellheratonepointthathisfavoritecousin,BobbieJane,haddiedaroundthesametimeasmygrandfather.
Iwasstartledbythisrevelation.HadElvischosentogotomygrandfather’sfuneralinsteadofhisowncousin’s?He’dneversaida
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thingaboutittome!Mymother,siblings,andItoldhimhowsorrywewere.Elvisalsomentionedthathe’dliketotakeavacationtohishomeinPalmSprings,California,andinvitedmymother,sisters,andme.Iwasthrilled.Itwouldbewonderfultoseehiminarelaxedatmosphereafterhishecticschedule.
Unfortunately,mymotherhadtoworkandTerrycouldn’tcome.ButRosemary
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wasbetweenjobs.“I’dlovetogo,”shesaid,andIwasgladsheandElviswouldhaveachancetogettoknoweachotherbetter.
IthankedElvisoncewewerealoneagainatGraceland.Histremendousactofkindnessinattendingmygrandfather’sfuneral,especiallygivenalloftheeffortithadentailed,wouldforeverholdaspecialplaceinmyheart.
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CHAPTER14
Truetohisword,ElvisimmediatelyplannedourgetawaytoPalmSpringsforJanuary4.ThisleftlittletimeforRosemaryandmetopack.
SomehowwemanagedtogettogetherourclothesandreturntoGracelandforthe
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trip.Ihadimaginedwe’dbeflyingtoPalmSpringsontheJetStar,perhapswithanaideortwoandabodyguardalongfortheride.However,whenwearrivedattheairportwithElvis,IsawtheLisaMariereadytogo.
Charlie;Lamar;Joe;David,andhiswife,Angie;Ricky;Al;andafewotherswerewaitingforusontheplane.Icouldn’tbelieveElvistraveledwiththismany
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peopleonvacation!Thenagain,Iremindedmyself,Elvisalwaysdidthingshisownuniqueway,andgrandgesturesseemedtobethenormwithhim.Healsoseemeddeterminedtosurroundhimselfwithpeople,bringingalittlebitofhomewithhimontheroad.
ItwasRosemary’sfirsttimeontheLisaMarieandElvisgaveherthegrandtour.Thiswouldalsobeherfirst
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triptoCalifornia.RosemarywasmoreaudaciousandoutspokenthanTerryorI.Shedidn’tseemtheleastbitintimidatedbyeithernewexperience.Ialsoquicklylearnedthat,ifanyonecouldmatchwitswithElvisandCharlie,itwasRosemary.
WhenCharlieappearedwithdrinkandcigaretteinhand,firingoffjokes,Rosemarykeptupwithhimjokeforjoke.Ilovedhaving
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herwithusandwatchinghercutupwiththem.RosemaryreallyknewhowtomakeElvislaugh,anditmademehappytoseehimsorelaxedandcomfortablewithmybigsister.
WelandedatthePalmSpringsairportneardawn.TheglitzofLasVegaswasnowhereinsight,onlytheserenedesertwithspectacularmountainsinthedistance.Weexitedtheplaneandthegroup
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divided,mostgoingontoahotelwhileElvis,oneofhisaides,Charlie,Rosemary,andIrodetoElvis’shomeonChinoCanyonDrive.
Ilovedthehouse.Itwasalow,sprawling,Spanish-stylewhitestuccohomewitharooftiledinawarmterra-cottacolor.Thepropertywassurroundedbyablackironfence.
“Notmuchyard,”Rosemarysaidasshenoted
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thelackofgrass.Elvislaughed.“That’s
whyIhadsomeoftherockspaintedgreen.”
Excitedtoshowusthehouse,Elvisledusdownahallwaytotheright.Wepassedafrontbedroomandstoppedoutsideasmallerroomwithacouchandbarinside.ElvisturnedtoRosemary.“Whichroomdoyouwant?”
Rosemaryglancedat
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Charlie.Then,lookingpointedlyattheroomwiththebarandsofa,shesaid,“Charlie,thisone’syours.”
Weenteredthemasterbedroomattheendofthehall.LiketheoneontheLisaMarie,thisonewasdecoratedinblue,apparentlyoneofElvis’sfavoritecolors.Elvisthenledusbacktowardtheentrywayandintoalivingroomwithafireplaceand
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largewindows.Continuingthroughthe
room,Elvistookusoutsidetoafree-formpoolsurroundedbyapatio.Viewingthecalmlandscapewithitsbackdropofmountains,Elvisputhisarmaroundme.Aswestoodtheretogetherforafewmoments,quietlyabsorbingtheserenityaroundus,Iwasdeeplycontent.
Backinside,Elvisledustoadenwithcouches,pinball
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machines,andatelevision.WhenRosemaryandIbothcomplimentedthebright,multicoloredcarpeting,Elvislaughedandsaid,“ThecarpetwasagiftfromtheMafia.”
Washejoking?Likeeveryone,I’dheardstoriesthattheMafiacontrolledalotofwhatwentoninLasVegas,butIdidn’treallyknowanythingaboutthat.Still,itmadesensetomethatElvismighthaveatleastmet
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somemembersoftheMafiabecauseeveryonefromfanstofellowentertainerssoughtoutElvis’scompany,ifonlytobeseenwithhim.Itcertainlywasn’toutoftherealmofpossibilitiesthatsomeoneintheMafiahadgivenElvisthecarpetasagifttoimpresshim.Ontheotherhand,I’dneveroverheardanyconversationsorseenElvisinvolvedinanyactivitythatwouldleadmeto
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believehewasactivelyinvolvedintheMafiainanyway,andIneverwould.
•••
ElvishadbroughthisbookstoPalmSprings.I’dbroughtmine,too,andI’dadoptedhishabitofmakingnotesinthemarginsandunderliningtextthatIfoundinterestingorwantedtounderstandbetter.Istillneverfeltmybeliefsasa
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Christianwerebeingtested,onlythatElviswastryingtointroducemetodifferentwaysofthinkingandexploringdifferentwaysoflookingattheuniverse.
EagertohaveRosemarysharewhatwewerereadinganddiscovering,Elvisinvitedhertojoinusinthebedroomandgaveherafewbooksaswell.Thethreeofusreadforalittlewhile,butRosemarywasn’tusedtoElvis’ssleep
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patternsandreturnedtoherroombeforetoolongtorest.
Evenonvacation,Elvisneededsomehelpgoingtosleep.AlittlewhileafterRosemaryleftus,anaidebroughtinwhatIassumedwasasleeppacket.IdecidedithadtohavebeenprefilledbackinMemphis,sincenodoctorornursewasstayingwithushereinthePalmSpringshouse.
Thatafternoon,ElvisandI
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wereawakebutstillsittinginbedwhentherewasaknockonourdoor.ItwasRosemary.Shecamein,saying,“Elvis,yourlockjustgottaken!”
Rosemarytoldusthatshe’dbeenawakenedbyfemalevoicesoutside,shouting,“Elvis!”She’dlookedoutherwindowandhadseenwomengatheredbythedrivewaygate,removingwhatlookedlikealarge,
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unlockedpadlockfromit.Icouldn’tbelieveElvis’s
fansalreadyknewhewashere—orthatthey’dbethatdaring.Itwasn’tcleartomeifanybodyguardshadarrivedatthehouseyet,butElvisdidn’tseemworried.
HethankedRosemaryandshruggedofftheincidentasifhe’dencounteredsimilaractsmanytimesbefore.Iactuallythoughtitwaskindoffunnyatthetimeanddidn’tfeel
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Elvis’ssafetywasreallyatanyrisk.
FromwatchingElvisperformonstage,Ihadseenfirsthandhowmuchhisfanswantedapieceofhim—ascarf,aring,andsoon.WithElvis’ssingularcelebrity,whichhehadbeenexperiencingforovertwentyyears,Iknewthathewasusedtothiskindofbehaviorfrompeople.Heunderstooditwasjustawayforhisfansto
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trygettingclosertohimbecausetheylovedhimthatmuch.Mostofthetime,heseemedtoaccepttheirattentionasacomplimentratherthananyrealthreattohissafety.
•••
JustastheyhadatGraceland,themembersofElvis’sentouragecongregatedinPalmSprings.Elvis’s
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stepbrothersandAlalternatedbetweenstayingatthePalmSpringshousewithusandinahotel,cateringtoElvis’sneeds.Irarelysawthebodyguardsandwasunsurewheretheywerestaying,butwhentheywereatthehouseIsuspectedtheygatheredintheden.
IknewwhatCharlieandJoedidforElvis,butIcouldn’tfigureoutLamar’srole.ThefewtimesI’dbeen
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aroundhim,hewasplainspokenanddirect,andElvisusuallybouncedjokesoffofhim.FinallyIaskedElvis,“WhatdoesLamardoforyou?”
“Idon’tknow,”hesaid.“Remindmetoaskhimlater.”
Sureenough,whenLamarcametosayhellothenexttime,Elvislookedatmewithagrin,thenbackatLamar.“Lamar,remindmetoask
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yousomething.”Lookingperplexed,Lamar
said,“Okay.”IsmiledatElvis,feelingI
hadtheanswertomyquestion.ItseemedElvislikedLamarforentertainmentpurposesandwasjustgenerousinincludingLamarwheneverhewentplaces.
Iwouldn’tgettoknowthesemenmuchbetterduringourtimehereastheycontinuedtomainlyspeak
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withElviswhenstoppingbyourroomtogreethim.However,duringthattimeIdidgettoknowsomeofthecomicalnicknamesElvisgaveafewofhisemployeesandfriends.HesometimescalledCharlieHodgeSlewFoot.LamarFikewasLardAssbecauseofhisweight.Inprivate,Elvistoldmehecalledhisaide,AlTheAtheistandthathisbodyguardDick“hadthe
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personalityofarhinoceros.”Despitehisgenerosityandhabitofjokingaroundwiththesemen,theblackhumorofthesenicknamesmademewonderifhewascompletelyhappywithsomeofthem.
Forinstance,oneevening,Rosemaryrushedintothebedroomtoannouncethatshe’dbeensittinginthelivingroomwhenDavid’swife,Angie,camerunningin,lookingterrified,withDavid
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inclosepursuit.DavidhadbeencarryingwhatRosemaryrecognizedasadogtrainingstick.
“Lamarwasintheroom,too,”Rosemarysaid,“andAngiewastryingtohidebehindhim.”ApparentlyDavidandLamarhadexchangedstrongwords.
Rosemarywasalsoworriedbecausethereweresomegunslyingoutintheopenclosebyonatable.She
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wasafraidsomeonemightreallygethurt.
“IwantDavidinherenow,”Elvissaid,andyelledforDavidtocomeintotheroom.Clearlyangry,ElvisaskedustostepoutsidewhilehetalkedtoDavid.IwenttoRosemary’sroomwithher.Alittlewhilelater,Elviscalledusbackin,lookingembarrassedandshakinghishead.Hesaidhecouldn’tunderstandRicky,Billy,or
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Davidsometimesbecause“they’reondifferentwavelengths.”
Occasionally,Iwouldseethattheguysweren’tallthatpleasedwithElviseither.EventhoughElvis,Rosemary,andIwererelaxing,itwasstillworkasusualforthemandalittleresentmentwouldshowitselffromtimetotime.WhenElviswashungry,forinstance,hewouldusually
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askmetotelloneoftheaideswhathewanted.OnetimewhenAlwasonduty,IsawhimseatedinanotherroomandgavehimElvis’sorder.Alrolledhiseyes,stoodup,andwalkedintothekitchenwithoutsayingawordtome.
Al’sreactionsurprisedme.WasitbecauseitwasmeaskinghimtodosomethingorbecausehewasmadatElvisforsomereason?Orwashejusttiredofhisjob?I
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rememberedthetimeAlhadcometomyhouseandtoldmyfamilythathewasn’toverlyhappywithhisjobatGracelandandworkedmostlytosupporthismother.
Rosemaryhadasimilarexperienceonce,whenshewalkedintothekitchenandheardAlandRickylightlybickeringoverwhichonehadtoreheatElvis’sfood.Neitheronewantedtodoit.Elvisoftenwantedhismeals
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reheated,typicallyaftergettingcaughtupinconversationsandlettinghisfoodgetcold.Itdidn’tseemtobeadifficultjob,butIguessforsomeofthem,itwastryingtheirpatience.
•••
JustashedidatGraceland,Elvischosetorelaxbystayinginsideandreadingorwatchingtelevisionrather
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thangoinganywhere,hangingoutbythepool,orsocializing.Itwouldhavebeennicetoleavethehouse,evenjusttotakearidearoundandtourthearea,butIunderstoodthatElvishadtobetiredafterhistourandthengoingstraightontomygrandfather’sfuneral.Besides,forElvis,goingoutinpublicwasneveraneasytask;asthepadlockincidenthadprovedtomeyetagain,
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everyonewantedtogetclosetoElvis.
TheonlyexceptiontothiswasourtriptoseeColonelTomParker,Elvis’smanager,whohadahomenearbyinPalmSprings.Oneafternoon,Elvistoldmethatthecolonel’swife,Marie,wasveryillandhewantedtovisither.Wearrivedatthecolonel’shomeandasIfollowedElvistothefrontdoor,Inoticedanumberof
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statuesofelephantsinalldifferentsizes.
“Whydoyouhavesomanyelephants?”Iaskedwhenthecolonelsteppedoutsidetogreetus.
“Anelephantneverforgets,”hesaid.Then,smiling,headded,“IwantElvistobuymearingwithanelephantonit.”
Icouldn’ttellwhetherhewasjokingornot,butdecidedhemustbe.The
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colonelandElvisbegantochat.Aswewalkedaroundthesideofhishome,heshowedmehisbackyard.Carouselhorsessittingatoppolesrosefromtheshrubberysurroundingapool.Wefollowedthecolonelinside,whereElvistoldmehewouldberightback.HeandthecolonelleftmewhiletheyvisitedwithMarieinanotherroom.IwonderedhowlongMariehadbeenill,and
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thoughthowniceitwasofElvistoseeher.Theyreturnedashorttimelater,andElvissaidgood-byewithoutlingeringtosocialize.Ididn’tknowthedetailsoftheirlonghistoryatthattime;fromourvisit,Icouldn’ttellifheandColonelParkerwereclose.Sofar,theirrelationshipseemedtobemostlycenteredaroundbusiness.
Iacceptedhischoicenot
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tosocializemuchwithColonelParkerandsomeoftheothersalongwithus,anddidn’tpushElvistodootherwise,figuringwhenhefeltready,hewoulddoso.ItwasjustnicebeingwithhiminadifferentenvironmentanditwasgreathavingRosemarywithusaswell.
•••
AsIbecameclosertoElvis,
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gettingtoknowhimwaybeyondtheimageofthesuperstar,therestillwereconstantlittleremindersofwhohewas.OnJanuary6,RosemaryandIwereinElvis’sroomwithhimwhenhegotaphonecallfromColonelParker.Afterlisteningforafewminutes,Elvishungup,lookingstricken.
“FrankSinatra’smotherjustcareenedoffa
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mountaintop,”hesaid.DollySinatra,eighty-two
yearsold,wasoneoffourpeoplekilledwhentheirLearjettookofffromPalmSpringsandcrashedintotheSanGorgonioMountains.ShewasheadingtoLasVegastoseeherson’sopeningshowatCaesar’sPalace.
Elviswasusingdarkhumorinthefaceoftragedy,butIcouldtelltheaccident
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upsethim.WhenhementionedwantingtoofferoneofhisplanestoFrankSinatra,itstruckmethat,amongentertainersatthislevel,theremustbeacertaincamaraderie.ElvisfeltcomfortableofferinghelptoFrankSinatrainthesamewayIwouldoffertohelpifsomethinghappenedtooneofmyfriendsorneighbors.
Elvisspentalotoftimeflyinginhisownplanes,both
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largeandsmall,andhisfatherhadflowninononetoseehisLasVegasshows.Privateplanescarryingcelebritieshadgonedownseveraltimesoverthepasttwentyyears;althoughIneverthoughtanythingwouldhappentoElvis,Ifoundmyselfwonderingifthiswassomethingthateverworriedhim.Ithoughtbacktomygrandfather’sfuneral,andfeltthankfulonceagainthatwe’d
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madeitsafely.Whilehisplanetravel
didn’tcausemegreatworry,Iwasconcernedabouthishealth.
Whenitcametomealtimes,ElvisandIenjoyedeatingsimilarthingssuchashamburgers,steak,andomeletsbutIcontinuedtonoticecertainfoodswerebeingbroughttoElvisinlargerthannormalportions.SometimesElviswasseduced
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bythetemptationsoftheselargerportionsandsometimeshewasn’t.Ihopedtomoveustowardahealthierdiet,butIjustdidn’tknowhowbecausehewasusedtogettingwhathewanted.
Elvisdidlikeyogurtthoughandsometimesaskedforsome,whichIencouraged.Iwasn’tanutritionexpert,butthoughtyogurtwouldbegoodforhim.Ihopedtofindother
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foodslikethisthatIthoughtwouldbemorebeneficialforhimtoeataswell.
Oneafternoon,IenteredElvis’sbedroomandfoundhimtalkingonthephone.AsIcrossedtheroom,helookedupatmeandsaidintothereceiver,“Tellherhowtotakecareofme,”thenheldthephoneouttome.“It’sPriscilla.”
Itookthereceiver,confused,asElvissatby
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watching.“Hello,”Isaid.Afemalevoiceinstructed,
“Seethatheeatsrightandgetsplentyofrest.”
“Okay,”Isaid,quicklyhandingthephonebacktoElvisandwonderingifthatwasasawkwardforPriscillaasithadbeenforme.ButIdidthinkitwouldbenicetohaveallieswhenitcametohelpingElviswithhisdiet,evenifonejustmightbehisex-wife.
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ElviscontinuedhisconversationandIwentintothebathroomtogivehimsomeprivacy.IwonderedhowoftenhespoketoPriscilla.I’dbeenunawareofwhattheirrelationshipwaslike,butnowIremindedmyselfthatElvisandPriscillawereraisingLisatogether;itwasonlynaturalthatthey’dtalkonceinawhile.
Havingleftthedoorslightlyajar,IheardElvis
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say,“Really,Priscilla.GingerisoneoftheprettiestgirlsI’veseeninalongtime.”
Isuddenlyfelttenfeettall,hearinghimcomplimentme,butthenIhadtoaskmyselfwhyhewastellingPriscillathis.Didhewantthewomeninhislife,pastandpresent,tobejealousofoneanother?
Shortly,IheardElvishangupthephone.Ireturnedtositonthebedwithhim.Tomysurprise,heopenedupalittle
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abouthisrelationshipwithPriscillawithoutmeevenpromptinghim.
“I’llalwayslovePriscillabecauseshe’sthemotherofmychild,”hesaid,“butIlethergo.Whathurtmewasthatherboyfriend,MikeStone,saidthatIcouldn’tseeLisa.”
Isawthewoundedlookonhisfaceandcouldonlyimaginehowthathadfelt,knowinghowmuchhelovedhisdaughter.Itookhishand.
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ItmeantalotthatElviswouldsharethisintimatedetailofhislifewithmeandIwasgladthathewastalkingabouthisemotionssoopenly.Ihopedhe’dalwaysfeelthiscomfortablesharinghimselfwithme.
•••
ThroughoutourentirestayinPalmSprings,theflowofpeopleinandoutofthehouse
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continuednonstop.TypicallythevisitorswouldincludeLamar,Joe,Elvis’sstepbrothers,variousgirlfriendsandwives,bodyguards,andafewunfamiliarwomen.
But,nomatterwhowasatthehouse,Elvisseemedmoreinterestedinthenewbookshishairdresserhadgivenhimthanhewasinsocializingwithanyofhisemployeesorguests.Hewantedtospend
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histimereadingwithmeinthebedroomandaskedonlyRosemarytojoinus.
Elvishadthecharismaandpersuasiveabilitytodrawyouintohisactivities,andRosemarywassoongettingexcitedaboutthebooks,too,sayingshelikedthemysteryofthespiritualphilosophieswewerestudying.Iwonderedhowoften,orevenif,anyoftheothersamongElvis’sfamilyandfriendseverread
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withhim.IhadyettohearanyoneotherthanLarrymentionthebooksorgetdrawnintodiscussionsaboutthephilosophicalandreligiousideasthatinterestedElvis.
OneofhisfavoritebookswasAutobiographyofaYogibyParamahansaYogananda,thestoryofYogananda’slifelongexplorationofthemysteriesofthesaintsandyogis.Elvisseemed
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fascinatedbyYogananda;hewasalsoreadingOnlyLove,bySriDayaMata,whichdealtwithYogananda’steachings,andTheRoadAhead,bySwamiKriyananda,abookthatilluminatedYogananda’sworldprophecies.
ElvisalsoadmiredDavidAnrias’sbookThroughtheEyesoftheMasters,whichexpoundedonthebeliefthata
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personcouldincarnateinanotherperson’sbody.Overtime,ElviswouldtellmehethoughtKootHoomi,oneofthemastersfromthebook,wasincarnateinhimself,andpointedoutaphotowiththemasterdressedinahigh-collaredjacketsimilartohisownfavoritestyleatthetime.
Elvisfelttherewassomeforceinsidehim,guidinghimtoteachandbringjoytoothersinvariousways,
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especiallythroughmusic.Hewasreadingthesebooksnotonlytounderstandhisownlifebuttohelpothersaswell.HavingwitnessedsomemysticalthingswithElvisalready—andtherewouldbemoreofthoseeventsahead—Iwasbeginningtowonderifthekindsofmiracleswewerereadingaboutwerepossible.Iwasn’trulinganythingout.
Elvis’sendlessfascinationwithEasternphilosophersled
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himtobelievethatweintheWestcouldonlybenefitfromstudyingtheirteachings.“Indiahasthespiritual,andwehavethenaturalresources,”heexplained.“Theyhavetomeetatsomepoint.”
WhenIlookedoverElvis’sbookswithhim,heoftenaskedifIunderstoodwhatwewerereading.Sensinghisdeepneedformetobeinsynchwithhim,I
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usuallytoldhimIdid.Iwantedtoandalwaystriedmybest,hopingintimethatIwouldachieveasdeepanunderstandingofthesesubjectsasElvisdid.
Elvistookspecialcaretoexplainhisintellectualandspiritualintereststome.Hehadstudiedchakrasandatonepointheshowedusabookonthem.IlearnedthatthewordchakracamefromtheSanskritlanguageand
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meant“wheelcenter.”Achakrachanneledlifeforce,feelings,memories,andthoughts.
Thekundalini,or“lifeforce,”waslikeaspiritualenergyresidinginarestingbody,Elvissaid,asleepingserpentintherootchakralocatedatthebaseofthespine.Todemonstratethis,Elvisplacedhishandatthebottomofmyspine,forcefullyapplyingpressure
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whileexplainingthat,ifthisspiritualenergywasarousedandreleased,itspowerwasenormousandcouldbringonetoanenlightenedstate.
Shakinghisheadfromsidetosideasifsaying,“Man,ohman,ifIcouldonlydothis,”hetoldmeittookalotoftimeandtrainingtolearnhowtoreleasethatenergy.
Elvisalsoeagerlytaughtmeaboutacupressure,which
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heexplainedcouldhelprelievetension.Takingholdofmyfoot,hepressedhisfingersondifferentpressurepoints,showingmehoweachhadaneffectontherestofthebody.Elvishadstronghandsandithurtafewtimes,butoverall,Ifounditreallyrelaxing.Moreandmore,Iwasfindinghisbeliefspersuasive.Elviswasawakeningmyowncuriosityasheintroducedmetothese
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differentconcepts.Duringoneofourreading
sessions,Rosemarybegantofeelnauseous,whichledElvistotryahealingonher.HeaskedCharlietojoinusandthefourofuswentintoherroom.
Rosemarylaydownonherbed.CharlieheldherhandandElvishoveredhisownpalmcloseaboveherabdomen.Staringintenselyathishand,Elvissaidto
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Rosemary,“Thinkofthecolorgreenforhealing.”
Hewaitedforacoupleofmoments,thenquicklyliftedhishandhighintheair,shakingit,seeminglytryingtocastawayherailment.
WatchinghimbroughtmebacktomyownexperienceinLasVegas.IrealizedIwasalmostholdingmybreath,willingElvis’shealingtoworkonmysister.Iwantedhertofeelbetterandtruly
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wantedtobelieveinthisalternativehealingtechnique.IalsowantedthingstogowellbecauseitwassoimportanttoElvis.
Inanycase,itworked!Afterafewmoments,Rosemarysaid,“Ifeelbetternow,”andgotup.
ElvisbegantalkingaboutthepowerofconcentrationthenandaskedRosemaryandmetofollowhimouttothebackyard.Thesunwas
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comingupaswewalkedpastthepoolandovertoanearbyshrub.
Placingoneofhishandsneartheleaves,Elviswatchedthemandwaitedforsomesubtlemovement.Ididn’tseeanythinghappen.
Afterashorttime,Elvisturnedhisattentiontowardthesky.Raisinghisarmsandturninghispalmsupward,hebeganfocusingonsomecloudsoverhead.Afew
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momentspassed,thenthecloudspartedalittle.ElvislookedbackatRosemaryandmewithasubtlesmile.
“That’swild!”Rosemarysaid.WelcometoElvis’sworld,
Ithought.IwasstartingtofeelthatmaybeElviswasright.Maybeweallreallydidpossessabilitieswe’renotcognizantof;maybeifwetrainedandlearnedtofocus,wecouldmorefullytapinto
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thepowerofourminds.WhowasItosaynotothat?
ThewayElvisviewedlifeandhisplaceinitledmetobelievethathethoughthehaddevelopedakeenerawarenessofhisownspiritualityandoftheunseenlayersoflivingthanmostpeople.Idon’tthinkElvisthoughtofhimselfasGod-like.However,fromhisinsatiablecuriosityandintensestudiesofdifferentreligiouspracticesand
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philosophies,itwasclearhefelthehadachievedahigherconsciousness,onethatgavehimuniqueinsightsandanenlightenedviewofthepowersweallmightpossessifwewerewillingtofollowhispath.Eventoday,manyyearslater,Istillthinktheopportunityisopentoallofus,butitwouldtakemuchtimeandstudy,whichisnotusuallyavailabletotheaverageindividualwhofaces
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anormalworkdayandraisingafamily.
Elvis’smindwasalwayschurning.Hewaseitherorchestratingeventsortryingtounderstandthem.Irememberoneafternoon,Elviswasdressed,asheusuallywas,inhispajamas,andbeganpacingbackandforthinfrontofme,circlinghisbedroom.“Whatdoyounoticeaboutmywalk?”heasked.
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Iwatchedhimcarefullyforafewseconds,tryingtofindsomethingoutoftheordinary.Ididn’tseeathing.“Onelegisshorterthantheother?”Ijoked.
Again,Elviswasbeingsurprisinglyserious.Hepointedoutthathiswalkwasverycatlike,andletmeknowhisanimaltitleinkaratewasMr.Tiger.
“Ifightthewayatigerdoes,lightonmyfeet,”he
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explained.Ihadseenformyselfhow
Elvishadinterwovenkarateintohisshows.NowitoccurredtomethatElvisliterallyprowledfromonesideofthestagetotheothersohisaudiencescouldseehim.Iwonderedifhisiconicpacingmighthavesomehowbeendevelopedwhilelearningkarate.
ThedeliberatewayElviswasdemonstratinghisstride
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atthatmomentmademethinkthateventhissimpleactofwalkingwassomethinghewasacutelyawareof.WithElvis,everydetailmattered.
Healsolovedtotalkaboutthepeoplehekneworeventsinthenews,especiallywhensomethingmysterioushadhappened.
WhilewewereinPalmSprings,atonepointElvisbecameanimatedwhentalkingtoRosemaryabout
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ClaudineLonget,theex-wifeofsingerAndyWilliams.Claudinehadgonetojailbrieflyearlierthatsameyearfortheshootingdeathofherboyfriend,askierknownasSpiderSabich.Claudineclaimeditwasanaccident,butElvisthoughttherewasmoretoit.Hedidn’tstopatpurespeculation,either:Elvisactuallyphonedafriend,aprivateinvestigatornamedJohnO’Grady,andhad
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Rosemarylistenonaseparatephonelinewhiletheydiscusseddifferenttheoriesconcerningthecase.
ElvisalsolovedtopostulateaboutpossiblefoulplayinthedeathofBruceLee,themartialartsexpert.GivenElvis’spassionforkarate,Iwasn’tsurprisedthathewasfascinatedbyLee’sdeath—andbysomesupposedlyspecialtechniquesonecouldemploywhile
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fighting.Forinstance,Elvistoldmeaboutthepossibilityofgeneratinganinvisiblewallofresistanceoutofprojectedenergy,aprotectiveshieldwithaspecialcharacteristic:Itcouldsoakuptheenergyofanattackingfoeandrepelitbackonitself.
Onlyafewpeopleknewhowtoexecutethis,Elvissaidexcitedly,andcalledCharlieintothebedroomforademonstration.Elvisstood
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upandputhishandsoutinfrontofhim,focusingintenselyasifcontrollingsomekindofenergy.Then,aftertakingafewdeepbreaths,heaskedCharlietorunathim.
CharliebackedupandcamechargingfullforceatElvis,onlytofallsmackbackdownontothefloor,asifhehadrunintoaninvisiblewall.Istartedtolaugh,thinkingtheymusthavedonethisto
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entertainme,butbothmenseemeddeadlyserious.Iquicklystifledmylaughterandwasleftfeelingbewildered.HadElvisreallylearnedsomespecialmindtrickinkaratethatallowedhimtocreateaninvisibleforcefield?
Ihadmydoubtsaboutthisparticulardemonstrationthatday,butseeinghowseriousElviswasaboutit,Ibegantothinkthatcertaininexplicable
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thingsmightactuallybepossible.WelcometoElvis’sworld,Ithoughtagain.Onesimplyhadtobetheretounderstand.
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CHAPTER15
ElviskeptthecurtainsclosedinhisPalmSpringsbedroom,helpingtobluranydifferencebetweennightandday.Mydayswerenolongerdictatedbytheriseandfallofthesun,butbywhenElviswenttosleepandwokeup.Elvis,
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Rosemary,andIhadbeensocompletelyimmersedinvariousbooksandourdiscussionsthateachdayhadmeldedintothenext.Thecalendarwascompletelyforgotten.
Itwasn’tuntilwewokeoneafternoonandanaidewishedElvisahappybirthdaythatIrealizeditwasJanuary8.Elviswasforty-twothatday,andIfeltterriblethatRosemaryandI
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hadn’tbeenabletobuyhimanything.
Weeventuallygotdressedandwentintothelivingroom,wheremembersofhisentourageandacoupleofunfamiliarwomenwerewaitingtogreethimwithbirthdaywishes.Elvischosetospendtheeveningvisitingwitheveryone,occasionallyreadingtothempassagesfromsomeofhisspiritualbooks.
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Laterthatnight,ElvisannouncedthathewasgoingtohaveRobinsonDepartmentStorereopenforalltheladies.Hewantedtosendusonalittleshoppingspree.ItfeltoddtobeleavingElvisonhisbirthday,butIthoughtmaybeElvisjustwantedtobealonewiththemen.
Elvisprovidedspendingmoneyforeachofus,givingRosemaryandmealittleextra.Weheadedout
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accompaniedbyabodyguard.OnceinsideRobinson’s,I
foundapurseIliked,thensetofftofindagiftforElvis.Ibrowsedtheaisles,butElviswasn’tthekindofmanyoubuyatieorapairofcufflinksforoffanordinarystoreshelforrack.Nothingcaughtmyeye,soIdecidedIwouldusetherestofthemoneytogetElvisagiftbackinMemphis.Ididn’tknowwhatthatwouldbeyet,butIhoped
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tofindsomethingdifferent.Weeventuallyreturnedtothehouse,wheretherestofhisbirthdaywaslow-keyandspentdoingoneofthethingsElvislovedmost:readingtome,Rosemary,andafewothers.
Thenextafternoon,Elvis,Rosemary,andIstartedwatchingTheGongShowontelevision.Itwasanamateurtalentcontestandthethreeofuswerehavingfun,laughing
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atsomeoftheshow’scontestantsandtheiroften-absurdtalent,whenJoeEspositocameintoElvis’sbedroom,walkedovertoElvis,andwhisperedsomethinginhisear.
“That’sokay.YoucansayitinfrontofGingerandRosemary,”Elvissaid.Lookingslightlyuncomfortable,Joerepeated,“Lindacalledandwaswonderingifyou’regoingto
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paytherentonherapartmentinLosAngeles.”
Iwascompletelytakenaback.ElvishadbeenpayingLinda’srent?Why?Andforhowlong?Elviswaswatchingmeclosely,ashedidsometimes,studyingmyfaceforareaction,butItriednottoletmysurpriseandconcernshow.
ElvislookedatJoeandshookhisheadno.
Lookingbackatmehe
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said,“It’snotfairtoyou.”Joewalkedaway.
“Well,Elvis,itwouldn’tberight,”Isaid,rememberingthatElvishadaskedmetocommitmyself100percenttohim,andfeelinglikeheshoulddothesameforme.
Elviskepthiseyesonmyface.“IboughtLindaahousenotlongagotoputsomedistancebetweenus,”hesaid.
HadLindalivedatGracelandfull-timeuntil
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then?Iwondered,butIdidn’task.Iwastoobusytryingtoabsorbthisnewtwist.
ElvisthenlookedatRosemary.“HowcanIgethertostopcalling?”heasked.
Rosemaryshrugged.“Changeyournumber,maybe?”
Hegrinned,butIwasunabletosmile.IcontinuedtoponderallofthisandwhatitmeantforElvisandme.
WhenElvishadtoldmein
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LasVegasthatheandLindawerejustfriends,Ihadbelievedhim.Afterall,he’dbeenpubliclydatingotherwomen,andthatseemedtosayhisrelationshipwithLindamustbeover.However,IwassurethearticlesofclothingandtoiletriesinsideGracelandhadbeenLinda’s.Plus,shehadcalledbefore,askingtospendChristmaswithhim.ItseemedthatLindawastrying
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tohangon,nomatterwhatElvisdid.
NowItookcomfortinthefactthat,eventhoughElvishadbeenhelpingLindaoutbypayingherrent,he’djustsaidinfrontofRosemaryandJoethathewouldn’tdoitanymore,andhecertainlywasn’ttryingtohidethefactthatLindahadcalled.IchosetotrustthatElviswasbeinghonestwithmeabouttherelationshipbeingcompletely
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overforhim.Unfortunately,Iwould
stillfeeluncomfortableeverytimeIsawSam,Elvis’sbodyguardandLinda’sbrother.SamandIwerefriendlywithoneanother,butIcouldn’thelpwonderinghowhetrulyfelttowardElvis—andtowardme.
•••
Elvisspentagreatdealof
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timetryingtounderstandnumbers,customs,signs,theories,andhowtheuniverse’spatternswereinterrelated.Heevenlikedtodissectnames.Sometimeshe’dputhisglassesonupsidedownandsayournamesbackward,callinghimself“Sivle”andme“Regnig.”And,whenItoldElvismymiddlenamewas“Lita,”heseemedpleasedtonotethatGingerLitaAldenandGladys
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LoveSmith—hismother’sname—containedtheexactsamenumberoflettersinthem.
ItwasilluminatingtotalkaboutphilosophyandnumerologywithElvis,butitcouldbetiring.Onemorning,afterhavingbeenupallnightwithElvis,RosemaryandIsimplycouldn’tfocusanymore.Webegantomisswords,skipsentences,yawn,andjokearound.
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IthoughtElvishadtobetired,too,butinsteadofappearingtoneedsleepasmuchaswedid,hetoldusthatwehadjustgivenupanddidn’twanttocontinuereadingwithhim.
“Elvis,Ican’tkeepmyeyesopen,”Isaid,feelingbadbutwantingtobecompletelyhonest.“We’rejusttired.”
Itwasn’teasytoreasonwithElviswhenhehadhismindsetonsomething.Now,
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determinedtocontinuehisstudies,Elvissaid,“I’llgetsomeoneelsewhowillreadwithme,then.”
HecalledforCharlietocometohisbedroomwhileRosemarywentofftoherownroom.Charlieentered,lookingasexhaustedasIfelt,andsatonthefootofourbed.Elvisbeganreadingtohim.
Unabletokeepmyeyesopenevenasecondlonger,Ilaybackagainstthepillows
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anddozedoff.IwokeasCharliegotupto
leave.WhenElvisfinallywenttosleep,IhopedheunderstoodIwastryingmybesttobethereforhim.
Elviscouldbejustascompulsiveabouteatingcertainfoodsashewasaboutstudyinghisbooks.Earlythenextmorning,Inoticedthat,betweenvisitsfromsomeoftheguys,Elvismusthaveeatenatleasteightcontainers
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ofyogurtoverashortperiodoftime.Wefinallywenttosleep,butElviswokeupshortlyanddecidedhewantedmoreyogurt.Heaskedmetogetitorhavesomeonebringittohim.
Hisrequestconcernedme.IhadyettoseeElvisdoanyexerciseatallduringtheweekswe’dspenttogether,exceptwhenhewasonstage.Now,afterspendingsomanyhourswithhimnonstopin
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PalmSprings,Iwasconcernedabouthimovereating.Iwasjusttryingtolookoutforhishealth.
“Idon’tthinkyouneedanymoreyogurt,”Isaid.
Elviswentbacktosleepwithoutpressingtheissue.SodidI,thinkingallwaswell.
Ashorttimelater,adeafeningbangechoedthroughouttheroom.IbolteduprightandsawElvisstandingatthefootofthe
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bed,holdinga57Magnumpistolinhishand.Iriskedaglancebehindmeandsawabulletholeinthewallabovetheheadboard.Myheartwasgoingamileaminute.IlookedbackatElvis,tryingtowrapmymindaroundtheideathathereallyhadjustshotaholeinthewall.
Bywayofexplanation,ElvissaidhehadaskedforyogurtagainandIhadn’tresponded.“Itwasan
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attentiongetter,”hesaid.Bewildered,ItoldhimI
wasasleepanddidn’thearhim.
Meanwhile,aroundusthehousewassilent.Nobodyelseappearedtohaveheardthegungooff.Or,iftheydid,theyweren’tcomingtoseewho’dbeenshootingwhat.
Extremelyhurt,IbegantocryandranintoRosemary’sroom,almostbumpingintoherasIshutthedoor.She’d
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beencomingouttoseeifIwasallright,hereyeswidewithfear.ShelookedasscaredasIfelt.“Whathappened?”Rosemaryasked.“Iwasjustonmywaytoyourroom.”
Iwashavingtroublecatchingmybreath.MypulsewasstillroaringinmyearsasItoldheraboutthegunandtheinexplicablereasonElvishadgivenmeforfiringit.
Rosemary’sreactionwas
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immediate.“MyGod!We’releavingrightnow,”shesaid.
Icouldn’tmoveandIwasstillhavingtroublebreathing.Mymindfloodedwithquestions.WhyhadElvisshotaguninourbedroom?Hadhissleepmedicationmomentarilycausedhimtolosetouchwithreality?
Icouldn’tcomeupwithanyrationalexplanationforElvis’sbehavior.RosemarydecidedtogoseewhereElvis
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wasandsteppedintothehallway.
Afterafewseconds,shereturnedandclosedthedoor.“IlookedoutthewindowandsawElvisstandingalonebythepool,”shereported.
Ididn’tknowquitewhattodoorhowtofeelasRosemaryandIsatinherroom,unsureofwhatmighthappennext.NowthatIfeltalittlecalmer,deepdown,Ididn’treallythinkwewerein
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anydanger.Beforelong,therewasa
knockatthedoor.WhenRosemaryopenedit,Elviswasstandinginthedoorway,dressedinhisrobeandwearinghisglasses,adeeplookofremorseonhisface.
Iwasseatedinachairbesidethedresser.Elvissteppedinsideandsatdowninthechairontheoppositesideofthedresser.Thethreeofusweresilentforafew
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moments.ThenElvisstoodup,took
oneofmyhandsandoneofRosemary’s,andledustothebed.Thethreeofussatdown.
Continuingtoholdourhands,Elvisbowedhisheadandclosedhiseyes.“God,don’tletusloseit,”heprayedaloud.“GodblessmyfamilyandGinger’sfamily,andpleasedon’tletusbreakup.”
Obviously,hewasconcernedaboutthelasting
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effectthisincidentcouldhaveonus.Icouldofferhimlittlecomfort,though.Iwasstillinshockandextremelyhurtbywhathehaddone.Ihadcompletelyshutdownemotionally.Iwasnumb.
Fortunately,RosemaryseemedtounderstandwhatIwasfeelingandtookover.“Elvis,youcan’tdothiskindofthing,”shesaid.
Graspingforcommonground,tryingtoplay
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peacemakerbetweenus,shestartedtalkingtoElvisaboutsomeofmylikes,suchasmotorcyclesandhorses.“Youshoulddosomeofthosethingstogether,”sheventured.
Elvislistenedsilently,stillholdingourhands.Washeabsorbingthis?
Finally,Idaredtospeak.“Iwasonlytryingtohelpyou,”Isaidquietly,almostundermybreath.
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Elvislookeddownatthefloor,tookoffhisglasses,andheldthembetweenhisfingers.Silencehungoverthethreeofusforafewmoments.Takingmyhandagain,hesaid,“I’msorry,Ginger.”
Isensed,onadeeplevel,thatElvishonestlywassorry.Itfeltlikeourrelationshiphadbeenputtosomebizarrekindoftest,andallforthesakeofmoreyogurt!Iwas
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acutelyawarethatmyfeelingsforElviswerelikenoneI’deverfeltbefore.I’dbeencompletelyconsumedbyhim,andnowIhadreachedapointinmylifewhereIcouldn’tpicturemyfuturewithouthim.IlovedElvis.
DidIthinkhewouldintentionallyharmme?No.DidIthinkElviswasusedtogettingwhathewanted?Yes.
Someironiclittlevoice
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insidemyheadobservedthatonegoodoutcomeofthiswholescenariowasthatElvisdidn’tgettohaveanymoreyogurt.IforgaveElvisthatday,butIsuspectedmorechallengeslayahead.
Iwenttosleep,stillgrapplingtounderstandthisverycomplexmanandhopingthathemightnowunderstandmealittlebetter,too.
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•••
Latethefollowingnight,Elvisdecidedwithhisusualcombinationofimpulsiveactionanddeterminationthatwebothneededtohaveourteethchecked.HeflewinMaxShapiro,adentistfromLosAngeles,tomakeahousecall.
Dr.Shapirowasinhissixtiesandbroughthisfiancée,Susan,awomanin
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hertwenties,toPalmSpringswithhim.Whentheyarrived,Ithought,“Wow,thiswomanisalotyoungerthanthedentist,”thencaughtmyself.
ProbablyalotofpeopleseeingmewithElvisthoughtthesamethingaboutus,Irealized,butitjustseemeddifferentwithus.MaybethishadtodowithhowElvislookedandacted.Hecouldbelikeabigkidsometimes.TheonlytimesIwasactually
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awareofouragedifferencewaswhenwewerereadingtogetherandhewasteachingmesomething.
ElvissatinachairinhisbedroomandDr.Shapiroexaminedhisteeth.WhenDr.ShapirofinishedlookingatElvis,Itookaseat.ThedentistsaidhecouldlightlyfileafewofmylowerteethifIwanted,justtoeventhemoutalittle.Iwasfinewiththatandtiltedmyheadback
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inthechair.AsDr.Shapiroworkedon
myteeth,hementionedthathe’dbeenthinkingaboutgettingmarried,butheandSusandidn’tknowwheretherightplacewouldbe.
“Doyouhaveamarriagecertificate?”Elvisasked.
“Yes,wealwayscarryitwithus,”Dr.Shapirosaid.
“Whydon’tyougetmarriedhere?”Elvissuggested.
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Dr.ShapirostoppedworkingonmyteethandIsatup.Thedentistwasobviouslycaughtoffguard,buthelovedtheideaandsodidSusan.
Elviswaseuphoric.Heimmediatelybeganmakingplans,tellingusthatLarryGellercouldlegallyperformmarriageceremonies.HecalledLarryandaskedhimtocometoPalmSprings,thenquicklyhadanaidesummonajewelertothehousesoDr.
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ShapiroandSusancouldchoosetheirweddingrings.
Whenthejewelerarrived,hedisplayedvariouspiecesofjewelryinfrontofElvisonthebed.Dr.ShapiroandSusanchosesomerings.Likeakidinacandystore,Elvisbeganpullingthepricetagsfromafewrings,pickingoutringsforme,Rosemary,himself,andacoupleofotherpeople,withseeminglynoregardforthecost.
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Thiswholetime,ElvisandIwerestillinoursleepwear.WhenLarryarrived,Elvisdidn’tbothertochange,soIdidn’teither.Dressedinourpajamasandrobes,ElvisandIwentintoCharlie’sroomfortheceremony.
Rosemary,Charlie,andDavidjoinedusthere.WithElvisactingasbestmanandmeasmaidofhonor,theweddinggotunderwaywithLarryofficiating.Elviswas
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beamingasDr.ShapiroandSusanbeganrecitingvowstheyhadpreviouslywrittenforoneanother.
Duringtheceremony,InoticedsomemovementfromDavid.AshestoodbesideRosemary,heturnedandlookedathersuddenlywithabiggrinonhisface,tryingtoholdinlaughter.IcouldseethatthemarriageceremonywasaffectingDavidslightlydifferentlyfromtherestofus.
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Unabletocontainhimselfanylonger,Davidgotdownonallfoursandbeganslowlycrawlingoutoftheroom.LuckyforDavid,Elviswassohappyandexcitedaboutbeingabletomakethisweddinghappenthathedidn’tnotice.IwouldhavehatedtohaveanythingspoilthemomentforElvis.
Dr.ShapiroandSusanthankedeveryonewhentheceremonywasover.Thiswas
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suchakindheartedthingforElvistodoanditwaswonderfultobeawitness.Iwasalsoimpressedandamazedhe’dbeenabletopulleverythingtogethersoquicklyandeasily.
Surprisingly,thegroomwantedtofinishworkingonmyteethalittlemoreafterward,soIreturnedtothebedroomwithDr.Shapiroandresumedmypositioninthechair.
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AfterheandSusanleft,ElvisaskedLarryandRosemarytocomeintothebedroom.
Clearlystillenergizedbythewedding,Elvisdiscussedtheceremony.Helovedtheideaofsayingversestooneanother.HepickedupTheProphet,andreadagainfromitspassagesonmarriage.
Atonepoint,hestoppedreadingtolookoveratme.
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“Ginger,ifyouandIweretogetmarried,wouldyouconsiderhavingLarrymarryus?”heasked.
Iwasblownaway.Wow,Ithought,he’sbringingupmarriageagain!Thiswasthefirsttimehe’dmentioneditsinceLasVegas.IknewheandLarrywerefriendsandLarrylookedhappyabouttheidea.“Sure,”Isaid.Iwasexcited.
Elated,Elviscontinued
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goingoverhisspiritualbooks.Thefourofustalkedwellintotheearlymorninghours.Thatnight,alloftheexcitementabouttheweddingandourfeelingsaboutmarriagecontinuedtoswirlaroundus.Elvishadonceagainreconfirmedwantingtomarryme.Hearinghimtalklikethismademefeelthetwoofusdrawingeverclosertocreatingafuturetogether.
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CHAPTER16
AfterspendingalittleoveraweekinPalmSprings,ElvisdecideditwastimetoreturntoMemphis.Weallpackedupandheadedfortheairport.
AsweenteredtheLisaMarie,thepilotwashavingaproblemwiththeengineand
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theinteriorlightsweren’tworking.RosemaryandIfollowedElvistowardthebackofthedarkenedplane,wherethethreeofussatdownattheconferencetable.
ThelightssuddenlycameonandElvislookedatRosemary,shocked.Hehadmistakenlytakenholdofherhandinthedark.Quicklylettinggoofit,hesaid,“GoodGod,Ginger,whereareyou?”Hegrabbedmy
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handandthethreeofuslaughed.
Elvis,Rosemary,andImovedintothebedroom,andafteralittlewhile,theplanetookoffsafely.Onceintheair,Elvissaidtome,“Youneedyourownroomandaprivatephoneline.”
Surprised,IrealizedImusthavementionedtohimatsomepointthatIsharedaroomwithTerry.Iwasamazedthatheremembered
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this.Elviswasn’tdone
ponderingmylivingsituation,apparently,becausethenhesaid,“Idon’tlikeitthatyouhavetodrivesofartoseeme.I’dlikeyoutohaveahomeclosertoGraceland.”
Istaredathimindisbelief,touchedthathewantedmetoliveclosertohim,butstunnedbywhatIthoughthemightbeproposing.Was
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ElvisreallythinkingwhatIthoughthewasthinking?ElvisknewthatIlivedwithmyfamily,soIdidn’tthinkhewassuggestingthatIleavethemtobuyahomeclosertoGracelandformetoliveinalone.Thismustmeanthathewastalkingaboutanewhomeformyentirefamily!
ThisideawassooverthetopthatIfounditdifficulttodigest.Myparentshadjustpurchasedourhome.Itwas
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modest,certainlycomparedtoGraceland,butwedidn’treallyneedanewhouse,andIdidn’tthinkoftheonewehadasbeingtoofarawayfromGraceland.However,Iwasextremelyflatteredthathewasthinkingabouthowtomakemylifemorecomfortable.
Luckily,Elvisquicklymovedontoanothertopic,soIdidn’thavetimetoprotestorgivehimanysortof
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answerimmediately.Hedidthatsometimes,Inoticed,enthusiasticallyflittingfromoneideatothenextashebaredhisthoughtstome.Sometimesitalmostseemedlikehejustwantedmetosharewhatwasgoingthroughhismind,minutebyminute,asawayoflettingmeknowhim.
IsawsignsthatElvishadagrowingconcernaboutmysafety.Thiswaspartofhis
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protectivenaturewithme.HeknewIusuallydrovearoundalonesouponourreturntoMemphishegavemeaSmith&Wesson.22/.32KitGun.HetoldmetokeepitinmycarwhentravelingbackandforthtoGraceland.This“gift”didn’tsurprisemeasIhadlearnedthatElvislovedtocollectguns,andheownedagreatmanyofthem.Heenjoyedshowingthemtomeonoccasion.Amongtheguns
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hebroughtoutwereaDerringerwithamother-of-pearlhandle,variousMagnums,anivory-handledrevolver,andevenamachinegun.Ithoughtthegunswerereallyamazing,andespeciallylikedthesmallpearl-handledDerringer.
Ireadilyagreedtokeeptheguninmycar.Myfatherkeptarevolverandarifleinourhomeforprotection,butIhadneverbeentaughthowto
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useagun.Iwasn’tafraidtohaveone,though,anditdidmakemefeelmoresecure.WhatElviswasappreciating,andIwasnotyetawareof,wasthatmyworldhadchanged.Iwasnowinhisworldwhereyouneededbodyguards,aspeoplecouldcomeatyouinunexpectedways.
AperfectexampleofElvis’sprotectiveinstinctwouldhappenmonthslater
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whenInoticedastrangecarparkedinfrontofourhousewithamaninside.HesatthereforalongtimeandIwonderedifitwasareporterorphotographer.ElvishappenedtocallatthetimeandIinnocentlymentionedthatareportermightbeoutsidemyhome.“I’mcomingoverandIwillsmashhisGoddamnlensout,”Elvisfumed.BeforeIcouldsayanotherword,thephonewent
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silentandIbecameworriedaboutapossibleconfrontation.Luckilythecarleft,butnotlongbeforeElvis’sFerraricameflyingaroundthecornerofourstreet.Allwasokaythatday,andElvissimplyendedupvisitingandtakingmysisterTerryforanexhilaratingrideinhisFerrari.
•••
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NowthatIwashome,IwasabletogoshoppingforElvis’sbirthdaypresent.ElvishadoncetoldmeheusedtoownamonkeynamedScatter,soIboughtsomethingfuntoremindhimofthatfavoritepet:astatueofamonkeyholdingacandle.IalsopurchasedalargemirrorwiththeoutlineofElvis’sfaceetchedonthefront.InhonorofhisloveforthewayPeterSellers,asInspectorClouseau
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inthePinkPantherfilms,saidthefamouslinefromCasablanca,Iwrote,“Here’slookingatyou,kid,”onacardandtapedittothefrontofthemirror.
Elviswastickledbythegifts.Heplacedthemonkeyonashelfinhisbedroomandproppedthemirroragainstthewall.Theywouldremaininthoseplacesthroughouttherestofhislife.
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•••
ElviscontinuedtokeeptohiscustomofmainlylivingupstairsatGraceland,butIwasgladtoseethatheseemedmostlyfreeofstress.Wecontinuedenjoyingoureveningsreadingandwatchingtelevisiontogether.WehappenedtoseeanepisodeofSaturdayNightLiveinwhichthecomicAndyKaufmanappearedasaguest
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anddidhisimpressionofElvis.
Peeringoverthetopofhisreadingglasses,ElvisaddressedAndyonthetelevisionscreen.“Youbettergetitright,son,”hesaid.
Welaughedandhadfunrootingforhim.Intheend,ElvisthoughtAndydidan“allrightjob,”andtoldme,“Youknowimpressionisthehighestformofflattery.”
IfIwasn’tatGraceland,
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ElvisandIusuallyspokeonthephonetwiceaday,usuallyrightbeforefallingasleepandagainuponwaking.Ihadgrownmorecomfortablewithcallinghim,butmostofthetimeIstillwaitedforhiscall,notwantingtowakehim.
Shyly,Ialsobegantosay“Iloveyou”toElvisonthephone.MyfamilyandIlovedoneanother,ofcourse,butwerarelyexpressedthatverbally,
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sothiswasabigstepforme.However,ifIdidn’ttellElvisIlovedhimfirst,heusuallyaskedmeifIdid.
DuringmyvisitstoGraceland,IwasfinallybecomingalittlebetteracquaintedwithElvis’sextendedfamilyandfriends.Someoftheirrolesstillconfusedmethough.Ididn’tsensethathiscousinBillySmithwasonthepayrollorhadaparticularlineofwork.
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HejustseemedtobeonhandtodothingsforandwithElviswheneverElviswantedhimto.BillywasthesonofTravis,theguardatGracelandwhomyfatheroncehadbeenfriendlywithmanyyearsback.Travishadsincepassedaway.
OnoneofBilly’svisitsupstairs,hetoldmethatbeforeElvishadmetme,heandElvishadbeenoutridingmotorcyclesonce,andafter
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returninghome,Elvislaidacrosshisbedandsaid,“Theremustbesomeoneoutthereforme.”
Thismademefeelgood,thinkingthatmaybeIwasthispersonElvishadbeenwaitingfor.Ihadcertainlycometofeelweweremeanttobetogether.
Onoccasion,Billy’swife,Jo,cametoGracelandwithhim.Shehaddarkeyes,paleskin,andpitch-blackhair.
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ShewasusuallydressedinblackandElvisteasedherbycallingJohis“assassin.”Sometimesthetwoofthemwouldkidaroundandcutsharpglancesatoneanother,asifeachknewwhattheotheronewasthinking.AsBilly’swife,JohadbeenapartofElvis’slifeforalongtime.SheandIwerealwaysfriendlywithoneanotherbutwedidn’thaveanytimealonetogethertobecomegood
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friends.GeorgeKleinvisitedevery
onceinawhile,andhewasalwaysnice.Onoccasion,Vernonmadeappearances.HemaintainedanofficeinabuildingbehindGraceland,alongwithPatsyGambill.IfheandElvisneededtogooverbusinessorsomeprivatematter,sometimesthey’daskmetoleavetheroom,thensummonmebackafterward.Irespectedtheirprivacyand
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nevermindedthis.Duringoneofthesevisits,
Elvisaskedhisdad,“Doesn’tGingerlookalittlelikeMamawhenshewasyoung?”
Mr.Presleythoughtamoment.“Yes,”hereplied.Ismiledbackshyly,regardingthisagainasacompliment.Elvissmiledrightbackatme,asifsatisfiedthatwhathehadtoldmeontheplanewasconfirmedbyhisfather.
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•••
Wecontinuedtomeditatetogetheraloneinthebedroom,andsometimeswhileElvisread,Iwouldrestmyheadagainsthischest,feelingsafe,andgentlystrokethesideofhisfacewithmyhand.Ilovedthosepeacefulmoments.Everyonceinawhilebeforesteppingintohisbathroom,Elviswouldannounce,“I’mgoingto
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meditateandclearmymind.”HehadalsosaidthisinLasVegasafewtimesbeforedisappearingintothebathroomandclosingthedoor.
ItseemedthatElvisoccasionallyneededaretreat,tojustbeonhisown.Forhim,thissanctuaryseemedtobehisbathroomsuite.
Oneday,wewerecasuallysittingtogetherinElvis’sroomandchattingwhen,out
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oftheblue,Elvisasked,“Wouldyouliketomovein?”
ThiswascompletelyunexpectedandIwasmorethanflattered.Iknewthiswasanofferthatmanywomenaroundtheworldwouldjumpat,butasmuchasIhadcometoloveElvisandthinkofhimaspartofmylife—andmyfuture—tojustmoveintoGracelandwithoutbeingmarriedfirstwassomethingIdidn’tbelieveinorfeelwas
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appropriatetodoatthetime.Althoughthiswas1977andcohabitationwasbecomingmoreacceptable,Icamefromaprettyconservativebackground.MysistersandIhadbeenbroughtuptobelievethatyoulivedwithsomeoneonlyafteryouweremarried.Imayhavebeenbehindthetimesinthatway,butevenbeingontheroadwithElviswasadaringthingtodoforme,andIdidn’ttake
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theseactionscasually.Hopinghewould
understand,Ilookedhimintheeyeandnervouslysaid,“Elvis,itjustisn’tmyway.”
Fortunately,Elvisseemedokaywiththat.Hesmiledandsaid,“Fine,Irespectyouforthat.”
•••
LateontheafternoonofJanuary18,justaweekorso
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afterreturningfromPalmSprings,RosemaryandIdecidedtoseeamovienearGraceland.IbrieflyconsideredaskingElvistojoinus,thendismissedtheideaasimpractical.Frommyparents’descriptionoftheirmovie-watchingexperiencewithElvisbackinthe1960s,IknewElvisusuallyrentedawholetheaterifhewantedtoseeafilmundisturbed,withoutdrawingtheattention
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offans.Besides,Ihadn’theardfromhimyetthatday,soIfiguredhewasstillasleep.
AsRosemaryandIwereleavingforthemovie,IaskedmymothertotellElviswhereIwasifheshouldcall.WeweregettingoutofourcaratthetheaterwhenSteveSmith,oneofElvis’saides,interceptedusandsaidElviswantedustoskipthemovieandgoshoppingformy
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family.ThiswassomethingIdidn’tquiteunderstand.Foramoment,IwonderedifElvishaddonethisbecausehedidn’twantmetoseeamovieonmyown.ButwhywouldElvisfeelthatway?
IlookedatRosemary.Ididn’twanttoabandonmyplanwithher.ThisreallyputmeonthespotandIdidn’tknowwhattodo.ElvishadmadeanotherofhisgrandgesturesandIappreciated
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thathewasthinkingofmyfamily.However,hereallydidn’tneedtobuythemanythingelse.NowStevewasstandinginfrontofme,expectingmetogowithhim.DoItellhim,“No,thanks,we’regoingtothemovies?”IhadastrongfeelingthatElviswouldbeoffendedbythat.
Iturnedtomysister.“Doyoumindifweseethemovieanothertime?”Iasked.
Rosemaryshrugged.“It’s
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okay,”shereplied.ThetwoofusthenfollowedStevetoGoldsmith’sDepartmentStore.
Onceinside,StevetoldusthatElviswantedustobuyminkcoatsforourfamily—andforourselves.Me,too?Elvishadalreadygivenmebeautifulcoats!However,knowingElvisasIdidbynow,IfeltcertainthatifIdidn’tselectsomethingashe’drequested,hewouldonly
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bringmebacktothestore.Ipickedoutcoatsformy
mother,Terry,andmysister-in-law,thenchoseasimpleblackminkformyself.Rosemaryfoundalessexpensivefoxfurcoatsheliked,butsinceitwasn’tamink,sheaskedSteveifitwouldbeokay.
StevecalledElvisfromaphoneinsidethestore,thenrelayedtoRosemarythatElvishadsaid“onlyminks.”
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Sheputthefoxcoatbackandselectedamink.
WefollowedStevetoGracelandandcarriedthecoatsupstairs,whereElviswasinhispajamasandseatedonhisbed.Welaidthecoatsinfrontofhim.
Helookedoverourpurchasesapprovingly.AsifElvishadn’talreadybeengenerousenough,though,hesaid,“Thereisn’toneforyourfatherorbrother.”
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Ithoughthewasgoingtotakeusbacktoastore,butElviswalkedovertoaclosetbyhisbathroomandbeganbrowsingthroughit.Pullingoutasheepskincoatandalong,brownmink,helaidthemamongtheothers.Thenhesteppedintohisloosebluejumpsuit,pullingitupoverhispajamas,andsecuredhisblackstuddedbeltaroundhiswaist.Finallyheputonapairofshinyblackbootsand
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tuckedhisMagnum57insidethebelt.
“Let’sgotoyourhouse,”Elvissaid.
Iquicklyphonedhometotellmyparentswewereonourwaytoseethem.AnaidegatheredthecoatsandpiledthemintotheStutz.ElvisslidbehindthewheelandRosemaryandIclimbedinsidethecar.WeleftGracelandwithbodyguardsfollowinginaseparatecar.
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Drivingdownatwo-lanecountryroadnearourhome,Elvistoldushehadnoticedanothercarfollowingoursforquiteawhile.Withnostreetlights,itwaspitch-blackout;Isupposedhe’dseentheheadlightsbehindthebodyguards’car.
Elvissuddenlypulledovertothesideoftheroad.Ilookedbacknervouslyandsawtheheadlightsfromthebodyguards’car.Sure
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enough,anothercarwasbehindthatone.Bothcarspulledoverbehindours.
Beforethebodyguardscouldexittheircar,Elvisjumpedoutofoursandbeganwalkingbrisklytowardthecarinquestion.Worriedforhissafety,RosemaryandIturnedaroundandtriedtoseewhatwashappeningthroughthebackwindowoftheStutz.
Intheheadlights,Isawthefigureofamanwalking
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towardElvis.Thebodyguardssteppedbetweenthem.Whenthestrangerinnocentlyshowedthemapenandpaper,Elvispolitelygavethemanhisautographandreturnedtoourcar.
Asheeasedintothedriver’sseat,Rosemaryaskedhim,“Aren’tyouafraidtodothat?”
Elvispointedtotheguninsidehisbelt.“WhydoyouthinkIcarrythis?”
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Atmyhome,Elvissurprisedmyfamilywiththeirnewcoats.Theystoodinourden,quitestunned,andalmostinunison,said,“Elvis,youshouldn’thavedonethis!”
Alookofcompletecontentmentsuddenlygracedhisface.“Iwantedto,”hesaid.
Pleasedbytheirreactions,Elviswasinanupbeatmood,andlateraskedTerrytoplay
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somethingonthebabygrandpianoinourmusicroom.Shechoseaclassicalpiece,“Toccata,”byAramKhachaturian,whichshehadperformedintheMissAmericapageant.
WegatheredaroundthepianoandElvisstoodbesideTerry,carefullywatchingherhandsonthekeyboard.IwasgladElviswasnowgettingtoseethemusicalsideofmyfamily.
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“Toccata”wasn’ttheeasiestpianosolotoplayandElvisapplaudedwhenTerryfinished,tellingherthathethoughtshewasextremelytalented.Hethensatbesideheronthepianobenchandbeganplayingandsinging“UnchainedMelody.”ToseeElvishavingagoodtimeatourhomewarmedmyheart.Hisloveofmusicandhisenjoymentoffamilywereallthemoreevidentduring
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momentslikethese.Ilongedtosharemanymoredayslikethiswithhim.
Thenextevening,ElviscalledtoseeifTerry,Rosemary,andIwouldliketospendthenightatGraceland.Terrywasoutwithherboyfriend,butRosemarysaidshe’dlovetocome.AlthoughIhaddriventoGracelandmanytimesbefore,thistimeElvissaidhewasworriedaboutmedriving
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afterdark,sohesentsomeonetopickusup.
SinceourtimetogetherinPalmSprings,ElvisandRosemaryhadenjoyedkiddingaroundwithoneanother.Itendedtobemorereserved,butbothofthemhadawickedsenseofhumor.
Thatnight,thethreeofusweresittinginElvis’sbedroomwatchingtelevisionwhenElvisjokinglymadeanoff-colorremark.
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Rosemarybrightened.“Couldyouimagineifyouactedlikethatinsomeofyourmovies?”shequipped.
Elvislaughed.Rosemarythensuggestedtheopeningsequenceforanewfilm,onethatwouldbenothinglikemostofhisAll-American,apple-piemusicals.“ItopensonthegatesofGraceland,”shebegan,“withpeacefulmusicplayinginthebackgroundandbirds
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chirping.Faintly,inthedistance,youheartheroarofacarenginegettingcloserandcloser,andsuddenlyyourFerraricomessmashingthroughtheclosedfrontgates.Yougetoutwithacigarinyourmouthandwalkinside.Themaidsareallcowering.Goingupstairs,youfindGingerchainedtoawallsaying,‘Elvis,don’thitmeanymore!’”
Elvisthoughttheideaof
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himplayingabadguyonfilmwashysterical.Thethreeofusjokedaround,puttingdifferenttwistsonthestory,changingtheendingofthemovieeachtimetomakeitandElvis’scharactermoreoutlandish.
Wejustsataroundtalkingandlaughing,andwhenElvisheardRosemarywasn’tdatinganyonesteadilyheasked,“Ifyoucouldgooutwithanyone,whowouldyou
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liketogooutwith?”“Well,IlikeBurt
Reynolds,”Rosemarysaid.Elviswinkedatherand
said,“Thatcanbearranged,youknow.”
Mysister,awomanofmanywords,wassuddenlyspeechless.
Wecontinuedclowningaroundforawhile.ThenElvisputonatapeofMontyPythonandtheHolyGrail,
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andafterwe’dfinishedwatchingit,ElvistoldRosemaryshecouldsleeponthebedinhisdressingarea.
Whenwewokethatafternoon,ElvisdecidedtodriveRosemaryandmehome.WeleftGracelandwithhisaideSteve.Aswepulledintoourdriveway,ElvisnoticedsomedustonmyCadillac.
“Youshouldn’tletitgetdirty,”hesaid.Itwasonlya
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littledustbutIdidn’twantElvistothinkthatIwasn’tappreciativeofmygiftorapersonwhowouldn’ttakecareofitsoafterthat,acoupleoftimeswhenIthoughtthecarlookedslightlydusty,IwasheditinourdrivewaybeforegoingtoGraceland.Athome,wevisitedwithmyparentsintheden,whereatElvis’srequestmymotherbroughtoutherlargefamilyBibleagain.
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Elvispointedoutafewnewthingshehaddiscovered.HedissectedthewordGenesis,saying“Genes-is,”andjotteddownsomenotes.Healsounderlinedversesandsharedhisthoughtswithusonthemeaningbehindthem.
Whenwestartedgettinghungry,ElvissentStevetogetsomefoodforeveryonefromMcDonald’swhilehecontinuedtalkingwithmyfamily.Afteralittlewhile,he
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wantedtoplaythepiano,soweallmovedintoourmusicroom.
Ourkitchentablewasn’tlargeenoughtoaccommodateeveryone,sowhenStevereturned,mymotherbroughtsomeplatesintotheden.ElvisandIsatbesidemyparentsonthesofa.
Whilewewereeating,Elvissaidhe’dlikeusalltoliveclosertoGraceland.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’dheard
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himmentiontheideasinceourflightfromPalmSprings.
“I’mworriedaboutGingerdrivingbackandforthtoseeme,”Elvissaid,“andI’dlikehertohaveherownroomandphone.”
Stilladdressingmyparents,Elvisadded,“Asyougetolder,youdon’tneedtheburdenofahousenotehangingoveryourheads.Youshouldbeabletoretire,playgolf,ordowhateveryou
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want.I’dlikeyoutolookforahouseclosetoGraceland.”
Myparentsclearlydidn’tknowwhattosaytothisoffer,buttheypolitelythankedhim.DespiteElvis’senthusiasmforbuyingthemahouse,Ithinktheideadidn’tseemrealtothem.Theyhadworkedtheirwholelivestoownamodesthome.Theyhadn’tbeenlivinginElvis’sworld,whereyoucouldbuyminkcoats,newcars,orthree
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ringsonawhim.Inaddition,thefrictionin
myparents’marriagehadn’timproved.Thisaffectedmysiblingsandme,naturally,sincethey’dbeengoingthroughdifficulttimesforquiteawhile.However,Ikeptthistomyself,notwantingtoviolatemyparents’privacy,andhopingthatthingsbetweenthemmightsomehowimprove.
Itwasgettinglateand
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Elvissaidhewouldliketostayoveratourhome.Thefactthathefeltcomfortableenoughtowanttodothismeantagreatdealtome,butIknewmyfamilyhadtobepanicking,thinkingasIwas,Wherewouldhesleep?
Therewasaking-sizebedintheroomTerryandIshared,butmymotherhadbeenbusydecoratingtherestofthehouseandhadyettobuycurtainsforthebedroom
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window.Shehadpinnedalargesheettothewallinordertocoverthewindow.
Luckily,Rosemaryjumpedin,offeringElvisherroom.Sheaskedifhe’dliketoseeit.HestoodupandRosemaryandIwalkedhimdownourhallway.
Rosemary’sroomwasdecoratedintunewiththe1970s.Shehadaffixedcrackledmirrorsquarestoonewall,andherbed’s
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headboardandadresser,bothdarkwood,haddetailedsectionscoveredinredvelveteen.She’dchosenredforhercurtainsandbedspread,too,andaswaglampinthecornerglowedasoftred.
LookingatRosemary,Elvissaid,“Yourroomlookslikeabrothel,”thensaidhewaskidding.Hedidn’tmindthat,butRosemary’sbedlookedtooshort—hisfeet
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wouldprobablyhangoff,hesaid.Next,noticinghertelevisioninthecorner,Elvisaskedwhatkinditwas.
Rosemarywalkedintotheroomandturnediton.“It’sagoodone.”
Itwasablack-and-whitetelevisionset.WhenElvissawthat,hesaid,“Youneedacolorone.”
Despiteourembarrassmentaboutthesheetcoveringourbedroom
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window,TerrysaidshewouldstaywithRosemaryandElviscouldsleepinourroom.Itwastheonlychoice.Myfathersoonwentofftobed,butRosemary,Terry,mymother,andIstayeduptalkingandreadingwithElvisintheden.
Later,thedoorbellrang.IlookedoutourfrontwindowandsawAlstandingonourporch.Tomysurprise,hewasholdingabrand-newcolor
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televisionset.NowIputthepiecestogether:Stevehadearliermadeacallfromourhouse,andElvismusthavearrangedforthisthen.
AlcarriedtheTVintoRosemary’sroom,tooktheoldoneandleft.RosemarythankedElvis,expressingherutterdisbelief.Ismiled,knowingexactlywhatmysisterwasfeeling.
Aseveryonegrewtired,mymotherbroughtouta
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blanketforSteve,whosaidhe’dsleepintherecliner.Mymothersaidgoodnighttous,andwhenshelefttheroom,IknewshefeltasIdid,thatshecouldtrustElvisasagentleman,andthatIwouldneverengageinanythinginappropriateundermyparents’roof.
RosemaryandTerryheadedtoRosemary’sroom,andElvisandIwentintomine.Ihadbeenalonewith
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Elvismanytimesbefore;still,itfeltawkwardsleepingwithElvisinmybedroomathome.
Whenwegotupthatafternoon,ElvissaidhehadarecordingsessioninNashvilleandwantedmetogo.Idressedandgatheredsomeclothes.Beforeleavinghome,Elvistoldmyfamilyitwasthefirsttimehehadspentthenightinsomeoneelse’shomeinawhile.
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“IfeellikeIhaveafamily,becauseyou’reasnuttyasIam,andIfeelnojealousyhere,”hesaid.
IwonderedifElvisfelttherewassomejealousyatGraceland,eitherdirectedathimorbetweenmembersofhisfamilyandstaff.Iwouldneverfullyknowwhathemeant,norwouldIeverask.Iwasjustgladthatmyhousewasaplacewherehefeltcomfortable.
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•••
WeflewintoNashvilleandsettledintoourhotel.IstayedinmybedroomwhileElviswentintothelivingroomareaofoursuiteandbeganlightlyrehearsingwithafewothers.Iheardsomeonestrummingaguitar.Elvisbegantosing,andtheneverythingfellquietsuddenly.
Shortlyafterthat,Elviscamewalkingintomy
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bedroom,rubbinghisthroat.Hetoldmeitwasbeginningtofeelsore.
Ifeltsorryforhim,knowinghowconcernedhealwayswasaboutlosinghisvoice.Iwasn’tawareofanythingthatwasgoingonbehindthescenes.Ididn’tknowwhathewassupposedtoberecording,howimportantitwas,orwhowaswaitingonhim,andElvishadn’ttoldme.Butthatwas
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okay:IknewthequalityofhissingingmatteredtoElvisineverysong.That’sjustwhohewas.
Hetalkedwithhisstaff.Adoctorcametoseehim,andwespentthenextcoupleofdaysreadingandwatchingtelevisiontogetherinhisroom,hopinghisthroatwouldfeelbetter.
Atvarioustimes,Elvistoldmethathedidn’twanttorecordifhisvoicewasn’t
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perfect.Finally,hesaidhewasafraidtocontinueandendedupcancelingthesession.WeflewbacktoMemphis.Withthreeweeksoffbeforetouringagain,Ihopedhe’dhavetimetorecuperatefullybeforehisnextroundofperformances.
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CHAPTER17
BackatGraceland,Elvisstayedupstairs,asusual,andtriedtobeextraprotectiveofhisvoice.Insteadofreadingtomeasheoftendid,heletmetakeoverandreadtohimoverthenextfewdayssohecouldrest.Othersstillcame
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andwent,visitingwithElvisupstairsastheyusuallydid,butnowElvismadeapointofspeakingsoftly,takingextrameasurestocareforhisthroat.Beforelong,luckily,Elviswasfeelingandsoundingmuchlikehisusualself.
TheringsElvishadgivenmeinLasVegaswereatadlargeonmyfingers,andElvishadnoticedthatI’dbeenwearingtapewrappedaround
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thebandstoholdthemon.Oneevening,hetoldmethathewantedtoknowmycorrectringsizeandmentionedthathe’daskedalocaljewelertocomeoverandmeasureme.Beforelong,thejewelerwalkedintoElvis’sbedroomandintroducedhimselfasLowellHayes.Lowellmeasuredmyfinger,heandElvissharedafriendlyvisit,andbeforelong,Lowellleft.
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Ashorttimelater,Iwentintothebathroom.WhenIreturnedtoElvis’sbedroom,Idiscoveredthathe’dproppedamagnificentnecklacewiththelettersTLC,allindiamonds,onmypillow.Onceagain,he’daimedtheoverheadreadinglightonittomakesureitsparkled.Iwasblownaway.Ihadnoticedthesetenderlovingcarenecklaceswornbywomeninhisfamily,femaleband
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members,andagirlfriendortwoofcertainentouragemembers.Thisonewasuniquethough;itlookedlargerthantheothersandtheonlyoneI’dseenmadewithalldiamonds.
Iwasdeeplymovedbythisbeautiful,singularexpressionofElvis’saffection.Hefastenedthenecklacearoundmyneck,tellingme,“Ihadthismadeespeciallyforyou,Ginger.”
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HavingthisnecklacemeantthatI’dbeentrulyacceptedasapartofElvis’sinnercircle.AlthoughIhadfeltthissentimentfromhimforalongtime,Iwashappynowtohavesomethingthatwouldsignalthismessagetothepeoplearoundus.Turningbacktohim,ItoldhimhowmuchIloveditandthankedhim.
Elvissmiledandwinked.“Idon’tgivetheseouttojust
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anyone,”hesaid.
•••
IcontinuedtospendalotoftimeatGraceland,butoneafternoon,mynieceAmberaskedmetotakehertoalocalhamburgerrestaurant,andIsuddenlyrealizedthatIhadbeensofocusedonElvisthatIhadneglectedseeingmyfriendsorhangingoutwithmyfamily.
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WantingtospendsometimewithAmber,Ihappilypickedherupandwewenttotherestaurant.
Aswewerefinishingeatingatabacktable,Inoticedawomanatanearbytablestandupandfoldanewspapershehadbeenreading.Iglancedatthefrontpageofherpaperwhenshewalkedbyandwasstartledtoseeapictureofsomeonewholookedremarkablylikeme!
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IhurriedlypaidourbillandracedoutoftherestaurantwithAmber.Weheadedstraighttoanearbystore.There,lineduponmagazineracksbesideeverycashierstand,wastheNationalEnquirerwithalargeblack-and-whitephotoofElvisandme,capturedontour,gracingitscover.
Iwasshocked.Me,onthecoverofanationalpaper?Tabloidornot,Iwas
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awestruckandthoughtitwasanicepictureofthetwoofus,too.Ipurchasedacopyandrushedhometoshowittomyfamily,figuringthey’dgetakickoutofseeingmeonthecoverwithElvis.
BecauseIhaddevotedmostofmyfreetimetoseeingElvis,I’dbarelygoneoutmuchonmyown.Naively,IhadthoughtthatanypicturessnappedofElvisandmeontourorinacar,
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comingfromandgoingtoGraceland,werejustbeingtakenbyElvis’sfans.Beinginthemediaspotlightwassomethingnewtome,especiallybecausewehonestlyhadn’tbeenoutthatmuchinpublicyet.
IsoonrealizedIwasnowofinteresttothepress.Oneday,IwasathomeandplanningtotakeadrivewithmyfamilywhenInoticedastrangecarparkedonthe
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streetinfrontofourhomewiththeenginerunning.Amanwassittinginsideit.Whowasthis?Wasthisaphotographerorareporter?
Justincase,mysistersandIdonnedsunglassesbeforewalkingtothecartomakeitmoredifficultforsomeonetotellwhowaswho.Sureenough,thecarfollowedus.
Mydadrandomlydrovearoundforawhile,buteventuallyhadtostopandget
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gas.Thecarthathadbeenfollowinguspulledupatthegasstation,too,andthedrivergotout.Heapproachedourcarandpeeredintothebackseat.
“WhichoneisGinger?”heasked.
Determinedtoprotectmyprivacy,mysistersandIpointedatoneanother.Themanwalkedaway,notlookingtoohappy.Iwasgladhecouldn’thearmyheart
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thuddingagainstmyribcage.Iknewwewouldn’tbeabletokeepthisupforlongthoughasthewordwasdefinitelyout:IwaswithElvis.
OnthenightofJanuary26,IwaswatchingtelevisionwithElvisinLisa’sbedroom.HelefttheroomatonepointandwasgoneforlongenoughthatIlookedtoseewherehewas.
IfoundElvistalkingon
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thephoneinhisbedroom.IreturnedtoLisa’sroomandwatchedsomemoretelevision,thenheardacommotionasotherscameandwentupstairs,speakinginprivatewithElvis.
Itwasn’tlikehimtoavoidme.Asmoretimepassed,Istartedtofeeloddandbeganworryingthatsomethingmightbewrong.WhenElvisfinallyreturnedtoLisa’sroom,hetookmyhand
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withoutsayingawordandledmeintohisdressingarea.
Iwasallthemorepuzzledasheguidedmetowardablackchairinfrontofhisbathroomwindow,whereElvisaskedmetositdown.AssoonasIwasseated,hekneltbeforemewithonehandbehindhisback.
“Ginger,I’vebeensearchingforlovesolong,”Elvissaid,“andneverinmywildestdreamsdidIever
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thinkIwouldfinditinmyownbackyard.I’vebeensixtypercenthappyandfortypercenthappy,butneverahundredpercent.I’velovedbeforebutI’veneverbeeninlove.Ginger,I’maskingyou:Willyoumarryme?”
Elvisbroughthishandoutfromaroundhisback.Initwasasmall,greenvelvetbox.
Nearlyovercomebyemotion,myvoicequavered.IwasgladIwassittingdown
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becauseIwasn’tsuremyshakinglegscouldhavesupportedme.“Yes,”Imanaged,holdingontothebeautifulwordshe’djustspoken.
Elvisplacedtheboxinmyhand,whichwasnowtrembling.InsideitwasthemostmagnificentringIhadeverseen,withahugecenterdiamondsurroundedbysixsmallerones.
IkissedElvis,feelingmy
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eyesbrimwithtears.Hedelicatelytooktheringfromtheboxandslippeditontotheringfingerofmylefthand.Itwasaperfectfit.
NowIrememberedthejeweler,Lowell,Elvishadcalledtothehousetomeasuremyfinger.Irealizedhemusthaveplannedthisthen.
Withahintofnervousnessinhisvoice,Elvisaskedmetoholdupmyhandsohecouldseewhatthering
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lookedlike.Commentingonhowbeautifulitwas,hesaid,“Godwillcomethroughmeandtellmewhenthetimeisrightforourwedding.Areyouready?Canyoucopewithmylifestyle?”
“Yes,”Ianswered,stillnaivebutreadytodowhateverthatentailed.
“Therewillbealotofpeoplejealousofyou,”Elviswenton,“butyoushouldalwaysbealady,andif
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negativethingsareeversaid,justbowoutgracefully.”
“Iwill,”Isaid,cluelessatthatbrightmomentinourlivesastojusthowdeepandbitingthosejealousieswouldbecome.IwasalsounawareofhowclosesomeofthepeoplearoundElvisweretotheotherwomeninhispast,andhowloyaltheywouldremaintothosewomen.IonlyknewthatIlovedElvisandhopedhisfeelingsforme
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wereasdeepaswhatIfeltforhim.IwaswillingtowaittomarryuntilthetimefeltrighttoElvis,andintendedtoleaveitalluptohim.But,fornow,havingaringonmyfingermademerealizethathewasasdeeplycommittedtoourrelationshipasIwas.WeweregoingtobuildafuturetogetherandIwasneverhappier.
Whenwewalkedoutofhisbathroom,Iwassurprised
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toseeCharlieandBillySmithstandinginElvis’sbedroom.Iblushed,knowingtheymusthavebeeninonthesecretandwerewaitingforustocomeoutandtellthemournews.
Beaming,Elvissaidtome,“Showthemthering.”
Iwasproudto,andinsuchadaze,myhandalmostroseonitsown.
Elvistookholdofitandshookhishead.“Boy,ohboy,”hesaid.
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CharlieandBillyhuggedandcongratulatedus.ThenCharliepresenteduswithasmallbackgammonsetandsaid,“Thisisalittleengagementgift.”Thiswassosweetofhim,andIhuggedhimagain.
Shortlyafterward,Elvis’sstepbrothers,RickyandDavid,enteredtheroomtogiveustheirhugsandcongratulationsaswell.Everyoneknew!The
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overwhelminglycheerfulresponsewascomforting,butIwonderedifthesemenwouldeverreallyacceptmeasMrs.Presley,oriftheyfeltthatElvisgettingmarriedmightbringsomechangeinthedynamicsoftheirrelationshipswithElvis.
Everyfewminutes,Elviswouldtellmetoholdupmyhandsoeveryonecouldseethering.IthinkIwasstillinastateofshockbecauseeach
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timehedidthis,Ihadtroublekeepingmyhandfromtrembling.
Aftereveryonehadfinallyleftusalone,ElvisandIsatonthebed.Heaskedmetoraisemyhandseveralmoretimes,sohecouldlookattheringagain.
“Itlookslikeacarheadlight,”Elvissaidproudlyatonepoint.
“Ithinkit’sbeautiful,”Icountered,leaningoverto
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kisshim.Iwassooverwhelmed,Icouldn’ttakemyeyesoffthering.AtfirstIwasdyingtocallmyfamilyandletthemknow,butthendecideditwouldbefuntodoitinperson.
Elviswantedothersinthehousetoseetheringandknowwewereengaged.HecalledforAuntDeltaandthemaidstocomeup.Witheachnewarrival,heproudlyagainaskedmetoholdoutmy
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hand,evenaimingtheoverheadreadinglightsotheringgleamedandsparkled,givingthemabetterlook.Eachoneenthusiasticallycongratulatedus.
Itwasn’tuntilafterElvis’sdeaththatIwouldlearnthecenterdiamondinmyengagementringwasthediamondfromhiscustom-madeTCBring,whichElvisalwaysworeonstage.Thejeweler,LowellHayes,had
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madeitforhimandyearslaterhedescribedonhiswebsitehowthisengagementringcametobe.Elvishadcalledhimatoneo’clockonemorningtellinghimthathewantedLowelltomakeanengagementringformewithadiamondthatlookedliketheoneinthemiddleofElvis’sTCBring.Lowellprotested,sayinghedidn’thaveadiamondlikethat,butElviscalledhimbackhalfan
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hourlaterandsaidhehadtohavetheringthatverynightandpleadedwithhimtomakeit.
Lowellreportedthathe’dcalleddiamonddealersinNewYorkthen,buttheyallreportedthatnobodycouldgetadiamondofthatsizeonsuchshortnotice,sincethediamondswerekeptinvaultsovernight.OnceLowellhaddeliveredthebadnewstoElvis,though,hehad
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ponderedtheproblemsomemore,andrealizedtheycouldusethediamondfromElvis’sTCBringandfindanothertoreplaceitlater.Elviswasthrilledwiththatidea.
LowellhaddriventoGracelandtocollecttheringandwentbacktothejewelryshoptoremovethediamondandmakeamountingforit.HecenteredtheTCBdiamondandaddedthreediamondsoneithersideofit,
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thendrovebacktoGracelandtopresenttheringtoElvis—allonthesamenight.WhenIheardthisstory,IwasonceagainremindedthattherulesinElvis’sworldwerealotdifferentfromtherulesgoverningeveryoneelse.
•••
Ithadbeenanextraordinarilyunforgettablenight.Bytheendofit,Ihadcometo
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believewithcertaintythatallofthethingsElvishadbeensayingtomeaboutusbeingsoulmatesandushavingafuturetogetherwereabsolutelytrue.IwascommittedtoElvisheartandsoul.
Thefollowingafternoon,Iwokeeagertosharemynewswithmyfamily,buttherewereafewmorepeopletoannounceittoatGracelandfirst.ElvisandIwent
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downstairstoshowtheringtohisgrandmother.Dodgerwassittinginbedwhenweenteredherroom.WhenElvistoldherwewereengaged,shetookmyhandinhers,smiledsweetlyatElvis,andsaidshewashappyforus.
Elviswasstillasexcitedashe’dbeenthenightbefore;nowhewantedtoshowhisfatherthering.Ifollowedhimoutthebackdoor.Ihadn’tseenthatmuchof
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VernonatGraceland.HeusuallyspoketoElvisbyphoneandIfeltnervousabouthisreactiontoournews.Hewasaniceman,butfromthelittleI’dbeenaroundhim,IknewVernoncouldbeblunt.Iwasslightlyintimidatedbyhim.Whatifhedidn’tliketheideaofmebeingElvis’ssecondwife?
Forwhateverreasons—mostlyduetothechillyweather,thefactthatwe’d
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beentouring,andElvis’spreferenceforhisbedroom—IhadneveractuallybeeninthebackyardofGracelandbefore,thoughIhadn’treallythoughtaboutthatuntilnow.Wewalkedthroughapasturebehindaracquetballcourt,andIsawsomehorsesinthedistancebeforeenteringVernon’spropertythroughagateinthefencesurroundinghisbackyard.Elvishadbuiltatwo-storywhitehousewith
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blacktrimforhisfatheronDolanDrive,whichranalongonesideofthelandsurroundingGraceland.
AfterElvisshowedVernonthering,hisfatherembracedusbothandcongratulatedus.Iimmediatelyfeltrelieved.Ididn’tsensethatVernonwasreallysurprised,though,whichmademewonderifElvishadspokentohimatsomepointaboutgivingmea
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ring.Ashehadearlierwithme,
ElvistoldhisfatherthatGodwouldtellhimwhenthetimewasrighttosetthedate.Wevisitedforabit.Beforelong,however,Elvissaidtome,“Let’sgoseeyourparents.”Iwashappyandcouldn’twaittotellthemthenews!
Ididn’tevengivemyfamilyanyadvancewarningofourarrival.Theywereplainlysurprisedwhenthey
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openedthedoorandsawElvisandmestandingtogetheronthefrontporch.
Ikeptmyhandbehindmybackuntilwewereintheden,whereElvisturnedtomeandsaid,“Showthemyourhand.”
IwasstillfindingitdifficulttoholdmyhandsteadyasIbroughtitfromaroundmyback.Myparentslookedatthering,thenbackatus,speechless.
“We’reengaged,”Elvis
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said,effectivelymakingwhathehadtoldmymotheronthephoneinLasVegasanexcitingreality.Iwastouchedtoseethatheseemedalittleanxiousashewaitedfortheirreactionandapproval.
IwishI’dbroughtacameratocapturethecompletelystunnedlookonmyparents’faces.Mymotherbrokethesilencefinally,smilingandsaying,“I’msohappy!Andwhatabeautiful
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ring!I’veneverseenadiamondthatlarge!”
Myparentshuggedthetwoofus.Serious,Elvisthensaidtothem,“I’mgoingtotakegoodcareofGinger,don’tyouworry.”
MakingdirecteyecontactwithElvis,myfathersmiledandsaid,“I’msureyouwill.”Heshookhishand.
ThenRosemaryandTerrycamein,andwhenwe’dannouncedournewstothem,
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theelationandcongratulationsstartedupagain!
ElvisandIstayedanotherhourorso,relaxingatmyhouseandbaskinginmyfamily’sexcitement.WhenwereturnedtoGracelandlater,Icouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatVernonreallythought,soIaskedElvis,“Whatwasyourfather’sreactiontoourengagement?”
Hereplied,“Mydaddy
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onlyasked,‘Son,doesshedolittlethingsforyou?’AndItoldhimyes.”
Itfeltgoodhearinghisanswer,sinceIhadtriedtopamperElvisinsmallways,suchasorderingfoodforhim,rubbinghisback,readingwithhim,andevenplacingcottonballsinhisearssohecouldsleepbetter.
AccordingtoElvis,hisfatherhadthenresponded,“Good.Whatcouldaforty-
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year-oldwomandoforyou,likewhatcanasixty-year-olddoforme?Nothing.”
Ididn’tagreewithwhatVernonsaid,butdidn’tcomment.OfcourseIwasgladthatVernonwascomfortablewiththeagedifferencebetweenElvisandme,buthearinghiswordsmademethinkthatmaybeVernonbroughtElvisupbelievingthat’swhatamanneeded,ayoungerwomanto
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takecareofhimsinceElviswaswithmeandVernonwaswithSandy.IwasgladtotakecareofElvis—butequallygladthatElvisseemedkeenontakingcareofme,too.
Afewnightsafterourengagement,Elvisreturnedtomyfamily’shometovisitand,whilehewasthere,invitedhisjewelertocomeover.
WhenLowellarrived,hebroughtTCBandTLC
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necklaceswithhim.Ashehaddonewithme,Elvisslippedthesymbolicnecklacesovertheheadsofeachofmyfamilymembers.Hewantedmyfamilytoknowtheywerenowpartofhisinnercircleandfamily.Andthiswashiswayofmakingsurethatothersknewitaswell.
Impulsive,extravagantgesturesremainedthenormforElvis.Onthespurofthe
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moment,heinvitedmywholefamilytoLasVegasagain.Hecalledthesheriff,andthesheriffcalledthemayorofMemphistoseeifthedistrictchiefwouldgivemybrotherpermissiontotakethefollowingdayofffromthefiredepartment.
ThepowerofElvisworkedandthechiefsaidyes.
WeflewtoLasVegas,whereweallstayedatthe
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HiltonandElvisgaveeachmemberofmyfamilyahundreddollarsforgamblinginthecasino.ElvispreferredtoremaininhisroomwithmeagainandInowfeltthatElvisgotboredsometimesandjustachangeinlocationrelaxedhim.ItwouldhavebeennicetoseeoneoftheLasVegasshows,butIunderstoodthat,ifElviswentout,itwouldbeabigdeal.Iwasconfidentthatoneday,if
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Iaskedhim,wewouldseesomeshowstogether.Ididn’tmindstayinginsidewithhimthatnight,andIfeltespeciallyhappyknowingmyfamilywasbeingtreatedtoawonderfultime.
Thetwoofuskepttoourusualpatternsandspentourtimewatchingtelevisionandreadingtogetherinourhotelroom.ThistimeElvishadbroughtTheImpersonalLife,abookbyJosephBenner.It
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wasasmallbookaboutself-discoveryandlookingwithinfortruespiritualguidance.Elviswasseriouslyinterestedintheconceptsandeagertosharethemwithme.
OneneverknewwhatElvismightsayordo,andatonepointduringthenight,Elvisaskedmetositwithhim,closemyeyes,andpracticesaying,“BestillandknowthatIamGod.”
Aswesat,chantingthis
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phraseinanattempttobringinnerpeace,Elvissuddenlygotacrampinhistoethatdidn’tletup.Somuchforinnerpeace!Hefinallyjumpedupfromthebedand,stillholdingontohisfoot,beganhoppingaround.Hewaslaughingandcursingthroughthepain,whichmademegettickled,too.
Ittookalittlewhileforthecramptogoaway,anditwasprettyfunnytowatchhow
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Elviskepthissenseofhumorwhileinagony.AsotherswerebeingentertainedinshowroomsacrossLasVegas,IwasgettingauniquelyprivateperformanceasElvisdancedforme!
Later,weconnectedwithmyfamilyandvisitedwiththemforawhile.WewereinLasVegasforonlyonenightandbeforeIknewit,wewereonourwaybacktoMemphis.
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•••
NotlongafterwereturnedtoGraceland,Elvisagainbroughtuphiswishtobuymyfamilyanewhome.HealsomentionedagainthatIshouldhavemyownroomandphoneline,sohecould“easilygetintouchwithme.”IwasstilluncomfortableaboutElvisbuyingahouseformyfamily.
Ihadn’tpursuedtheidea,
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norhadmyfamily,butElvisremaineddeterminedtofollowthroughwiththis.HedecidedtotakemattersintohisownhandsonedayandcontactedhiscousinGeeGee,askinghimtosetupanappointmentwithaRealtortolookatahome.ElvisalsoinvitedmyparentstocometoGracelandsotheycouldgowithus.
Mymothershowedup,accompaniedbyRosemary
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andmynieceAmber.Myfatherwasworkingalateshift.WerodealongwithGeeGeeandPatsytoatwo-storyhomeintheWhitehavenarea,aneighborhoodclosertoGraceland.
TwoRealtorsgaveusatourofthehome.Itwasanolderhouseandstilloccupied.Aswewalkedaroundthefirstfloor,Elvissaid,“Well,don’tlookatitasitis,becausetherewillbea
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lotofrepairsthatwillneedtobemadeonit.Pictureitinadifferentlight,withnewcarpetingandbathroomfixtures.”
Wewentupstairs.WhenIsawthatthehousehadfivebedrooms,Irealizedthehousemustbemuchmoreexpensivethantheonewelivedinnow.Elvispeeredatthebackyardthroughoneoftheupstairswindows.“Youneedapool,”hesaid.“The
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backyardlookssmall,andthere’snoroomforapool.”
Elvishadbeenholdingmyhandthewholetime.Whenheletgo,Amberquicklytookmyhand.Elvisshotheralook.“Amber,watchit,”hesaidwithagrin.“You’regettingtooclose.”
Beforeweleft,Elvistoldmymother,“Keeplookingtoseeifyoucanfindoneintheneighborhoodwithfourorfivebedrooms.I’dlikeyouto
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haveoneclosertoGraceland,butyouhavetoliveinthehouse.Itshouldbesomethingthatpleasesyouandhasaroomforeachofyou.”
Withthedifficultythatmyparentswerehavingintheirmarriage,Iknewthelastthingtheywouldbefocusedonwaslookingforanewhouse,butwecouldalltellElviswasextremelyseriousaboutdoingthis.Hisbenevolentspiritcontinuedto
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astonishme.
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CHAPTER18
LearninghowtobepartofElvis’slifewaslikerunningnexttoafast-movingtrain,grabbingadoorhandle,andjumpingonboard.Thatexpresstrainshowednosignsofslowingdown.
Hisnewtourbeganin
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FloridaonFebruary12.Elviswantedmetoseehowhepreparedforhisshows,soatonepointheaskedmetojoinhiminhisbathroomontheLisaMarie.Therehemixedupasalinesolution,tiltedhisheadback,andpouredthesaltwaterdowneachnostril.Thismadehimcoughandhelpedclearhisthroat.
AnothertimeaboardtheLisaMarie,Elvisaskedmeto
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comeintohisbathroombeforethatnight’sshow.Heleanedagainstthesinkandhandedmeablackeyepencil.Hewantedmetotouchupafewgraywhiskersonhissideburnsandacoupleofgrayhairsinhiseyebrows.Ineverthoughtofhisgrayhairasdetractingfromhissexappealinanyway,butElvisobviouslydidn’tlikeit.
Istartedtopencilinasmallarea.Ourfaceswere
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closetogether;Elvisbeganstaringatmeandmakingsubtle,comicalfacialexpressions.Hewouldn’tstopevenwhenIbeggedhimto,andIstartedlaughingsohard,myhandshookinthemiddleofgivinghimhistouch-up.
WhenIwasfinished,Elvisturnedaroundtolookinthemirror.“MyGod,”hesaidinmockhorror.“IlooklikeGrouchoMarx!”
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Needlesstosay,hehadtotoneitdownabit.WelaughedashewipedsomeofthecoloroffandthenElvissharedatiphe’dlearnedworkinginfilms,showingmehowtoapplymascaraacertainwaytomakeyourlasheslooklonger.InevercouldhaveimaginedthatIcouldlearnmakeuptipsfromaman,buthereIwas,stilllearningsomethingnewfromElviseveryday.
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•••
Becauseweweretouringfromonecitytothenext,ElvisandIusuallydidn’tknowwhatdayitwas.However,onValentine’sDayIgotapleasantsurprise:Elvisgavemenotone,butfourdifferentValentine’scards!
Iknewsomeoneelsemusthavepickedoutthecards,butitstilltouchedmethathe’dthoughttodothis.Insidethe
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cards,Elvishadunderlinedcertainversesandwrittensomebeautifulpersonalwords.
Afewnightslater,IagainlookedoverthecardsElvishadgivenme.MaybebecauseoftheromanticthingsElvishadsaidanddone,Istartedthinkingaboutmyparents’marriagecrumbling,reflectingonhowtheirlovehadgonewrongandwonderingwhyithadn’t
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lasted.HereIwaswithElvis,bothofuslookingforwardtomarriage,whiletheirswaspossiblycomingtoanend.Thethoughtmademesad.
Elviscouldtellsomethingwasbotheringme.“What’swrong?”heasked.
Ihadn’twantedtoburdenhimwithanydiscussionaboutmyparents’maritalproblemsbefore,butIfeltthatpartofbeinginalovingrelationshipmeantbeing
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honestwithsomeone.Ihopedhewouldopenuptomeifsomethingwasbotheringhim,soIdecidednottohideitanymore.Ibrokedown,tellingElvisthatmyparentsjustweren’tcompatiblewithoneanother.
Elviswassurprised.AfterI’ddescribedwhatwasgoingonatourhouse,hesaid,“Thoseareunpleasantconditionstobelivingunder,andIdon’twantyoulivingin
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that.”Iappreciatedhis
sympatheticearandconcern,butIwasn’taskingElvistodoanythingaboutit.Hehadaskedmewhatwasonmymind,andIhadhonestlyopeneduptohim,Iexplained,adding,“Elvis,thisisasituationthatIbelieveonlymyparentscansolve.”
Ilearneditwasimpossibleforhimtobeapassivelistener,asheseemed
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determinedtowanttohelp.“I’dliketospeakwithyourmotheraboutwhat’sgoingon,”hesaid.“Iwanttoinviteherandyoursisterstoseemylastfewshows.”
OnFebruary19,Elvisflewthemfirst-classonAmericanAirlinesintoJohnsonCity,Tennessee.Duringhisshowthere,Elvisintroducedmetohisaudience,alongwithmymother,Rosemary,andTerry.
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ThenextshowwasinCharlotte.OntheflightbetweenTennesseeandNorthCarolina,Elvistooktimetotalkwithmymomabouthermarriage.Helistenedpatientlytoeverythingshewaswillingtoshare.
IknewElviscouldn’tchangehowmyparentsfeltabouteachother,butIdeeplyappreciatedhowmuchefforthewasputtingintotryingtocomforther.Hetoldmy
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motherthathehopedthingswouldworkout,andaskedhertokeeplookingforahouse.
“Itwillbeonelessthingtoworryabout,”Elvispromisedher.
DuringtheCharlotteshow,heintroducedmeagain.Thistime,goingdownthelinewithmyfamily,hesaid,“andallthelittleAldens,”acknowledgingTerryasMissTennessee.
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Withamischievouslook,hethenstartedwalkingtowardTerry.
Terrybeganshakingherheadand,underherbreath,Iheardhersay,“No...No.”
Elvisignoredthis.Lookingstraightather,heaskedTerrytojoinhimonstage.Hehadstoppedhiswholeshowtosingleherout.
Terryfinallysteppedupontothestagebesidehim,blushingfuriously.
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“Playthatweirdpieceyouplay,”Elvisteased.
“No,”Terrysaid.ButElvismotionedforher
todoit,andfinallyshetookaseatbehindthepiano,whereshequicklyplayedpartof“Toccata.”
AsTerrystoodtoleave,sheturnedtoElvisandjokinglysaid,“I’llgetyouforthis,”forgettinghismicrophonewasinhishand.Welaterhadagoodlaugh
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wonderingifanyothershadheardher.
TheperformanceinCharlottewasElvis’slastshowofthetour.WeflewbacktoMemphisafterward,wherehecouldenjoynearlyamonthoff.
OncewewerebackinMemphis,Elviscontinuedtovisitmyparents’home,sometimesbymotorcycleandnotalwaysunderthecoverofdarkness.Ineverknewwhen
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Elvismightappear.IfIwasathomesleepingandheardtheroarofamotorcycle,Ialwayswokeupwonderingifitcouldbehim.
Icouldtellhewasgettingrealcomfortablewithmyfamily,whichmademefeelgreat.Occasionally,Elviswouldenterourhouseand,rightoffthebat,wouldask,“Where’sRosemary?”Lookingforher,he’dmarchdownthehallandfliponher
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bedroomlight.Onetimemybrother
happenedtobeatthehousewhenElviscametovisit,andElvisbroughtupthepossibilityoftrainingMikeasaguardtoworkforhim.Mybrotherthankedhimandsaidhewouldcertainlyconsiderit.
Onanotheroccasion,Elvisdecidedtoapproachmyfatheraboutmyparents’marriage.Hesatwithmydad
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inRosemary’sroomandtalkedwithhimforalittlewhile.Later,Elvistoldmehedidn’tknowiftheirconversationhadhelpedfixanything,butitwasastart.Iwasamazedbyhowcaringandgood-heartedhewaswithbothofmyparents.
Elvisreallyseemedtobetakingthemonashisownfamilynowthatwewereengaged.Ithoughtthatbodedwellforourfutureasa
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couple,becausefamilywassoimportanttobothofus.
•••
Ihadneverlostmyloveofmotorcycles.Iwasthrilled,therefore,whenwewereatGracelandonenightandElvisfinallyaskedmetoridewithhim.HecalledforBillySmithand,whenBillyenteredtheroom,Elvislookedathimandsaid,
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“SaddleuptheHarleyhogs.”Billyleft,andfiguringthat
ElvismustownafewHarley-Davidsonmotorcycles,Iaskedhimwhyhecalledthemthat.“Becausetheyhogtheroad,”hesaid.
Asusual,helefthispajamason,steppedintohisbluejumpsuit,buckledhisblackstagebeltaroundhiswaist,andtuckedoneofhisgunsinsideit.Goingintohisdressingroom,hereturned
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withhisblackleatherjacketandhandedmeanotherone,saying,“Here,Iwantyoutohavethis.”
Itwasabeautifuljacketinsilverleather,withmulticoloredflamesandablackeaglepaintedonitsback.Elvishandedmeahelmetandwewalkeddownstairs.
Stoppingbyhisgrandmother’sbedroom,wesaidaquickhelloand
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continuedoutback.IthoughtitwassweetthatElvisusuallycheckedonDodgerwheneverhewasgoingout.
TheminuteIputthehelmeton,Elvislookedatmeandbegantolaugh.“Youlooklikealollipophead,”hesaid.
Iwasamusedaswell,knowingmyheadwasonthesmallsideandthehelmetwashugeonme.
Billyandacoupleofthe
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guysgotonmotorcyclesand,straddlinghisown,Elvissaid,“Comeon,ChickenNeck.Geton.”
Idid,andweslowlytookoffdownthedriveway.Myneckcouldn’tsupporttheweightofthehelmetandIkeptbangingmyheadintoElvis’s.Hestartedlaughing,andprettysoonwewerenearlyhystericalbecauseeverytimehesloweddown,myhelmetwouldgoclank
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againsthis.Werodeupanddown
ElvisPresleyBoulevard,whereElvisplayfullyyelledtoacoupleofpassingcars,“Getoffmystreet!”Hewasenjoyinghimself,andIwashavingablast.
Atonepoint,Elvishadtousearestroom,sowestoppedatagasstation.Somefanshadfollowedus;steppingoffthemotorcycle,Elvissignedafewautographs.Healways
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tooktimewithhisfans.Beforelong,wewereback
onthemotorcycleandwerodearoundsomemore,circlingthroughparkinglots,thenreturnedtoGraceland.Ithadbeenafunnight,andIhopedtherewouldbemanymorelikeit.
•••
Iwasnowactivelyenvisioningafuturewith
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Elvis,andIdelightedinimaginingthelifewewouldshare,alifethatIhopedwouldbeenrichedbypetsandchildren.SoonItookonestepclosertothatfuture.I’dalwayslovedGreatDanes,andI’dbeenentertainingtheideaofgettingone.IwassurprisedwhenImentionedthistoElvisonedayandhetoldmehe’downedGreatDanesinthepast.Ithoughtitwasneatthatwebothliked
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thesamebreed.Excitedbytheprospectof
sharingandcaringforapettogether,ItoldElvisthat,whenthedogwasapuppy,Icouldkeepitatmyparents’house,andafterheandIweremarried,itwouldhaveroomtorunatGraceland.Thisgotustalkingaboutdogs,andIcouldtellElvishadasoftspotforanimalsbythewayhereminiscedaboutsomeofthepetshe’downedoverthe
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years.Myparentshadallowedustohaveavarietyofpetsand,aswetradedstories,hesuggestedthatwegetone.
Ilaterfoundalistinginourlocalpaperforsomepuppies.Oneday,unbeknownsttoElvis,IdrovetoahomeinSayreville,Tennessee,andpurchasedablackmaleGreatDanewithasmallwhitestaronhischest.InhonorofElvis’sopening
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themetohisconcerts,IdecidedtonamehimOdyssey.
Icouldn’twaittoshowhimtoElvis!IbroughtthepuppytoGraceland.Gawky,withlargepawsandlonglegs,Odysseywasbigatjustacoupleofmonthsold.Thepuppydidn’thaveanyexperiencewithstairs,so,hopingnoonewouldseeme,Istoodoverhim,tookonepawatatime,andslowly
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helpedOdysseywalkupthefrontstairs.
ElvisandBillywerechattinginLisa’sroomwhenIarrived.Ienteredthedoorway,luggingmynewpuppywithme,andsaid,“ThisisOdyssey.”
Surprised,theystartedlaughing.Billybeganjokingaround,callingthedogOddball.
Iwasalittlesensitiveaboutit,whichElvisnoticed.
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HegaveBillyanannoyedlookandsaidhethoughtOdysseywascute.BillylefttheroomthenandElvisapologized.Hesaidhe’dlookedinthepaper,too,wherehe’dseenthesameadandwasgoingtocall.
Overthenextfewdays,IdividedmytimebetweentryingtotrainOdysseyathomeandgoingtoseeElvis.Hewasclearlythinkingaboutwhatourfuturewouldlook
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liketogether,too,becauseoneday,Elvissaid,“Youhavetolearnthatyouaretheladyofthehouse.”
“Okay,”Iagreed.Itwarmedmetohearthis.AlthoughIdidn’tliveatGracelandyet,itwaswonderfultoknowthatElviswasalreadythinkingofmeinthisway.
Atthesametime,Iwasalittleworried,wonderinghowIcouldeasilyslipintothis
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rolewithoutdisturbingoroffendingthosewhowererunningGracelandbehindthescenes.Ididn’twanttosteponanyone’stoes.Ihadn’thadanyopportunitiestohangoutdownstairsandvisitwiththeotherpeoplewhowereregularsinthehouse,soIhadn’tformedacloserelationshipwithanyofthem.
Inaddition,Ialsocamefromamiddle-classupbringing,onewhereyou
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cleanedyourownhouseandcookedyourownmeals.Havingmaidsandaidesatyourbeckandcallanytimeofdayornightwasstillanoveltyforme,oneI’dbeentryingtogetusedtowhilebeingwithElvis.Iwasconfident,though,thatthemoretimeIspentatGraceland,themorecomfortableIwouldstarttofeelthatIwouldknowtherightthingstosayanddoas
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hiswife.Meanwhile,Elvis
continuedtodemonstratehisgrowingtrustandcommitmenttomebygivingmetheremotecontrolforanelectricgatethatopenedontothebackofhisproperty.Asideroadledtothegatehouseatthisrearentrance,whereaguardwasalwaysonduty.ElvisoftenusedthisroadwhenhewantedtocomeandgofromGracelandprivately.
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NowhewantedmetobeabletoarriveorleavewithoutnoticewheneverIwanted.Itwasasmallstep,butabiggesture;onemorewayofhimsaying,“Iwantyoutohavefullaccessintomylife.”
Anotherevening,Elvisglancedabouthisbedroomwithathoughtfullookandsuddenlyannouncedthathewantedtoredecoratehishome.Hegrewexcitedaswestartedtalkingaboutthe
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possibilities.“Gracelandshouldcome
aliveagain,”Elvissaidcheerfully.“Afterwe’remarried,Iwanttoredomybedroomfirst.”Hepausedwithasigh.“Thencomesthemonstroustaskofdownstairs,”hesaid,turningtomethenandtakingmyhand.“Iwantittobealotofwhatyoulike,too,”hesaid.
“That’llbefun,”Iagreed,excitedabouttheprospectof
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redecoratingGraceland.Althoughtheideaofthisundertakingwasalittleintimidating,IfeltsureElviswouldguidemethroughitsuccessfully.Thiswassomethingwecoulddotogetherthatwouldmakemefeelmoreapartofhishome.Interiordesignalsoappealedtomyartisticside.
“Whatcolorsfordownstairs?”heasked.
Ithoughtaboutthisfora
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minute,thenreplied,“Greenwouldbepretty,withsomeplantsandmaybealargeaquarium.”
Elvisnodded.“Okay.”Hesaidanotheroneofthethingshe’dliketodowasredecoratetheladies’bathroominhisoffice.Heaskedmetochoosecolorsforthatalso.
“Turquoiseandwhitewouldbenice,”Isaidatonce.I’dalwayslovedthatcombinationforabathroom.
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HethenbroughtupredecoratinghisPalmSpringshomeandputtinginascreeningroom,makingitlikeasmallmovietheaterwithkingandqueenchairsforthetwoofus.
Talkingabouthowhewantedtochangesomethingscausedmetotrulybeginvisualizingthedetailsofwhatourlifetogethercouldbelikeforthefirsttime.Iwasthrilledandsweptupinhis
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vision,addingmyownideashereandthere.
Oneafternoon,IwokeatGracelandbeforeElvisdidanddecidedtogodownstairstolookaroundabit.Ifweweregoingtoredecoratethehouse,Iwantedtobeabletoconsiderourchoices,andIdidn’tfeellikeIknewthedownstairsroomsthatwellbecausemostofmytimehadbeenspentupstairs.
Iwalkedintothedining
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roomandbeganlookingatsomeobjectsarrangedonashelfinabuilt-incornercabinet.Atonepoint,Iturnedaroundandwasstartledtoseethemaid,Lottie,seatedatthediningroomtable,watchingme.Ihadn’theardhercomein.
“Hi,”Isaid.Lottiesmiledandgreeted
meinreturn,butIfeltsometrepidation,asifI’dsneakedintoaroomIwasn’tsupposed
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tobeinatall.Forme,tryingtofeelathomeatGracelandwasliketryingtofeelathomeintheWhiteHouse.Iturnedbackandcontinuedtoexaminetheobjectsontheshelves,alittleself-consciousnow.
“Youcanchangeanythingyouwant,”Lottiesaid,surprisingme.
Elvismusthavesaidsomethingtoheraboutmebeingtheladyofthehouse,I
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thoughthappilyasIturnedaroundtosmileatLottieagain.
“It’sallfine,”Ireplied.Ihadn’tcomedownstairstostartchangingthings.Ijustwantedtolookaroundabit.IalsowantedLottietofeelcomfortablewithme.AlthoughIappreciatedhowdeferentialshewasacting,Iknewmyselftoowell.Iwouldneverfeelcomfortableorderingheroranyofthe
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otherstaffaround,ladyofthehouseornot.
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CHAPTER19
TowardtheendofFebruary,Elvisasked,“HaveyoueverbeentoHawaii?”
IwasawarethatElvishadmadeafewmoviesinHawaiiandhadperformedaconcertthereyearsago,butIdidn’tknowifhe’dbeenback
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recently.Elvisstilldidn’tknowhowlittleI’dtraveledbeforemeetinghim,Irealized.
“No,”Ianswered.Asmilecreptacrosshis
face.“I’dreallyliketotakeyouthere,”hesaid.Wow,Ithought.That
wouldbeadreamcometrue!I’dalwayswantedtogotoHawaii.“I’dlovetoseeit,”Isaid.
Andsoitwassettled:
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ElvisdecidedhewantedtoleaveonMarch3andgraciouslyinvitedmywholefamily.Onlymysisterswouldbeabletomakethistrip,andmyparentsofferedtotakecareofOdyssey.
Theeveningofourdeparture,IwassittingwithTerryandRosemaryinthelivingroomatGraceland,packedandwaitingforElvistofinishgettingreadyupstairs,whenthedoorbell
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rang.Oneofthemaidsopenedit.
Aman,dressedinasuitandcarryingabriefcase,steppedintothefoyer,accompaniedbyawoman.Walkingpastmysistersandme,theywentupstairs,leavinguswonderingwhotheywere.
Notlongafterward,someoneaskedmetocomeupstairs.IenteredElvis’sofficeandsawhimseatedat
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hisdesk,talkingwithCharlieandthetwostrangers.Elvisintroducedthemantomeashisattorney,BeecherSmith,andthewomanasBeecher’swife.Elvis’swillwaslyingonthedeskinfrontofthem.
“Ineedwitnesses,andyouandCharliearecloseby,”Elvissaid.
ThiswasthefirstbusinessdocumentI’deverseenplacedbeforehim.ItwasobviousthatElvisdidn’twant
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tobebotheredwithit,sincehestartedmakingcommentsaboutHawaiiandseemedanxioustoleave.
Inoticedthat,onthelastpageofhiswill,theyear1976hadbeencrossedthroughand1977waswritteninitsplace.Elvisdidn’treadanythinginmypresence.HejustquicklysignedthewillandthenCharlie,Mrs.Smith,andIsignedaswitnesses.Ineverwonderedaboutthe
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willorthetimingofElvissigningthedocumentatthattime.IjustlookedatitasalittlebitofbusinessthatElvishadtodobeforeleaving.
Alittlewhilelater,wewereonthewaytotheairport,allofusexcitedaboutthetrip.Imentionedthatitwasanextra-specialtreatforTerrybecauseitwasherbirthday.Whatagreatbirthdaygift!Elvissmiledbroadlyandwishedhera
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happyone.Ihadbecomeawareat
GracelandthatCharlieandBillyandJoSmithwerealsogoingtoHawaii,butitwasn’tuntilwearrivedattheairportandboardedtheLisaMariethatIrealizedhowmanypeoplewereactuallygatheredforthetrip:aides,stepbrothers,wives,girlfriends,bodyguards,Lamar,Larry,andevenDr.Nichopoulosandhisentire
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familywereallonboardtheplane.DiscoveringthisremindedmeonceagainthatElvis’sgenerousimpulsesweren’treservedonlyformeandmyfamily,butbestowedonallthosearoundhim.
Elvisgreetedeveryoneandthenaskedmetojoinhimatthebackoftheplane.Isuspectedhefeltmostcomfortablebeinginthebedroomduringtakeoff.AftertheLisaMariewasin
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theair,wemovedupfronttovisitwithvariousmembersofthegroup.Elvishadnevermetsomeofthegirlswhowerecomingalong.OneofthemwasLamar’sdate.Shehadafunnysenseofhumor,andshehititoffwithRosemaryandTerry.
Alittlewhileintotheflight,mysisterstoldmetheyhadbeenchattingwithherwhenLamartookholdofherhandandshelookedatthem
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withatolerantsmile.ShehadthenrolledhereyesatmysistersbehindLamar’sback,asiftosay,“ThisissomethingIhavetodo.”
Itwasobvious,Ithought,thatthiswomanhadcomealongonthetriponlytomeetElvis.Shelaterconfirmedthisbytellingmysistersthatshedidn’treallywanttobewithLamar.
WelandedinOakland,California,whereEdParker
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andhiswife,Leilani,boardedtheplane.Withtheiradditiontoourgroupoftravelers,Ithoughttherehadtobeatleastthirtypeoplenowonboard!Beforelong,wewereintheairagainandsoaringoverthePacificOcean.
Duringthisportionofthetrip,Elvismainlystayedinthebackoftheplanewithmysistersandmewiththedoorclosed.Hewasinasillymood.Atonepoint,he
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startedtalkingaboutratsandsaidhethoughthisaideDeanlookedlikeone.
Cuttingupandlaughing,Elvisjokedaboutrats,cheese,andotherpeopleonboardhethoughtlookedlikerats.MysistersandIhadhimpretendhewasinamoviewithcamerasrolling.Asifenvisioningratsallaroundhim,Elvishunchedhisshouldersand,withapanic-strickenlook,suddenly
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shouted,“Rats!Millionsofthem!They’reallaroundme,crawlingallovermybody!”
Elvishadusallinstitches.Itwasgreattoseehimhavingsomuchfun.Thethreeofuseggedhimonandhecontinuedtoactoutvarioussillyscenarioswithrats.
Afterawhile,Rosemary,Terry,andIwentupfronttogetasnackandadrink.Followingusout,Elvistookaseatintheroomjustoutside
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thebedroom,andDr.Nichopouloswalkedbackandbeganchattingwithhim.
MysistersandIgotourrefreshmentsandheadedbacktowardthebedroom.ElviswasstillinaconversationwithDr.Nichopoulosand,aswepassedthem,RosemarylookedatElvis.
“Wouldyoulikesomecheese?”sheasked.
Helaughed,shushedher,andsaid,“Getoutofhere,
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Rosemary.”Elvissoonjoinedusinthe
bedroomandaskedRosemary,“Sowhat’sgoingonupfront?”
“Oh,notmuch,”shesaid,thencasuallytoldhimwhatafewpeopleweredoing,includingCharlie,sayingthathewastalkingtoEdaboutsomeofthebooksElvishadbeenreading.
Whenshementionedthis,Elvisasked,“Charlie’sdoing
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what?”ElvisthentoldusthatEd
wasadevoutMormon,andsaidhewasworriedaboutCharliedrinkingandsayingthewrongthingsabouthisbooks.IsensedthatElvisdidn’twanttoupsetEdordisrespecthiminanyway.
ElviscalledforCharlietocometotheback.WhenCharliewalkedin,Elvissaid,“Charlie,man...becarefulhowyoutalkaboutmybooks
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withEd.”Charlielookedpuzzled.“I
wasn’tdoinganythingwrong,”hesaid,butElvisdidn’twanttohearit.Lookingalittlehurt,Charlieslunkoutthedoor.
AsweapproachedHawaii,Elvisbeganrhapsodizingabouttheislands.Later,Elviswhisperedtome,“Canyouimagineifwegotmarriedhere?Itwouldbloweverybodyaway.”
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Ifrozeforamoment.Isheseriouslyconsideringthis?
Then,asifremindinghimself,Elvissaid,“Godwilltellmewhenthetimeisright,though.”
WhentheLisaMarietoucheddownontheislandofOahu,Elvismadethemomentallthemoremagicalashebegansoftlysinging“BlueHawaii,”tomysistersandme.Icouldn’tbelievewe
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wereactuallyhere!AsIfollowedElvis
outsideontoamobilestairway,thefirstthingthathitmewastheoverwhelmingfragranceofflowers.Hawaiiansgreetedusandplacedbeautifulleisaroundournecksafterwedescendedthesteps.
MysistersandIrodewithElvisinalimousinefromtheairportwhiletherestofthegroupfollowedinasmall
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bus.Abouttwentyminuteslater,wepulledontothegroundsoftheRainbowToweratHiltonHawaiianVillage.Itlookedlikeatropicalparadisewithitsgardens,ponds,andwaterfalls.
Elvishadreservedasuiteofroomsonthethirty-firstfloorandarrangedforTerryandRosemarytobeinabedroomacrossthelivingroomfromours.Afewofthe
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guyscameintohelpussettleinourroom.Theybroughtinthebags,laidoutElvis’sbooks,andleftacontactsheetsowe’dknowwhowasondutyandwhen.
Elviseagerlytookmebythehandandledmeontothesuite’sbalcony,whereItookintheunbelievablygorgeous,postcard-perfectviewofWaikikiBeachbelowand,inthedistance,avolcaniccraterthatElvissaidwasDiamond
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Head.Icouldn’twaittoseeitallupclose.
RosemaryandTerryweregoingdownstairstolookaround,butbeforetheydid,ElvisrememberedTerry’sbirthdayandthoughtfullycalledajewelertocometooursuitewithaselectionofpieces.Generousasalways,ElvispickedoutabeautifulringandgaveittoTerry.
Mysisterseventuallyleftandafewotherpeople
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stoppedbyoursuitetogreetus.Beforelong,however,Elviswentintothebedroomandsatonthebed,wherehepickedoutsomebooksandappearedtobereadytoreadandrelax.
Couldhereallywanttoreadnow,Iwondered,whentherewassomuchtosee?Thenithitme:We’dbeenupalmosttwenty-fourhours.Iwastooexcitedtofeeltheeffectsofjetlagorour
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sleeplessnight.NowIrealizedthatElviswasprobablygettingtired,soIjoinedhimonthebed.Wereadforalittlewhileandthenslept.
Whenwewokeup,IthoughtElvismighthavesomethingplannedforustodoorsomethinghemightwanttoshowme,sincehe’dbeenherebefore.Hesurprisedme,though,bysayingIshouldgowithTerry
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andRosemarytothebeachinfrontofthehotel.
IwantedElvistocomewithussobadly,buthowfarcouldhewalkoutsidewithoutbeingrecognizedandmostprobablymobbed?Notfar,Irealized.Still,Ihatedthethoughtofjustleavinghimsittingherealoneinsidewhiletherestofuswentoutandenjoyedourselves.Therehadtobeawaytogethimoutofthehotel.
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Mysisterswerebackinthesuitebynow.ThethreeofustriedtalkingElvisintosneakingdownstairsincognito.Rosemarysuggestedawiganddifferentglasses,butheshookhishead.
“Nah,”hesaid.“Idon’twannawearthat.”
Itwasabeautifulhotel,butnowIwonderedwhohadarrangedforustostayinthisparticularplace—ahotel
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whereElvisclearlycouldn’tgooutsideandrelaxbecausethereweretoomanypeoplearound.
WhenafewmembersofhisentourageshowedupinthesuitetovisitwithElvis,knowinghewouldn’tbealone,Idecidedtoaccompanymysisterstothebeach.Ittrulywasparadise,completewithpalmtreesandclearturquoiseocean.Rosemarystayedinthe
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shade,butTerryandIpickedoutaspotonthesandwherewecouldliedownonourtowelsandsoakupthesun.
Rosemarywasthesmartone,itturnedout.TerryandIwerebothoblivioustothestrengthofthesun’sraysinHawaii.Weweren’tonthebeachlong,butwhenwereturnedtothesuite,Terry—whowasfairerthanI—discoveredthatherbodyandfacewereseriously
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sunburned.Herlipshadblownuplikelittlesausages!Thiswasyearsbeforecollagenwouldbecomefashionable,andTerrywasmortified.
Myfacewasalsobadlyburnedandmyeyelidswereswollen.Thetwoofuswereextremelyembarrassed.
TheminuteElvissawus,heaskedLarrytocometothesuitetotrysomehealingtechniquesonTerry.Larry
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arrivedandTerrylaydownonherbed.AsRosemaryandIstoodbywatching,LarryandElvisplacedtheirhandsafewinchesaboveTerry’sbackandlegs,tellinghertothinkofhealingcolors.
Elvismentionedsomethingaboutaloeveragelandrequestedanaidetofindussome;hetoldTerrysheshouldspreaditoverhersunburn.NeithermysistersnorIwerefamiliarwiththe
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gel,butTerrywasinpainandIhopedthatoneofthethingsElvisandLarrywerekindlytryingtodowouldcomforther.Beforelong,someonebroughtupsomegelandTerryandIliberallyappliedit.Itdidhelpusfeelalittlebetter.
Hawaiianmusiccontinuouslyplayedoutsidebythebeach.Laterthatevening,mysistersandIdaredElvistogoonthe
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balconyandsingalong.Hewalkedout;Isteppedupbesidehim,andhebegantosing.Itwasanotherperfectmoment,astheflamesfromtikitorchessoftlylitthebeachbelowusandIgazedoutovertheoceanwhilelisteningtoElvisserenadeus.
Atonepoint,Idecidedtocallourparentstoletthemknowwehadarrivedsafely.IwentwithRosemaryandTerryintotheirroomand
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dialedanoperatortoplaceacollectcall.ElviswalkedinandaskedwhatIwasdoing.
“I’mtryingtoreachourparents.”
Hetookthephonefrommyhandandsaidintothereceiver,“ThisisElvisPresleyandI’mtryingtogetconnected.”
Ofcoursetheoperatordidn’tbelievehim.MysistersandIstartedlaughingashebegansinginginaneffortto
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convincethewoman.Itworked.Withinseconds,
Iwasspeakingwithmyparentsandlettingthemknowthatwewereallfine.
Elvisrelaxedfortherestofthatevening,visitingwithafewpeopleinoursuite,andthenwewenttobed.Whenwewokethenextday,hedecidedtosendmeshoppingwithRosemaryandTerry.
Stillwonderingwhen,orevenif,Elviswouldevergo
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outside,Iputonacrochetedhalter-topandsomejeans.AsIstartedtoleave,Elvisstoppedme.
“Ginger,Idon’twantyoutogooutlikethat,”hesaid.
Confused,Ilookedathimforaminute,wonderingwhatwaswrongwithmyoutfit.
“I’dlikeyoutowearashirtoverit,”headded.
Whywashesayingthat?Washebeingprotective?Didhenotwantothermen
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lookingatme?ThiswasthefirsttimeI’d
everseenElvisreactthiswaytosomethingIhadchosentowear.Iwasflatteredbyhisconcern,nomatterwhathadprovokedit.
“Okay,”Isaid.Iputashirtonovermytopandleftwithmysisters,whosaidthey’dgonedownstairsearlierandrunintoLamar’sdate,whowas“asredasalobster.”
Theotherwomanhadtold
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themshepurposelygotsunburnedthefirstdaysoLamarwouldn’ttouchher.Shealsohadapackofgumwithher,andsaidshewasconstantlytellingLamarthatshewasgoingoutforgumsoshedidn’thavetobeinthesameroomwithhim.TerryandIgottickledaswerealizedthat,forus,beingsunburnedwaspainful,butforLamar’sdate,itwasapparentlyarelief.
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•••
Whileothersdinedout,mysistersandIateinthesuitewithElvis.Afterdinner,somemembersofthegroupcameintovisitandlaterElvismentionedsomethingaboutmaitais.Thissurprisedme.ExceptforCharlieenjoyingacocktail,andabottleofvodkaI’dnoticedoncepartiallystickingoutofabackpackRickycarriedon
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tour,IhadyettoseeElvisorothersaroundhimdrink.
WhenmysistersandItoldElviswe’dneverhadmaitais,heaskedoneoftheguystoordersomesentuptothesuite.MysistersandIeachhadone,butElvisdrankthree.Notlongafterwardhebeganmarchinginplace.Weallstartedlaughing,especiallywhenElvisstooduponthecouchandstartedwalkingbackandforthacross
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thecushions.Hisfacesoonflushedred,
though,andElvisquicklysatdown,tellingusheshouldn’treallydrinkbecausehehadhighbloodpressureandwastakingpillsforit.Iwasgladhetoldus.I’dhadnoidea.
Lateron,Elviscalledforajewelertocomeupagain.Thistimehepickedoutpukashellnecklacesforeveryone,includinghimself.Kindlythinkingofmymother,Elvis
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purchasedoneforher,too.Healsomadethedecision
thatnighttorentabeachhousesohecouldhavesomeprivacy.Iwasglad,feelingthatnowhe’dbeabletogooutsideandhavefunwiththerestofus.
Wellintotheearlymorninghours,mysistersandIwerealonewithElvis.Hewasstillinajovialmoodandbroughtupratsagain.Hewashavingfun,talkingloudlyand
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everysooftenshoutingoutsomethingtodowithrats.Ilovedcuttingupwithhim,seeinghimactlikeabigkidandhavingsuchagoodtimewithmysisters.IwashappythatElvisseemedtohavelefthiscaresbehindonthemainland.
Beforegoingtosleepthatmorning,Elvistoldmethat,ifIwantedtolookaroundinthehotelshopsdownstairslater,Ishould,becausewewouldbe
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leavingthatafternoontoviewsomehouses.
WhenElvisandIwoke,Iaskedmysistersiftheywantedtoaccompanyme.Terrywasstillinpainfromhersunburnsosheoptedtostayinherroom,butRosemarysaidshewouldgo.
Thetwoofusbrowsedthroughthestoresdownstairsforawhile.Whenwereturned,Terrymetusinthelivingroomandtoldusthat
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Elvishadknockedonherdoorandcomeintoherroom.Hehadwantedyogurtandhandedherhislistwiththeentourage’sroomnumbers,askinghertocallsomeonetogethimsome.
Shehadgoneintothelivingroomandstartedcalling.Noonewasansweringinanyroom,andElvisbegangettingirritatedasshewentthroughthecompletelist.
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“NoneofthemcheckedtoseeifIneededanything,”Elvishadtoldherangrily.“Thesearen’tfriendshere.”
Wantingtohelphim,Terryhadgoneoutintothehallandspokenwithaguardstationedbytheelevators,requestingyogurtforElvis.Itwassoonbroughtuptotheroom.
Luckily,ElviswasinabettermoodbythetimeIsawhim,butIwassurehewould
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havesomehardwordstosaytoaselectfew—ifhehadn’talready.
•••
Tolookatbeachhouses,Elvisgotdressedinalightbluejoggingsuit,anavynylonjacket,apairofsneakers,andaterry-clothhat.Itwasdifferenttoseehimdressedlikethis.Jeanswerepopular,butIhadyetto
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seeElviswearany.NowIaskedhimwhy.
“BecauseIhadtowhenIwaslittle,”hereplied.IsuspectedwearingjeansremindedElvisofatimeinhisyouthwhenhisfamilyhadlittlemoneyandthatwasalltheycouldafford.
IgatheredafewofmythingsandleftthehotelwithElvis,mysisters,andafewoftheothers.Itwasahalfhourridetotheothersideofthe
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island.Fromthewindowsofthelimousine,Idrankinthelushgreencountryside.Thebeautyoftheislandwasbeyondamazing.
Wearrivedataprivatehomeandwalkedthroughitwithalocalliaison.Inoneroomwasalargewindowwithabizarrefeature:Whenyoupushedabuttonnearby,itlookedlikeitwasrainingoutside.
Elvissatonacouch,
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relaxingforamomentandcontemplatingthehouse.JoeEspositohadcomealongwithus.HehadacamerawithhimandbegantakingpicturesofElvis.
Rosemaryhadtakenaseatonthefloornearbyandwaspayingattentiontosomeotherswhowerechatting.Suddenly,InoticedElviscuthiseyesoverather.Rosemarylookedbackathim,smiled,thenturnedher
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attentionelsewhere.Abiggrinspreadacross
hisfaceashecontinuedtowatchher.Shortly,hestoodupand,ashewalkedpasther,hesuddenlyturnedandpounced.RosemaryfellbackwardwithElvisontopofher.
Someonesnappedapictureoftheirspontaneoustusslewhilewealllaughed.ThenElvisstoodupandhelpedRosemarytoherfeet.
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Elvisdecidedhedidn’tcareforthisfirsthouse,sowewenttoseeanother.
Thesecondhomewasclosetothebeachandhadaccesstoaneighbor’snearbypool.Elvislikeditandimmediatelydecidedthiswaswherewewouldstay.Heputmysistersinabedroomclosetoours,andplacedBillyandJoSmithinaroomattheendofthehall.Dr.Nichopouloswouldbeinaroomonthe
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othersideofthehomeand,asusual,Elviswantedanaideortwostayingatthehousealso.Theremainderofthegroupwouldstayatthehotel.
Beforelong,therestofthegrouparrivedatthehouseandElvisdecidedhewantedtogotothebeach.Itwassowarmout,wefoundsomescissorsandcutoffthelongsleevestothejacketofhisjoggingsuit.Iassumedsomeonewouldbegoing
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backtothehoteltobringoursuitcases.Meanwhile,agroupofuswalkedwithElvisdowntothewater,whereheandIsatonsomesmallfoamboardsonthesand.
Afewpeopletookadipintheocean,butElvisandIremainedonthebeach,peacefullyenjoyingthesereneviewandwatchingtheothersswim.Itfeltwonderfultorelaxwithhimoutinthesunshine.
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Beforelong,Joepulledouthiscameraagainandbegantakingmorepictures.Beachmatsweresoonbroughtdowntousandwerolledthemopentohavemoreroomtositorliedown.IhadaPolaroidcamerawithme;outofrespectforElvis’sprivacy,Ihadyettotakeanyphotosofhim.However,nowthatIsawJoesnapaway,Idecidedtosnapacoupleofshots,too.
Afewothersbegan
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shootingphotographsaswell.Elvissatwithvariouspeople,jokingandcuttingupforphotoops.Ashorttimelater,Rosemarytoldmethatwhenshe’dbeensittingbesideElvis,hehadconfessedtowishingonlyPolaroidswerebeingtaken.Theproblemwithfilmbeingdeveloped,heexplained,wasthatthepersondoingitcouldthendecidetosellthephotographs.Thiswasanotherreminderthathis
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celebrityhadsometimestakenawaysomeofhisenjoymentfromordinaryactivitiesthattherestofustakeforgranted.
ElvisandIfinallyfellasleepneardawn.WhenIwokethatafternoon,TerrytoldmethatwhensheandRosemaryfirstopenedtheirbedroomdoor,theyhadseenahugehunkofcheesesittingonthefloorintheirdoorway.Ilaughed,pleasedthatallof
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ourjokingaboutratsseemedtohaveleftquiteanimpressiononElvis!SomeonehadgoneoutearlierandboughtsometopsforElvistowear,buttheywereshort-sleevedcottonsweatshirts.ItwassowarmoutthatItooksomescissorsandcuttheneckoutofone,makingitlargersohecouldgetitoverhisheadmoreeasily,andhopingthemoreopennecklinewouldletmore
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airinforhimandkeephimcooler.
Ididn’tknowifElvishadanyshortsoraswimsuitwithhim,sincehechosetowearapairoflightweightpants,butIdecidedtolookforsomeshirtsthatweremadeofalightermaterialforhim.Hearrangedforsomeonetotakemysistersandmeshoppingandwebrowsedaroundatsomenearbystores.IpurchasedafewshirtsI
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hopedhewouldlike.Whenwereturned,Ifound
outthatElvisandsomeoftheguysinthegrouphadplayedtouchfootballwhileweweregone.Ihatedmissingthechancetoseethemplay,butIcouldtellithadgottenroughattimes,becauseElvis’scousin,Billy,hadaswollenknee.
IwasstandinginthekitchenabitlaterwhenJoe’sgirlfriend,Shirley,camein.I
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hadn’tspokenmuchwithhersinceourshoppingventureinLasVegas,butwewerealwayscordialwheneverwesaweachother.Aswetalked,Shirleysaidshe’dhadlunchwithPriscillaPresleynotlongago,andthatPriscillahadaskedherifElvisandIwereengaged.Thissurprisedme;Ihadn’tknownshewasclosefriendswithPriscilla.
“Whatdidyoutellher?”Iasked.
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“Itoldher,‘Well,shehasanengagementring,’”Shirleysaid.
Iknewthenewsofourengagementmusthavecirculatedthroughouttheentiregroupbynow,butIsuddenlyrealizedthatIhadnomemoryofeverbeingcongratulatedbyShirley,Joe,Dr.Nichopoulos,Lamar,orafewotherswhoregularlysurroundedElvis.Thiscertainlywasstrangeand
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inexplicable.“Haveyousetawedding
date?”Shirleyasked.“No.”“Youshouldmention
marriagetoElvis,topushhimalittle,”shesaid.“Youshouldbringitupmore.”
Ididn’tlikethisidea.IrememberedElvisoncetellingmethathethoughtwhenitcametomarriage,itwastheman’splacetoask,andElvishadalreadytoldme
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afewtimesthatGodwouldcomethroughandtellhimwhenthetimewasright.Iwantedhimtobesure.Aredflagwentup.WasShirleytryingtohelpmeorhurtme?
“Shirley,Idon’twanttodothat,”Isaid,feelingawkward.WedroppedthesubjectandIleftthekitchenafewminuteslater.Unfortunately,nowwhenitcametoShirley,Ifeltmyguardhadtobeup.
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•••
Elvishadstartedrisingalittleearlierduringthedayandwasspendingmoretimeinthefreshair.However,hestilloftenwantedmetoreadwithhiminside,andwhenhedidgoout,hedidn’thangaroundbythepoolforverylongandheneverseemedtowanttogoswimming.
Withsomanyotherpeoplearoundandthestrong
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possibilityofsometakingphotos,IsensedthatElvisremainedfullyclothedbecausehedidn’tfeelcomfortableabouttakinghisshirtoff.Iguessedmaybehewasself-consciousaboutthescarsonhisbackleftbysomeofhisstagesuits.ButIhadseenhimwithouthisshirtonandhelookedgood.
FromtimetotimeItriedtocoaxhimintothewater,butbecauseIcouldn’tget
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himintotheocean,ItriedtoenjoymyselfanywayandusuallyswamwithTerry.
ElvisandIhadyettotryanyofthelocalHawaiiandelicacies.Hewasmainlystickingwithcertainfoodsheliked—familiarcomfortfoodslikepizzaandcheeseburgers—thoughhediddrinkafairamountofpapayajuice,whichwassoreadilyavailable.
ThefirsttimeElvis
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venturedoutamongthegeneralpublicinHawaiiwasforashoppingtriptoalocalmall.Amazingly,weactuallymadeitintooneofthestoreswithoutanyonenoticingwhohewas.
Webrowsedtheaislestogetherandcameacrosssomelargecandlesshapedlikepyramids.Intrigued,Elvisdecidedtopurchaseafew.Healsofoundamother-of-pearlcrucifixonastand
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thatheliked.Iwaslookingaroundthe
storewithmysisterswhenJoecameoverandtoldusnottoshowElvisanythingexpensivebecausehewouldprobablybuyit.AccordingtoJoe,LindaThompsonhadoncepointedoutacostlybubblegummachinetoElvisevenafterJoehadaskedhernottoshowittohim.
“Sureenough,Elvisboughtit,andhedidn’tneed
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thingslikethat,”Joesaid.IwonderedifJoealways
managedElvis’sspendingmoney.Ontheonehand,itwasnicethatJoeseemedtobewatchingoverit,butontheotherhand,shouldJoebesayingwhatElvisshouldorshouldn’thave?Joedidn’tknowuswell,butmysistersandIweren’tthesortofpeoplewhowouldtakeadvantageofElvis’sgenerosityortellhimtobuy
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things.ItputalittledamperontheenjoymentI’dbeenfeelingwhilelookingatthingswithElvis,becausethepricesonmostitemsinthestoreweren’tvisibleandIwasnowafraidtocommentorpointoutanythingatall.
Inasecondshop,Elvisadmiredsomeamazingjeweledrobes.Hebeganchoosingsomeformysisters,JoSmith,himself,andme.SuddenlyInoticedpeople
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gatheringoutsidethestoreandknewwordmustbespreadingthatElviswashere.Elvisspottedthematthesametimeanddecideditwastimetoleave.Icertainlyunderstoodotherswantingtoseehim,butIdidwishhecouldhavestayedoutforalittlewhilelonger.
IneverknewElvistopersonallycarryawallet;afterhe’dchosentherobes,amemberofhisstaffgotin
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linetopayforhisitems.Aswestoodnearthecounter,amanwasbuyingsomething.Elvisaskedwhoitwasforandtheman,understandablystunnedtoseeElvisstandingbesidehim,saiditwasagiftforhiswife.Elvisthenpaidfortheman’sitemaswell.
Onthewayhome,Elviswantedtoshowusatouristattraction,soheaskedourdrivertostopatanareacalledtheHalonaBlowhole.This
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wasanaturaloccurrencecreatedbylavatubesfromvolcaniceruptions.Aswewatchedfromalookoutarea,wavescrashedagainsttheformationsbelowus,andeveryonceinawhilesomeoceanwatersprayedhighintotheair.
Beforelong,someoftheothertouristsgatheredatthesightrecognizedElvisandapproachedus.Hekindlyposedforpicturesandsigned
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someautographsbeforeleaving.
•••
Hawaiiwasanamazinglybeautifulplace,butinadditiontothestunningscenery,itwasalsoawonderfulopportunityforElvistorelaxandhavefun.TherewasaPing-Pongtableinthehouse,andonceIchallengedElvistoagame.I
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thoughtitwouldbefunanditwoulddoElvisgoodtogetsomeexercise.Iwenttowherehe’dtakenhiscustomaryposeonthebedwithsomebooksandaskedhimtoplay.
“No,Idon’twantto,”hesaid.
Tauntinghim,Isaid,“Youcan’t.That’swhy.”
ElvisgrinnedasIkeptathim.Finally,hewalkedwithmeintotheroomwiththe
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Ping-Pongtableandwestartedtoplay.
Wehittheballaroundafewtimes,butthenElvisstartedslammingtheballsohardatmethatitbecameimpossibletoreturnhisshots.Someoftheaideswereintheroomwithus;later,oneofthemtoldmehecouldn’tbelieveit,ashe’dneverseenElvisplayPing-Pongbefore.
Iwasn’tsureyoucouldactuallycallthegamewe’d
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beenplayingPing-Pong,butitwasfunwhileitlasted.
Anothertime,Elvisbeganshowingmysistersandmesomekaratemovesinhisbedroom.Rosemarydecidedtochallengehimandasked,“Whatifyouwereonthebeachandhadonlyonearm,andsomeonekickedsandinyourface?”
ElvissatonthefloorandRosemaryapproachedhim,pretendingtokicksandat
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him.Usingonearm,Elvisgrabbedherlegand,tryingtobegentle,knockedheroffherfeet.TerryandIwerelyingacrossthebed,laughingatthetwoofthem.
Rosemarystoodbackup,lookedatElvis,andasked,“Okay,whatifyouhadnoarmsandonlylegs?”Shecamewalkingtowardhimagain.
Usingonlyhislegs,Elvishadherbackdownonthe
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floorintheblinkofaneye.Elvisstartedlaughing.Still,Rosemarykeptputtinghiskarateexpertisetothetestbyproposingvariouschallengingscenarios.
ElvisdemonstratedseveralmovesonRosemarywhileTerryandIcheeredthetwoofthemon.Atonepoint,theywerebothdownonthefloorwhenRosemarymanagedtogetElvisinaheadlock.
“Igothim!”sheshouted.
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Meanwhile,Elviswasbeginningtotwistherbodyintoapretzel.
TerryandIhadbeenmainlyrootingforRosemary.Finallytakingabreaktorest,Elvispickedupalargeglassfilledwithicewaterfromhisnighttableandbeganleeringatme.
“Idareyoutothrowit,”Iteased.
Continuingtostareatme,hesaidwithasmirk,“Don’t
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dareme,”andbeforeIhadtimetoblink,Iwascoveredinfreezingwater.
Iwentintothebathroom,driedoffwithatowel,andfilledmyhandwithshavingcream.IkeptmyhandbehindmybackasIwalkedout.
Elviswasnowfacingmysisters.Walkingupbehindhim,Isaid,“Elvis?”
Asheturnedaround,Iquicklysmearedsomeshavingcreamonhisfaceand
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hauledoutofthere.Iflewintothemainroom,passingthePing-PongtablewithElvisinclosepursuit.AfewoftheguyssittingintheroomlookedupinsurpriseasElvischasedmearoundthetable.
Laughing,Elvisfinallygaveupandwalkedbacktohisroom.Iwaitedabitbeforegoingbackintothebedroom,unsureifElviswouldhaveanyothertricksuphissleeve.Luckyforme,allwassafe
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uponmyreturn.Unfortunately,thetripwas
notallfunandlaughter.OntheafternoonofMarch
9,ElvissawatelevisionreportabouttwelveHanafiMuslimstakingoverthreebuildingsinWashington,D.C.,andholdingpeoplehostage.IsawElvis’sdeeploveforourcountryashebecamefuriousandtalkedaboutofferinghisplanetoassistinsomeway.Heeven
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mentionedleavingHawaiitogotoWashingtonsohecouldspeakwithPresidentCarter.Ireasonedwithhim,alongwithLarryandCharlie,convincinghimtherewasnothinghecoulddo,andthatwe’dhavetotrustPresidentCartertosortthingsout.Eventuallyhecalmeddown,andfortunatelythehostageswerereleasedafewdayslater.
Elvishadbeendrinking
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papayajuiceexcessivelythatday.Hewokeupshortlyaftergoingtobed,requestingmore.Hehadconsumedquiteabitofjuicerightbeforegoingtosleep,andmymindflashedtohisproblemwithfluidretentionandbloating.
Againstmybetterinstincts,Iwentintothekitchentogethimmorepapayajuice,buttherewasn’tanyleft.Icamebackandtoldhimwehadrunout.Elvis
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thenwantedmetowakeanaideandsendhimouttogetmore.“Canitwait,Elvis?”Iasked.
Inamorenormalsituation,Iwouldhavebeenhappytoseethathegotsomejuice,butIfeltitwouldbebetterforhishealthifElviscurbedhisintake.Iwashopinghewouldjustdozeoffagain,buthebecameincreasinglyadamantaboutgettingsomemorejuice.
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IrememberedthatVernonhadonceaskedElvisifIdidlittlethingsforhim.Iusuallydid,butIdecidedtoresistthisrequestforhisowngood.“Elvis,thismuchjuiceisn’thealthy,”Isaid.
IcouldtellhewasangrybythewayElvislefttheroomwithoutspeakingandwentintohiscousin’sbedroom,shuttingthedoor.
Ihadn’texpectedthisreaction,andwonderedwhat
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ElviswouldtellBillyandJo.NowIfeltangerwellingupinsideme,too.HereIwas,tryingtodotherightthingforhim,butElviswasbehavinglikealittleboy.Istoodfirmanddidn’tfollowhim.
Alittlewhilelater,Billycameintomyroom.“Ginger,Elviswantstoseeyou,”hesaid.
IthoughtitwasoddthatBillydidn’tbothertoaskwhatwasgoingon.I
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followedhimbackintohisroomandsawElvisseatedonthebed.Hopinghe’dcalmeddown,IwaspreparedtotellhimagainthatIwasjusttryingtohelp.But,beforeIcouldsayanything,Elvislookedatmeandannounced,“We’releavingHawaiibecauseofyou.”
Icouldn’tbelievewhatIwashearing.WereweactuallygoingtoleaveHawaiioverpapayajuice?
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IglancedatBilly,butheandhiswifesatquietly,watchingthedramaunfold.IwonderedwhatElvishadsaidtothemandwhateveryonewouldthink.ButIwasdeterminednottobackdown.Meanwhile,Elviswasclearlybentonstayingmadatme.Hestartedsayingsomeunkindthings,insinuatingthatIdidn’tlovehimbecauseofthis.Thisshockedme;Iwasstandinguptohim
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becauseIdidlovehim!Hisreactionhurtmedeeply.Ihadbeentryingtodoagoodthing,andthiswasn’ttheElvisIloved.Iwasprettysurenowthatthemedicationhehadtakenmustberesponsiblefortheinexplicablechangeinhispersonality.
MyconfusionandembarrassmentwereovershadowedbymyangerandhurtoverElvisactually
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sayingwe’dleaveHawaiibecauseofthis.IwalkedoutoftheroomwhileElviswasstilltalking,shutthedoor,andrandownthehalltoourroom.Iclosedthatdooraswell,hopingElvismightreturntonormalifIgavehimtimetocalmdown.
Isatdownonthebed.Momentslater,IheardBilly’sdoorflyopenandheavyfootstepsmarchingdownthehall.Ourbedroomdoorflew
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open,Elvisstormedintotheroomwithawildlookinhiseyes,andslappedmeonthesideofmyribcage.“NooneeverwalksoutonmewhenI’mtalking!”hesaid.
Istartedcrying,moresurprisedbyhisfuriousactionthanhurtbythestingofhisopenhand.Iwasafraidtomoveonthebed.Whowasthisperson?WherewastheElvisIloved?
WhenhesawhowupsetI
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was,Elvisquicklyrealizedwhathehaddoneandbentdowntoputhisarmsaroundme,sayinghewassorry.Hetoldmewereallyweren’tleaving,butthathehadjustsaidthat.
Why?Iwondered.HadElvisjustsaidthattoscareme,andwhatwasthepurposeinthat?Icontinuedtocryinhisarms.AlthoughElvishadn’thitmehard,hehaddonetheinconceivable:He
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hadhitme.Thiswasmoretraumaticemotionallythanphysically.
IcouldtellbyhisvoicethatElviswasdeeplyremorsefulforhavingstruckme.Still,hedidn’tsaywhatIneededtohear:“Iunderstandyouwereonlytryingtohelpme.”Hehadbeenusedtogettinghisownwayforsolong,thatIthinkElvishonestlyfeltheknewwhatwasbestforhisownhealth.
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ThedarkmoodthathadtransformedElvisintosomeoneIdidn’trecognizeremindedmeoftheincidentinPalmSpringsovertheyogurt.There,too,I’donlybeentryingtohelphim.Ifthiswashisreactionoveryogurtandpapayajuice,howcouldIeversayanythingtohimabouthissleepmedication?
IhadneverspokentoElvisabouttheconcernIhad
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overthat.WhenIhadfirstbecomeawareofthesleeppacketsbeingleftforElviseachnight,IhadquestionedwhetherElvis’sinsomniawasjustinhismind.Inmyexperience,I’dneverknownanyonewhocouldn’tsleep.Myviewwasconfirmedwhen,onenight,IhadwitnessedElvisgoingtosleepwithouttakinghisnightlypacketatGraceland.IfElviscoulddothatonce,I
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believedhecoulddoitagain.Withpractice,IthoughtElviscouldlearntofallasleepunaidedbysleepmedicineovertime,especiallyifhegotoutandexercisedmore.Ibegantoquestionwhetheranybodyhadeverseriouslytriedtoweanhimoffmedication.
IwantedElvistotrygoingwithoutthepills,ortoatleasttrycuttingbackonthedosage.Thisdefinitelywasn’t
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thetimetobringupthattendersubject,though.Iknewthiswouldn’tbeeasy,butIlovedhimdeeply,andIwasn’tgoingtoletover-the-topreactionslikethesedetermefromtryingtohelphim.
Ididn’tsayanythingtomysistersaboutthejuiceincident.ItwasoverandElviswasinabettermood.Iwasdisturbed,however,thathiscousinshadseenElvisangry,yethadnevertriedto
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interveneoraskedmewhathappened.
ThesepeoplewouldbecomemyfamilywhenElvisandIweremarried.Iwantedtofeelclosetothem,butIwasthenewcomer.Iwonderedwhytheydidn’tgooutoftheirwaytoapproachme.IonlyhadElvis’sbestinterestsatheartandwantedthemtoknowthat.Inthismoment,however,Iwassimplytooembarrassedto
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confideinthem,soIletthingsslide.
•••
OnMarch11,EdParkersetupaneveningforusatthePolynesianCulturalCenteratBrighamYoungUniversitysowecouldenjoyanightofHawaiiandances.Elvishadhishairstyledandworeagorgeoustwo-pieceblack-and-whiteoutfitwithNative
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Americanbeadworkonthecuffsandatthewaist.Helookedsohandsome,Iwantedtotakeapicture,butIwasoutoffilmandsoweremysisters.
Whenwearrivedatthecenter,wediscoveredthatwordofElvismakinganappearancehadspreadfast.Fansweremillingaboutoutsidetheroofedamphitheater,eagertoseehim.Theshowwasalreadyin
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progresswhenwewalkedinside;thankstothedimlighting,weweresafelyusheredtoourseats.
However,assoonasIsatdownbesideElvis,afewaudiencememberslookedourway.Slowly,otherheadsbeganturningtostare.ManypeopleseemedmoreinterestedinseeingElvisthantheywereinwatchingtheshow.
Amanseatedinfrontof
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ussuddenlyturnedaround,ploppedhisyoungdaughterinElvis’slap,andrequestedaphoto.Elvispolitelyobliged.
AsElvisheldontothelittlegirl,heleanedmyway,shruggedhisshoulders,andjoked,“He’snotgettingherback.”
IlaughedandwasgladthatothersintheaudiencewhohadalsobecomeawareofElvis’spresencewerecourteousandlethimenjoy
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theshow.Itwasquitethespectacle,
too!I’dneverseenanythinglikeit!Therewasawidestage,tropicallandscaping,waterfalls,andaspectacularmountainbackdropwithvolcanoes.Performersfromalloftheislands,infullcostumewithbodyandfacepaint,dancedtothebeatofdrumsandusedfire,spears,andfansintheirroutines.
Closetointermission,we
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wereescortedtoaprivateroomsoElviswouldn’tbedisturbed.Aftervisitingwithafewpeople,wereturnedforthesecondhalfoftheshow,butleftshortlybeforethefinaletoavoidthecrowd.Still,aswewerewalkingtowardthecar,wesuddenlybecameenvelopedbyfans.
ThedriveropenedthecardoorandElviswasabletomakehiswayinsidealongwithmysisters,butIgot
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caughtinthegroup.Ipanickedasthecarslowlybeganpullingforward.Luckily,thereardoorwasstillopen,andaguardwasabletohelpmepushthroughthecrowd.Iscrambledintothecar.IthadbeenanamazingnightandI’dhadagreattime.IcouldtellElvishad,too,sincehetalkedabouttheshowalmostallthewaybacktothebeachhouse.
Yetthenextday,Elvis
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againseemedtoexperienceanotherinexplicablemoodswing.IwasstandinginthekitchentalkingwithRosemarywhenhisstepbrotherDavidStanleywalkedbyandplayfullypunchedmeonthetopofmyarm.
“Keepyourfuckinghandsoffher!”avoiceexclaimed.
Turningaroundinastonishment,IsawElvisstandinginthecenterofthe
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hallway.GlaringatDavid,heangrilysaid,“Youdon’tpunchalady.That’sredneckshit!”
Iwasshockedbyhisfury.Wherehadthatcomefrom?
Davidwasstunned,too.“Iwasonlyjoking!”heyelledbackatElvis,thenretreated.
ElvisreturnedtohisroomandIfollowedhim.Hispriorgoodmoodhadcompletelyevaporated.Hestartedtalkingabout“redneckshitting
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ladies,”andItriedtoreassurehim.
“Elvis,Davidwasonlybeingplayful,”Isaid.
ButElvis’smoodwouldn’tlift.“IfDavidtouchesyouagain,Iwanttoknow,”hesaid.
Ileftthingsthere,wonderingwhetherElviswasactinglikethisbecausehefeltbadabouttheearlierincident,whenhe’dbeentheonetohitme.
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ElvischosetomainlystayinhisroomthatdayandIreadwithhimforalittlewhile.Later,IwentoutsidewithRosemaryandTerry.Atonepoint,webegantalkingtoDavidandRicky.
Shortly,someonecameoutandsaidElviswantedtoseeme.Ireturnedtoourroom,whereElviswasseatedonthebed.“Whatwereyou,Ricky,andDavidtalkingabout?”heasked.
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Ourbedroomwindowfacedthelawnwherewe’dallbeengatheredoutside;nowIrealizedElvismusthavebeenwatchingus.“Nothinginparticular,”Isaid.
Didhethinkweweretalkingabouthim?OrcouldsomethingelsebegoingonbetweenElvisandhisstepbrothersthatIdidn’tknowabout?Ididn’tdareaskwhatwasgoingon;Iwasstillfeelingalittletentative
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aroundElvisafterthejuiceincidentanddidn’twanttochanceupsettinghiminanyway.Ichosetochangethesubject.
Elvisneverexplainedwhathe’dbeenworriedabout,buthecontinuedtolookatDavidinastrangewaythatday,asifheweretryingtokeepaneyeonhim.
•••
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ElvisandIwentdowntothebeachthefollowingafternoon.Thewindkickedup,blowingsandinhiseyes,andtheygotirritated.Discouragedanduncomfortable,Elviswasn’treallyabletoenjoyhimselfnow,sohedecideditwastimeforustoheadhome.
OnMarch13,weboardedtheplanebacktothemainland.Elviscarriedthemother-of-pearlcrucifixhe
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hadpurchased,buthedroppeditandthebasebrokeoff.HisfrustratedmoodquicklylightenedwhenweenteredtheplaneandsawaphotoofElviswhenhe’dpouncedontopofRosemarytapedtoElvis’sbedroomdoor.Weallgotachuckleoutofthat.
Duringourreturnflight,Elvismainlystayedinthebackoftheplanewithmysistersandmeagain.Atone
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point,hereflectedonthetripandtalkedabouthowhisguestinvitationshadescalatedinnumberbeyondwhathe’dexpected.
“Nexttime,I’monlytakingabouteightpeople,”Elvissaid,addingthatDr.Nichopouloshadtoldhimhewouldn’tcomeunlesshiswifeanddaughterscame,too.“I’llneverhavethatmanyagain,”hevowed.
Elvisalsowasn’tpleased
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becauseoneofhisaideshadpoppedupandtoldhimhewasquittingwhenwegotback.Hesaidhehadpaidforhistripandtheaidehaddecidedtotellhimthiswhilehewastryingtorelax.
Still,Iwashappywe’dgonetoHawaii,notonlybecauseadreamofminehadcometrue,butbecausethetriphadbeengoodforElvisoverall.HehadgoneoutsidemoreandrelaxedinawayI
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hadn’tseenhimdoupuntilnow.He’dalsogottentoknowmysistersbetterandreallyenjoyedtheircompany.
Elviswasawonderfulandcaringperson98percentofthetime.Hisbadmoodswingswereoutofcharacter,andInowfullyattributedthemtotheprescribedmedicationhe’dbeentaking.Iwantedtotakecareofhim.Iknewtherewouldbechallengesahead.Lovecould
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behardandsteep,shakingusatourroots,butIwassurewecouldmakeitthrough.
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CHAPTER20
WhenwelandedinMemphis,mysisterswenthomeandIreturnedtoGracelandwithElvis.There,Iwasastonishedtodiscoverthatthebathroominhisofficehadbeenredecoratedinturquoiseandwhite.Eventhesalonchair,
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whichElvishadtoldmebelongedtohismother,hadbeenreupholstered.
Icouldn’tbelieveElvishadthisdonewhilewewereaway!Thismeanttheworldtome!Itlookedbeautifulandwewerebothpleasedbytheresults.ItwasnicehavingaroomatGracelanddecoratedaccordingtomytaste.Elviswasn’twastingtimeintakingstepstomakemefeelmoreathomehere,anditwas
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working.Dr.Nichopouloshadtried
tohelpElviswithhiseyeproblembeforeleavingHawaii,butElvis’seyeswerestillirritatedfromthesand,soElvisaskedhiseyedoctortocometoGraceland.That’swhenIwassurprisedtolearnhehadglaucoma.AsElvislayinbed,thedoctorexaminedhiseyesandtoldmewhatagoodpatientElvishadbeeninthepast.Once,
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whenElviswasontour,thedoctorsaid,thepressurewasbuildingsofastinoneofhiseyesthathewascalledinandhadtostickasyringeinhiscorneatohelprelieveit.
“Elvisdidn’tevenflinch,”thedoctorsaid.
IcouldtellElviswasproudaboutthisashedescribedhowhe’dputhimselfinameditativestateinordernottoblink.
Thedoctorgaveme
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instructionsforhelpingElviscareforhiseyes.IstayedatGraceland,gettingupthroughthenighttoadministereyecreamandreplacehisbandages.
ThedoctorreturnedthenextdaytocheckElvis’seyesandseemedpleasedbytheresults.“Theylookmuchbetter,”hetoldme.“Youdidagreatjob.”IfeltamixtureofreliefforElvisandpridethatIwasabletohelp.
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JoehadgivenElvissomeofthephotoshe’dtakeninHawaii.Elvis’seyeswerebotheringhimtoomuchforhimtolookatthepicturesthen,butnowwewentthroughthemtogether,relivingthegoodtimewe’dhad.Elvispickedoutonephotographofmelookingovermyshoulderandputitinaframeonthenighttablebyhisbed.Iwastouchedthathewantedthepicturethere.
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Whenhetoldmehewasfeelingbetter,ItoldElvisIneededtogohomeforabit,unpack,sayhitomyfamily,andseeOdyssey.BeforeIleft,Ikissedhimandsaid,“Elvis,thistripmeantsomuch.Thankyoufortakingme.”
“You’rewelcome,”hereplied,andassouvenirsofourtimetogether,ElvisgavemesomeofthephotosJoehadtakenandthemotherof
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pearlcrosshe’dbroughtback.IranintoCharlieonmy
wayoutthedoor,whosaid,“Youknow,theonlyreasonwewenttoHawaiiwasbecauseofyou.”
“Thanksforlettingmeknow,Charlie,”Isaid.Havinghimpointthisoutwasasweetendingtoourholiday.
•••
I’dfeltcloserthaneverto
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Elvissinceourtrip.Theredecoratedbathroomdidfeellikemyroom,agiftfromElvis,welcomingmeintohishome.ElvishadhissanctuaryandnowIhadmine.ThisbathroomwasaplacewhereIcouldkeepmythings,suchastoiletriesandsomeclothes.
Inaddition,nowthatIwastheownerofsomeamazingjewelry,onedayElvissaid,“Youshouldhavesomethingnicetokeepitin.”Hewent
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intohisbathroomandreturnedwithalarge,beautifuljewelrybox.Itwasmadeofrichwoodinlaidwithcopperandbrass.Placingtheboxbesidemeonthebed,Elvisopenedacoupleoftheredvelvet-lineddrawers,removedafewpiecesofhisownjewelryfromthem,andgavetheboxtome.
IkeptitinmynewbathroomatGraceland,feelingthiswasaplacewhere
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myengagementringandothervaluablepieceswouldalwaysbesafe.
Iusuallydressedinthebathroomandappliedmymakeupthere.Ihadalwayswornmyeyemakeupdark,andtookcaretowearitthatwayafteroncehavingElviscomment,“Youreyeslookdifferenttoday,”whenI’dchangeditalittle.
Manytimes,Isleptinmyeyemakeup.ThefirsttimeI
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washedmyfaceandElvissawmewithouttheusualmascaraandshadow,heteasinglycalledmeLittleTwobecause,accordingtohim,withoutmymakeupon,Ilookedlikeatwo-year-old.WheneverElvissawmewithouteyemakeupafterthat,IwasLittleTwo.Otherwise,hisoldendearment,ChickenNeck,soonbecameinterchangedwithanewone,Gingerbread.
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Notlongafterward,ElvisaskedmetobringhimapicturetakenofmewhenIwasachild.Ibroughthimawallet-sizeschoolphotofromfirstgrade.ElvisinserteditintothecorneroftheframedpictureofmeinHawaii,thenplaceditbackonhisnighttablewhereitwouldremainfortherestofourtimetogether.
IalsobelievethatElvisfeltclosertometoo.He
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begantosharemoreofhimself,bringingmedeeperintohisworld.
Forinstance,onenightElviswasinareflectivemoodandsaidhewantedtoshowmehishighschool.Iwaseagertoseeitandhappythathewantedtosharethispieceofhispastwithme.Weputonourleatherjacketsandhelmets,climbedontooneofhisHarleyhogs,andheadedtowardthebackgate.
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Itwasourveryfirsttimeoutalonelikethis,withoutanyfriends,aides,orbodyguards,anditfeltwonderfultohaveElvisalltomyself.
RidingtowarddowntownMemphis,weeventuallyturnedontoastreetandalargeredbrickbuildingcameintoview.Elvisturnedhisheadandshoutedthroughthefaceshieldofhishelmet,“HumesHighSchool.”
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Wecruisedslowlybytheschool,thencircledaroundandrodedownafewmorestreets.AtahousingprojectcalledLauderdaleCourts,Elvissloweddownagainandthencametoastop.
“ThisisoneoftheplaceswhereIgrewup,”hesaid,againlookingbackatme.
AsIlookedattheolder,nondescript,three-storybrickbuilding,thinkingsurelytheapartmentscouldn’thave
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beenspaciouswhenhewasthere,IfoundithardtoimagineElvislivinghereatall.Itlookedtoosmallforhislarger-than-lifepersona.
Wesatthereforafewminutes,silentlycontemplatingthehousingproject.Neitherofushadreallytalkedaboutourchildhoodsyet.Wehadbeentoobusydealingwiththepresentandtalkingaboutourpossiblefuturetogetherto
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delveintothepast.Stayingsofullyawareof
hishumblerootswastherealreason,Ifelt,thatElviswasinspiredtobesogivingtoothers:Heknewwhatitwasliketodowithout.
Asweslowlybeganpullingawayfromthecurb,Elvislookedoverhisshoulderatme.“Man,youwouldn’tbelievehowsmallmyhomeinTupelowas,”hesaidwithalaugh.
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Iheldontohimalittletighter,hopinghewouldtakemethereoneday.
Anothernight,Elvisasked,“Wouldyouliketoseethetrophyroom?”
“Yes,”Isaidenthusiastically.Iwasn’tevenawarethathehadoneathishome.
Ifollowedhimdownstairs,wherewepassedthroughthelivingroomandmusicroombeforeenteringalongroom
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whereframedgoldrecordslinedthewallsanddisplaycaseswerefilledwithtrophiesandawards.
Elvistookmyhandasweslowlybeganwalkingdownanaisle.Everynowandthen,he’dstoptopointoutvarioushonors.Theroomwaslitteredwithgiftsfromfans,too.AswepassedbyaframedpaintingoftheLisaMarie,agiftfromafan,Elvisstopped,pickeditup,andsaid,“You
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canhavethis.”ItwasakindofferasI
knewhewasproudoftheplane.Lookingabouttheroomatonepoint,curiouslydetached,hesaid,“Youknow,sometimesthisseemslikeit’sallsomeoneelse’s.”
AsIstoodbesidehim,surveyingthebroadscopeofallhehaddone,highlightedherebyrecords,trophies,andphotographs,theenormityofhisaccomplishmentshitme
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fullforce.Andthesemarkerswerejustthetipoftheiceberg!Nowonderitwasdifficultforhimtofullyfathomthathehadexperiencedallofthis.
Atthebackoftheroom,wepausedinfrontofafull-sizepaintingofayoungerElvis.Hewasportrayedagainstagoldsky,dressedallinwhiteandstandingamongsomeclouds.
AnartistinLasVegashad
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paintedit,Elvissaid,marveling,“Hebasicallytookonelookatmeanddrewitindetail.Man,hereallycapturedmylikeness,rightdowntotheveinsinmyhands.”
Itwasabeautifulpainting,andafteradmiringitforafewmoremoments,Elvisnonchalantlysaid,“Iwantyoutohavethis.”
Iwascompletelyflabbergasted.Thispainting?
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Doeshewantmetotakeitrightnow?
“Thankyou,”Isaidwithasurprisedlaugh,“but,Elvis,Idon’tthinkitwillfitanywhereinmyhome.”
“Inyourparents’newhome,”Elviscorrectedme,seriously.
“Isitokaytoleaveitherefornow,”Iasked,hopinghewouldn’tbeoffended.
“That’sfine,”hesaid,withasoftsmile.
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Backupstairs,Elvis’sgenerousmoodexpandedevenmore.Leadingmeintothedressingareaofhisbathroom,hegavemethemostsingularpieceofjewelryI’deverseen:hisownlargeram’sheadnecklaceingold,inlaidwithdiamondsandemeralds.
“Alwayswearitwithsomethingblack,”heinstructed.
Itwasaroundthistime
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thatElvisdecidedIshouldhaveabankaccount.HeputVernoninchargeofopeningoneforme.Elvisput$5,000intotheaccountandIreceivedacreditcard.Ihadmadealittlemoneyfromworkingatthedressshop,butIwasawestruck.Thisamountofmoneymighthaveseemedsmalltosome,buttomeitwas,quiteliterally,afortune.Ihadneverevenownedpersonalchecksoracredit
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card!Elvisgavememore
personalitemswheneverthemoodstruckhim.Hisgenerositywasnotjustreservedformethough.IwouldlaterlearnthatElvisgaveawaypersonalitemstomanythatheknewandhadoftengiftedeveryonearoundhim—doctors,nurses,maids,relatives,aides,friends—withthingsrangingfrommoney,jewelry,andfurstocarsand
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homes.Attimesheseemedtowanttotakecareofthewholeworld.
•••
SinceElvis’slasttours,Ihadbeguntoseeapatternofhimneedingmorehelptogotosleepasaconcerttourapproached.Hewouldtakehisusualsleeppacket,thenwakeupshortlyafterward,alertandaskingforTish
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Henley,thenursewholivedoutbackwithherhusband,tobringhimadditionalmedication,eitherpillsorashotofsomethingtohelphimsleep.
Iwastroubledbythisincreaseddemandformedication.Ifeltgivingmorewasastepinthewrongdirection.However,Tishwasanurseandbecauseofthat,Iputtrustinheractions.Myunderstandingwasthatshe
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workedunderthedirectionofDr.Nichopoulos,soIhadtoassumethatshewasdispensingmedicationtoElvisonlyunderthedoctor’ssupervision.IcouldseewhereperformingwouldbeonElvis’smind,perhapsmakinghimincreasinglyanxious,butIwishedthereweresomewayIcouldencouragehimtojusttryanalternativewaytoeaseintosleepwithoutrelyingon
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prescriptiondrugs.Onemorning,asElvis
calledforTishtobringhimmedication,Isummonedupmynerveandtoldhim,“Elvis,youdon’treallyneedthat.”
Helookedatmeandshookhishead.“Youdon’tunderstand,”hereplied.“Ineedit.”Iwondered—notforthefirsttime—ifElvishadbuiltupanimmunitytowhatevermedicationhe’d
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beentakingonaregularbasis,andthat’swhyheneededanincreaseindosage.Whateverthecase,Icouldonlyhopethemedicalprofessionalsoverseeinghiscareknewwhattheyweredoing.
ThedaybeforeElvis’snexttourstarted,hebroughtmehomesoIcouldquicklypackafewthingstotakealong.Ihadn’tpurchasedmanyclothesoutsideofthe
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twotimesElvishadsentmeshoppingduringhisLasVegasengagement.ElvishadnoideathatTerrywasstillloaningmesomeofherclothing.Mymothersaidshewouldhelpmeironacoupleofthings;asshesetupanironingboardinourfoyer,IhandedheroneofTerry’sgarments.
WhileElviswatchedmymotheriron,hesaid,“YougottagetGingerready.She’s
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gonnamarryme.”Iblushed.“I’mironingasfastasI
can,”mymotherteased,andpretendedtoironfaster.
Beforelong,withbodyguardsintowasusual,ElvisandIleftforGraceland.Afewminuteslater,wepassedsomeyoungmenandwomenwhohadpulledovertothesideoftheroad;theywereobviouslyhavingcartrouble.
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Elvisslowed,puthiswindowdown,andaskediftheyneededanyhelp.
“No,”oneofthewomenreplied,thenscreamedaswepulledawayandsherecognizedElvis.
IlookedbackandgottickledwhenIsawhertellingherfriends.Eachofthemturnedtolookourway.ThiswasonetimeIwassuretheywishedthey’dacceptedhelpfromastranger.
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OnMarch23,weflewtoArizonaforthestartofElvis’snexttour.Acoupleofdayslater,ElvishadmybrotherflownintoNorman,Oklahoma,tolearntheropesasextrasecurity.ElvishadbeenaskingMikeaboutleavinghisjobwiththefiredepartmentandcomingtoworkforhim.Thiswasabigdecisionformybrother.ButElvis,asusual,waspersistentandhardtoturndown.Mike
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stayedonlyacoupleofdays,andIreallydidn’tgetachancetospendanyalonetimewithhim,butIfoundmyselfhopingthingswouldworkout.Itwouldbecomfortingtohaveamemberofmyownfamilyonstaff.
OneofourstopsonthetourwasLouisiana,butafterafewperformances,Elvistoldmehedidn’tfeelwell.Iplacedmypalmtohisforehead.Thiswasthefirst
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timeI’deverseenElvistrulylookill.Hewasperspiringandhisheadfeltwarmtome.
“Idon’twanttopushmyself,”Elvissaid,andaskedmetogetintouchwithDr.Nichopoulos.
Dr.Nichopouloscametotheroom.Hedidn’ttellmewhatwaswrong,andElviswasfinallyabletogotosleep.Whenhewokelater,however,hestillwasn’tfeelingwell.Elvistoldmehe
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neededtospeakwithsomepeopleabouthisupcomingshows,soIwenttomyroom.
Finally,aftermuchdiscussionwithvariousmeninElvis’sentourage,itwasdecidedthatthetourwouldbecanceledandElviswouldgointoahospitalbackhome.IwasveryconcernedaboutElvis,butfeltcomfortedbythethoughtthatinahospitalthey’dreallybeabletodiagnosewhatwaswrongand
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monitorhishealth.WeflewbacktoMemphis
andwenttoGraceland.ElviswasgoingtocheckintoBaptistMemorialHospital.Iwantedtogowithhim,butElvisnowsaidthathewasfeelingsobad,he’dratherhavesomeonetakemehomewhilehewenttothehospital.
Thisworriedmeevenmore,buthewasinsistent.“I’llcallyoufromthere,”hepromised.
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Membersofhisentouragegatheredaroundandtheyjumpedintoaction,takingoffwithElvisandleavingmeattheproverbialcurb.
Athome,Ididn’thearanythingforhours.IdecidedtocallGracelandandspokewithAuntDelta,butshehadnonews.Elvisfinallycalledmethatnighttosaythehospitalwasrunningsometests.
Hecalledmeagainthe
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nextdayandsaidhello.Hewasn’tfeelinganyworse,thankfully,butwhenIsaidI’dliketocomeandseehim,Elvistoldmethatrightnowheneededtogooverbusinesswithsomepeople.
IthoughtitwasalittleoddthatElviswasn’taskingmetovisitwithhim.(NotuntilafterElvis’sdeath,wouldIhearthatwhenElvishadtakenillinBatonRouge,hewasinformedthatthreeofhis
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formerbodyguardsweregoingtopublishapotentiallydamagingbookfilledwithhurtfulstoriesabouthim.Lookingback,IstronglyfeelthatElvishadbeendiscussingthisbookwithotherswhilehewasinthehospitalanddidn’taskforme,becausehedidn’twantmetoknowaboutitthen.Itwouldn’tbeuntilmuchlater,thatElviswouldmentionthebooktome.)
Elviscalledthefollowing
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day,too.Thistimeheletmeknowhehadanintestinalflubutwasfeelingbetter.“Iwantyoutocometothehospitaltomorrowandshowmynurseyourengagementring,”hesaid.
BeforeleavingGracelandtogohome,Ihadtuckedtheringbackintomyjewelryboxforsafekeeping.Thenextevening,mysister-in-lawdrovemeovertogetit.WhenIrangthefrontdoorbell,
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Charlieanswered.Isteppedinsidethefoyerand,noticingmovementinthekitchendoorway,IglancedthatwayandwassurprisedtoseeLisapeekingherheadoutatme.
“Hi,”Isaid.Charliesmiledandsaid,
“Priscilla’shere,too.They’reintownvisiting.Wouldyouliketomeether?”
“Sure,”Isaid,caughttotallyoffguard.IfollowedCharlietowardDodger’s
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bedroom.SuddenlyIrememberedhow,whenIwasachild,I’dsometimespassGracelandandimagineElvis,Priscilla,andLisainside.HowbizarreitwasthatIwashere—andsowasPriscilla!
IhastilyremindedmyselfthatElvishadtoldmeIwasthe“ladyofthehouse”now,butitwasstillsurrealtowalkintoDodger’sbedroomandfindherinbed,withPriscillasittinginachairbesideher.
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“Hello,”IgreetedDodger.ThenCharlieintroduced
metoPriscilla,apetitewomanwithchin-lengthhair.
Isatonachairnearthefootofthebed,andPriscillaandIbegantotalk.Shewasfriendlyandatease.
Irelaxedalittle,figuringPriscillamusthaveseenElviswithotherwomenbeforemesincetheirdivorce.Maybethissituationfeltmorenaturaltoherthanitdidtome.At
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anyrate,sheseemedlikeaniceperson,andIwasgladaboutthatbecausebecomingElvis’swifewouldessentiallymeanPriscillawouldbeinmylife,too.
Atonepoint,wegotintoaconversationaboutdogs.ItoldheraboutOdyssey,mynewGreatDane,andPriscillasaidshehadownedacoupleofGreatDanesinthepast.Theyweregreatdogs,Priscillasaid,verygentle.
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“Butdon’tgettooattachedtothem,”shewarned.“Theydon’tliveverylong.”
Lisahadjoinedusintheroom.Shehadbeensittingonthefloor,butnowshestoodup,walkedovertome,andbeganplayingwithmyhair.Itwasanawkwardmoment,tosaytheleast.
Finally,Priscillasaid,“Lisa,Gingermaynotwantyoutodothat.”
IlookedatLisaand
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smiled.“It’sallright,”Isaid.ButLisaobediently
walkedawayandsatdownontheflooragain.
IsuddenlyrememberedthatElviswaswaitingforme;mythoughtsreturnedtogettingmyring.ButhowcouldImakeagracefulexit?Ithardlyseemedlikegoodmannerstojumpupandsay,“Excuseme,butIhavetogogetmyengagementring.”
Atlast,Idecidedtokeepit
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simple.“Ijuststoppedbytogetsomething,”ItoldPriscilla.“Itwasnicetomeetyou.”
ThenIsaidgood-byetoLisaandDodger,rushedupstairs,retrievedmyring,andquicklyleftthehouse.
Atthehospital,IwasrelievedtofindElvislookingbetterandingoodspirits.Hecalledhisnurseintotheroomandproudlyshowedhermyring.
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Afterthenurseleft,hesaid,“Priscilla’sintown.”
“Iknow.Ijustmether,”Isaid,andexplainedaboutstoppingbyGracelandtogetmyring.
Elvislaughed.“IwishIcouldhaveseenthat,”hesaid.Then,afterI’dtoldhimthatPriscillaandIhadtalkedalittle,heseemedtoapprove.“It’simportantthatPriscillaandyouarefriendlyforLisa’ssake,”hesaid.
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Hewouldbeleavingthehospitalsoon,Elvisadded,andPriscillaandLisawerecomingtoseehim.Notreadyforwhatcouldbeanotherawkwardencounter,Istayedjustashortwhilelongerandthenleft.
AfterElvisleftthehospital,hehadalittleovertwoweeksbeforehisnexttourbegan.LisaremainedatGracelandforafewdaysand,weatherpermitting,shewas
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oftenoutside,drivingaroundinapalebluegolfcartwithhernamewrittenonitsside,abirthdaygiftfromElvis.LisawouldcomeintoElvis’sbedroomsometimes,alwayscurioustoseewhatheandIweredoing.YoucouldseeElvis’sjoywhenshewasaround.
Duringthisvisitwithhisdaughter,ElvistookLisaandmeoutforarideononeofhisthree-wheelersforthefirst
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time.Itwasacyclewithonewheelinthefront,twointheback,andapassengerseat.WithLisasandwichedbetweenus,werodetotheairportandlookedatplanes.
LisalovedbeingatGraceland,andIwasgladsheandIhadgottentobearoundeachotheralittle.WhenitwastimeforhertoreturntoLosAngeles,Lisadidn’twanttoleave;shehidandthebodyguardshadtolookfor
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her,eventuallyfindinghernearthemeditationgarden.
Elvisjustwantedtospendtherestofthetimebeforethetourrelaxing.Lateonenight,hedecidedhewantedtotakeasmallgroupofustoseethenewPeterSellersfilm,ThePinkPantherStrikesAgain.Herentedatheaterfortheviewinganditwasawildfeelingtowalkin,knowingwehadtheentiretheaterto
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ourselves.ElvisandItookseatsinthecenteroftheauditorium,withtherestofthepeopleinourgroupeithersittinginthesameroworbehindus.
Wheneveryonewassettledin,Elvislookedoverhisshouldertowardtheprojectionist,andshouted,“Roll’em!”
BeforeIknewit,wewereallinhysterics.Thatfilmturnedouttobeoneofmy
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all-timefavoritecomedies.Butthejovialmoodwould
beinterruptedafewdayslaterwhenElvisandIweresittinginhisbedroomtalkingwhenthecommodeinhisbathroombegantomakeanoise.Itwasveryearlyinthemorning.Aswetalked,thenoisecontinued.Elvisglancedtowardthebathroomeveryfewminutes,clearlybecomingincreasinglyannoyed.
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Beforelong,hequietlygotupandlefttheroom.Hereturnedmomentslaterwithamachineguninhishand.IthoughtImustbeimaginingthingsasElviswalkedrightpastmewiththegunandwentintothebathroom.
“Elvis,whatareyoudoing?”Iscreamed.
Heansweredwithadeafeningbarrageofgunfire,blastinghistoilettosmithereens.
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Thiswasupsettingandcompletelyunacceptable.Iwasmoreshockedthananythingelsebythisaction.Ifeltacoolstillnesscomeoverme.
ThenIgotangry,reallyangry.Howcouldhethinkthatthiswasokay?
SometimesitseemedlikeElviswasplayingagameof“seewhatIcando”inordertowatchpeople’sreactions.HiscousinBillywouldlater
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sayinabookthathethoughtthiswasfunny.Itwasn’t.IdecidedtoleavebeforeElviscouldexitthebathroom.
AsIhastilydescendedthefrontstairsintothefoyer,Iglancedupandsawwaterrunningfromtheceilingontothechandelier.Iwalkedoutthefrontdoorandgotintomycar.MyhandswereshakingonthewheelasIdrovehome.Icouldonlyhopethat,byleavingGraceland,Imightbe
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sendingamessagetoElvisthatthissortofbehaviorwasn’tright.
Ihadhopedtoentermyparents’housequietly,withoutdisturbinganyone,butasIpulledintothedriveway,ourdogsstartedbarkingandwokemymother.Ineverwantedtoburdenher,assheandmydadhadenoughgoingonwithworkandtheirmaritalproblems,butIcouldn’thidemy
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feelings.Iwastoorattled.Mymothertriedto
comfortmeasItoldherwhathappened.IalsoexplainedtheincidentsinPalmSpringsandHawaiithathadtroubledme.Ihadkepttheseeventsfromherbefore,butnoweverythingcamespillingout.Shecouldn’tbelieveitandwasclearlydisheartened.
“Idon’twantyoubeinginanysituationwhereyoucouldgethurtbysomeoneelse,”
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shesaid,addingnomatterwhothepersonwas,Icamefirst.
Iknewshewantedtoprotectme,butIexplainedhowstronglyIfeltthatElviswouldneverreallyhurtme.Atthesametime,IhadcomehomebecauseIneededtoclearmyheadandtouchbasewithallthegoodnessinElvisandeverythingthathaddrawnmetohim.
MymothercouldseethatI
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wastryingtoworkthingsout.“Whateveryoudecidetodo,I’llsupportyou,”shesaidatlast.
Webothleftitatthatandwenttoourrooms.Ilayinbedforalittlewhile,worryingthatElvismightcomeover.Iwasn’treadytotalk.Hewouldn’tlikemewalkingoutonhim—IcouldpredictthatbasedonhisreactioninHawaiiwhenIleftwhilehewastalkingtome—
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butIcouldn’tjustsitbyandlethimdosomethingthatIsawasterriblywrong.
Ieventuallyfellasleep.WhenIwokeupthatafternoon,IwentovertheeventagainwithRosemary.Ihadn’theardfromElvis.Ididn’tthinkmymessageabouthisbehaviorwouldsinkinifIcalledhimfirst—IdefinitelyfeltElvisowedmeanapology—soRosemaryandIwenttoseesome
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friends.Bythetimewereturned
homelaterthatnight,mymothersaidElvishadcalled.WhenshetoldhimRosemaryandIwereout,hehadaskedtospeakwithTerry.ShehadtoldhimTerrywasonacollegecampusinanothercity,fulfillingadutyasMissTennessee,andtheyhungup.IwaitedforElvistocallagain,worriedabouthowourconversationmightgo,butI
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heardnothingmorefromhimthatnight.
Thefollowingday,Terryreturnedhome.Theminuteshesawme,sheasked,“What’sgoingonwithyouandElvis?”
Startled,Iaskedhowsheknewsomethingwasup.
“IwassittinginanauditoriumlastnightwhenastatetroopercameinandtoldmeIhadaphonecall,”shesaid.“Ithoughtsomething
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terriblemusthavehappenedtosomeone,soIfollowedthestatetrooperoutside.”
Thetrooperledmysisteracrossafieldandintoanadministrativebuildingwithacoupleofsecurityguards.“Oneofthemhandedmeaphone,andElviswasontheline.Hesoundedangry,sayingthathe’dlikemetocometoGracelandsohecouldtalkaboutyou.”
Icouldn’tbelievewhatI
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washearing!ItsoundedlikeElviswasmakingthissituationouttobemyfault.Hehadnorighttobeangryatme.Iwasn’ttheonewho’ddonesomethingwrong!
“Hewantedtosendhisplaneforme,”Terrycontinued,“butItoldhimIcouldn’tleavebecauseoftheevent,plusIhaddrivenTony’smotheruptherewithme.ElvistoldmetoletTony’smotherdrivethecar
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home,butItoldhimshehadbadeyesightanditwasaneight-hourdrive.”
Apparently,Elvishadn’ttakennoforananswereasily.Terrysaiditwasawkward,asshehadtokeepsaying,“Elvis,Ican’t,”infrontofthesecurityguards,whohadremainedintheroom.
“WhenIgotoffthephone,”Terryadded,“theguardsaskedmeifthatwasreallyElvis.”Terrysaidshe
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wascompletelyrattledbythecallandcouldn’twaittogethome.
DidElvisreallynotunderstandwhyI’dleft?Didhisstancethat“noonewalksoutonElvis”obscurehisabilitytoseetheissueathandclearly?
Icertainlydidn’twanttobreakupwithhim,butIsincerelywantedElvistounderstandwhyIhadreactedthewayIdid.Hearingthat
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ElvishadcalledTerryandsoundedangryupsetme.Idecidednottocallhimjustyet.
Thefollowingday,oneofElvis’saidescalledtoaskmetocometoGraceland.Ithoughtthingsover.Iwantedourrelationshiptowork.IstillfeltElvisowedmeanapology.ThenIrememberedthathehadtriedtoreachmethatfirstnight.Maybehewastryingtoapologizeafterall,I
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thought,soIwenttoGraceland.
WhenIarrived,ElviswasseatedinhisbedwithTheProphetlyingopeninhislap.Inoticedthatanewtoilethadbeeninstalledinthebathroom.Itlookedasthoughnothingoutoftheordinaryhadgoneonhere.
Isatdownquietlybesidehimandwaited,knowingTheProphetwasoneofthebooks
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hereliedonforwordsofcomfortandwisdom,especiallyaboutlove.
Elvisturnedtomeandbeganquotingapassagefromthebook,saying,“Youknow,Ginger,‘Whenlovebeckonstoyou,followhim,Thoughhiswaysarehardandsteep.Andwhenhiswingsenfoldyouyieldtohim,Thoughtheswordhiddenamonghispinionsmaywoundyou.’”
Withlovehadcomehurt,
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definitely,butElvishadbeengoingthroughhisbookstofindananswer.Iunderstoodthathehadchosenthispassagetoconveyhisemotionstome.ElvisandIwerelearningaboutlovetogether.Whetherthroughthelyricsofasongorwordsfromabook,IknewthiswasElvis’swayoftryingtohavemeunderstandhimsometimes.
Nobodyatthehouse—not
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themaids,AuntDelta,Charlie,ortheaides—everaskedmewhyElvisshothistoilet,leadingmetobelievethatElvismusthavesaidsomethingtothem.Eitherthat,ortheyhadsimplywitnessedincidentssimilartothisonebeforeandwereusedtoitbynow.
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CHAPTER21
Elvis’stourwasscheduledtobeginonApril21.Wewouldbeontheroadforalmosttwoweeks.ThiswaslongerthanwhatI’dexperiencedbefore,but,asalways,IwasexcitedaboutvisitingcitiesI’dneverseen.Ourstopswouldinclude
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Greensboro,NorthCarolina;DetroitandAnnArbor,Michigan;Toledo,Ohio;andMilwaukee,Wisconsin.
Everysooftenonthistour,Elviswouldcomplainaboutfeelingbloated,butotherwiseheseemedtobeingoodspirits.Hiseyescontinuedtobotherhimaftersomeshows;asusual,Iplacedawarmwashclothoverthemtohelpsoothetheirritation.
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Concernedabouthisaudiences,manytimeswhilewewerebackstage,Elviswouldasksomeonetodescribewhatthecrowdwaslikebeforehewenton.Afteroneperformance,hesaidtome,“Man,thereweresomepeopleinthefirstthreerowswholookedliketheyweresleeping.Whatarethey,dead?”
Iknewhewasverysensitiveaboutmakinghis
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fanshappy,andItriedtoreassurehim.“Elvis,itwasonlyacoupleofpeople,”Isaid.“I’msuretheylovedtheshow.”
Elvisvariedthesongsineachshow,andyouneverknewwhattoexpect;hewouldfeedoffoftheaudience’sreactionandbanterwithpeople.Hehadmoreenergyforsomeshowsthanothers,butElvisalwaysputhisheartandsoulinto
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deliveringthebestpossibleentertainment.
AttheendofaperformanceinMilwaukee,however,therewasasmallmishap.Elvisexitedthestageand,blindedbymultiplecameraflashes,hefellonthestairsandsprainedhisankle.Hewaspiquedwhenhegotintothecarandremainedangryoncebackinhisroom.Dr.NichopouloswrappedElvis’sankle(which
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unfortunatelywouldcausehimproblemsatfutureshows),andlaterwhenwewerealone,hesaid,“Peoplejustaren’tdoingtheirjobs.”Frustrated,hetoldmethatabodyguardnamedDick“wasn’twherehewassupposedtobe,”andthenhedeclared,“I’mgettingridofDick,Joe,andawholelotmore!”
IknewElviswasinabadmoodbecauseofhisankle
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hurtinghim,butIknewtherewasanotherrecentincidentthatcausedhimtoexpressdispleasurewithafewinhisstaff:AgirlhadbrokenthroughthecrowdandreachedElvis,purposelyscratchinghishandandmakinghimbleed.Elvishadgottenangryandlatercomplainedtomeaboutsomeinhisentouragethentoo.
Finallysettlingdownforthenightandrestingas
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comfortablyashecouldwithhisinjuredankle,ElvisdecidedtoinvitemymotherandsisterstocometoDuluth,Minnesota.IknewthereasonElviswantedmymothertojoinus:Afewweeksbeforethistour,inasombermoodoneday,IhadconfidedtoElvisthatmyfatherhadmovedoutofourhouse.Icouldtellbythelookonhisfacethenthatthisnewshadbotheredhim.Elvishadbeen
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continuallyaskingmewhethermyparentswereshoppingforanewhome.Theyhadn’tbeenlooking,buteachtimehe’dbroughtthesubjectup,I’djusttoldhim,“No,theyhaven’tfoundanythingtheylike.”Ididn’twanttohurthisfeelings.Ahousewasobviouslyahugegift,toobigapresentandmyparentshadexpressedtomethattheyfeltawkwardaboutElvis’sofferonmorethan
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oneoccasion.Althoughhewasaware
thatmyfatherhadmovedout,Elvisstillhadhismindsetonbuyinganewhomeformyfamilyandatthebeginningofthistour,hehadbroughtthesubjectupagain,tellingme,“Iwanttotalktoyourmotheraboutit.I’mgonnainviteherandyoursisterstoseesomeshows.”Icouldn’tbelievethatinthemiddleofatour,Elviswasthinkingaboutmy
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family.MymotherandRosemary
agreedtocome,butTerrywasunabletomakeit.HeaskedthemtostopbyGracelandtopickupabraceforhisankle,whichanursewouldleaveforthem.ElvischarteredaLearjetoutofNashvilletoflymymother,Rosemary,andagirlfriendofRicky’soutofMemphis.
Myfamilyarrivedsafely,andbeforetheDuluthshow,
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ElvisinvitedmymotherandRosemaryintohisroom,wheretheygavehimtheanklebracehehadrequested.Elvisaskedhowtheirflightwas.
“Good,”mymotheranswered.“Atonepoint,thepilottolduswewereflyingatforty-seventhousandfeet.”
Elviswasn’thappyhearingthis.Hetoldmymothertheynevershouldhaveflownthathigh,because
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theplanecouldhavepoppedrivets.“Iwon’tusethatcompanyagain,”hesaid.
Mymotherandsistertouredwithusforafewdays.Elvisinvitedthemtorideinthelimowithus,whichdisplacedafewofthestaffwhousuallytraveledwithhim.Ihopedthisdidn’tbotheranyone.Sometimes,membersofhisentouragehadtotakeashuttlebusfromtheairplanetothehotel,and
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once,whenmyfamilywasdirectedontothebus,Elvisquicklyditchedthelimoandwerodethebus,withElvissquattingdownintheaislesohecouldtalkwithmymother.
Whenwe’dreturnedtoourhotelafterElvis’sshowinChicago,hewasreadytotalkwithmymotheraboutlookingathomesandthesituationwithmyfather.IlefttheroomtogetherandRosemary,passingColonel
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Parkerasheenteredthesuite.Thecolonelusuallyflew
outaheadofus,landinginthenextcitytomakesureeverythingwasinorderbeforeElvisperformed.Istillhadn’tbeenaroundhimenoughtogetafeelforwhohereallywas.Atonepoint,however,Ihadarrivedinacityandenteredourhotelsuite,whereIwassurprisedtoseethecolonelstandingbyamobilecart,wearinga
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chef’shatandstirringapotofsoup.
ThereweretimeswhenElvisexpresseddispleasurewithhismanager,feelingthecolonelchosehotelstoofarawayfromtheperformancevenues,andallbecausetheyhadbetterfood.Once,whilewewereridingtoashow,Elvisasked,“Can’tthecolonelfindanythingcloser?”
Onanotheroccasion,IhadlefttheroomsoElviscould
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talkprivatelywithColonelParker.WhenIreturned,Elviswasshakinghisheadinamazement.“IwassittingheretellinghimIhadasorethroat,andallhewastalkingaboutwasthenexttour,”hesaid.
IbroughtRosemaryandmymotherintothesuiteandafewminuteslater,Elvisandthecolonelexitedhisbedroom.ElvisintroducedmyfamilytoColonelParker,
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andwhenthecolonelturnedhisbacktowalkaway,Elvisgaveacontemptuouswaveofhishand,motioninghimoutofthesuite.
ThethreeofusfollowedElvisbackintohisbedroomandheclosedthedoor.“Howareyoudoing?”mymotheraskedhim.
Sincehiseyeshadbeenbotheringhimalittle,Elvismentionedthat,theninvitedhertositbesidehimonthe
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bed.Divingrightin,heaskedwhatshethoughtwouldbethebestsolutiontohermaritalproblems.
Iknewthiswouldbeuncomfortableforhertodiscuss,butitwouldprobablybegoodforhertotalkwithsomeone.
TellingElvisnowthatshewascompletelydrainedemotionally,mymothersaiditlookedlikeadivorcewastheonlysolution.
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“Isitthebestsolution,orthelastalternative?”Elvisaskedher.
“I’mafraidit’sthebestsolution,”shesaid.
Charlieknockedonthedoor,camein,andmentionedthatMiloHighwaswaitingattheairporttotakeRosemaryandmymotherhomesohecouldreturnagaintopickupthecolonelandtakehimwhereheneededtobe.
Clearlyunhappyaboutthis
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interruption,however,ElvisshotCharliealookandheleft.Elvisthencontinuedtheirconversation.
“Ifthere’snochanceofyouworkingthingsout,”Elvistoldmymother,“I’dlikeyoutoseemylawyer,BeecherSmith,whenyougethome,andI’dliketopayforthedivorce.”
IrememberedBeecherfromthesigningofElvis’swill.Wewereallstunnedthat
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Elviswantedtogetinvolvedlikethis,butmymotherthankedhimgraciously.
Beforelong,therewasanotherknockonthedoor.CharliesteppedinsideandremindedElvisthatMilowaswaiting.ItwasobviousthatElviswasgettingevenmoreannoyed.Asiftryingtoavoidanyfurtherinterruption,hesaid,“Let’sfinishtheconversationinGinger’sroom.”
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Welefthisroomandenteredmine,whereElvissatonthebedwithmymother.Heaskedifshewouldstillliketolookforanewhouse.Shethankedhim,butsaidshewashappywhereshewas.
Elvisponderedthisforaminute,thentoldher,“Mrs.Alden,Iknowyouwon’tbefinanciallyabletopaythehousenoteandotherexpensesonyourown.Ifyou’rehappyinthathouse,I
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wanttopayforit.Youdon’tneedamortgageandyourhomewillstayinyourname.”
Inoticedmymother’seyesgettingmisty.Elvisthensurprisedusevenmorebyadding,“I’dalsolikeyoutohaveaswimmingpoolandsomelandscapingdone.Youdon’thaveanytrees.Youneedtrees.”
Elviswasonarollandweweresweptupbyhis
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enthusiasm.Again,mymotherthankedhim.
Elvisaskedwhatshethoughtmydadwouldwantfromthedivorce,andmymothersaidourfatherwouldprobablywanthisfairshareoftheequityinthehouse.
Nowtherewasaknockonmydoor.WhenIopenedit,Charliewasstandingthere.
Beforehecouldspeak,Elvisshouted,“Charlie,it’smydamnplane,andI’llsend
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itwhenI’mdamngoodandready!”
Charliemadeanabout-faceandleft.
Puttinghisarmaroundmymother’sshoulder,Elvissaidthen,“Don’tworry.I’llseethatmyfathertakescareofeverything.”
Elvis’sjeweler,Lowell,wasalongonthetrip.ElviscalledhimintooursuiteatthatpointandgavemymomandRosemaryeacha
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beautifuldiamondring.ThetwoofthemwereflownhomeonhisJetStarshortlyafterward.ThedeepcompassionandpersonalconcernElviswasshowingformymother’swelfaredeeplytouchedmetothecore.
•••
ElvisfinishedhislastconcertthatAprilinSaginaw,
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Michigan.WeflewbacktoMemphisthen,wherehewouldhavealittleovertwoweeksoffuntilhisnexttourbeganonMay20.
Theconversationwithmymotherwasstillonhismind.Oneday,Elvistoldmehehadspokenwithhisfathertosetthingsinmotionregardingmymother’sdivorceandpayingoffourhome.ElvisaskedmetohavemymothercallBeecherSmith.
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“Thankyou,”Isaid,andpromisedIwould.Iappreciatedhisoffertopayoffmymother’smortgage,knowinghowmuchitwouldmeantohertohavethatfinancialburdenlifted,especiallynowthatshewasfacingtheharshrealityofmakingendsmeetonherown.
ArrivingatGracelandafewdayslater,IfoundElvisfinishingaconversationon
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hisbedsidephone.Whenhehungup,Elvistoldmehe’dbeentalkingtoVernon,whohadfiledforadivorcefromhiswife,Dee.Elvistoldmetheyhadbeentryingtoworkoutasettlement.
Iwassurprisedtohearthis;sinceVernonwasengagedtoSandy,Ihadnaturallyassumedhewasalreadydivorced.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’deverheardElvistalkabouthis
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stepmother.“Mydaddyusedtocome
homefromworkandbetired,andDeewouldhavesomeentertainerorotherpeopleinthehouse,”Elvissaid,lookingirritated.
IknewthatElviswasworriedabouthisdad’shealthaswellasthedivorce.Iplacedmyhandonhisback,tryingtocalmhimalittle.“Ihopeeverythingworksoutokay.”
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“Shebetterleavemydaddyalone,”Elvissaid.
Thespecterofdivorcewasswirlingaroundus:Myparents,Vernon,andevenoneofElvis’sstepbrotherswereallhavingmaritalproblems.Thiswasaffectingbothofus.Still,whenitcametoourownrelationship,ourloveforeachothercontinuedtoburnbrightandourenthusiasmhadn’tdimmed.Elvisstillbelievedstronglyin
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marriageandclearlywantedtogetmarriedagain.Ifeltthesameway:Iwantedtobeawifeandmother,andIbelievedifyouweremeanttobetogetherandstaytogether,youwould.
Ashortwhilelater,Elvisgotupfrombedandbeganrummagingthroughaclosetinhisbedroom.Hecameacrossvarioushatsandshowedthemtome,thenpulledoutaposter-sizephoto
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ofhimselftakenwhenhewaslittle.Inthephoto,hewasstandingbetweenhisparents,wearingoverallsandahat.
Asheheldthepictureuptoshowme,Elvisstuckouthislowerlipinalittle-boypout.“Iwastwoandhadapeanutinmymouth,”hesaid.
“Nowthat’sa‘LittleTwo,’”Iteased,alludingtooneofthenicknameshe’dgivenme.
Elvisproppedthepicture
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onachair,facingthebed,andasked,“Doesthisbotheryou?”
“No,”Isaid.Iwonderediftheconversationabouthisdadhadpromptedhimtoseekoutthisparticularphoto.Itwouldremainonthechairuntilthenextday.
•••
Nowthattheweatherwaswarmer,Elviswould
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sometimestellmeweweregoingoutonhismotorcycle,butthenwe’dendupreadingorwatchingtelevisionforawhile.Ididn’tmindwaiting;however,itgotmyhopesup.I’dremindhimlaterandhewouldthensayhewastiredorjustdidn’tfeellikeit,andI’dendupdisappointed.
Asthispatternrepeateditselfafewtimes,IbegantothinkthatElvisjustmightnoteverleavehishouse.He
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rarelylefttheupstairsfloor.Irememberonenight,Elvisaskedme,“Who’sdownstairs?”
“IsawRickydownstairswithagirl,”Ireplied.
“Idon’twanttogodown,then,”hesaid.Upstairs,Elviswasusuallywearingsomethingcasualorhispajamas.Hedidn’tfeelcomfortablegoingdownstairsinfrontofstrangersunlesshishairwasstyledandhewas
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dressedacertainway,andhewastoopolitetoaskanyonetoleave,soElvishadeffectivelysetupaworldwherehewasn’tgoingdownstairsinhisownhome.
HehadeverythingheneededupstairsatGraceland:hisoffice,organ,televisions,beds,Lisa’sroom,andbathrooms.Food,oranythingelsehemightwant,wouldappearatthetouchofabutton.What’smore,being
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ontheroadforsomanyyearshadledElvistobecomeaccustomedtoeatinginbedoratacoffeetable.
DidIwishElviswentdownstairsmore,satintheJungleRoom,ateatthediningtable,orwentoutsidemore?Sometimes,sure,butIthoughtthatwouldcomeintime.Iwasyoungandflexible,andwhereverElviswas,that’swhereIwantedtobe.
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Othertimes,Elviswouldsurprisemebydecidinghewantedtogooutandwewouldspontaneouslygosomewhere.
Onenight,ElvissaidhewantedtoshowmethehouseinTupelowherehewasborn.Igotsuperexcitedaboutseeingthehouse.ThiswouldbeanotherlittlepieceofthepuzzleofElvis’slife,andIwashappyhewantedtoshareitwithme.
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Aswepassedtimereadingandwatchingtelevision,IbeganworryingthatElviswouldchangehismindagain.Fortunately,hedidn’t.ElviseventuallyaskedBillySmithtogetthemotorcyclesreadyandinvitedhimtocomealongwithhiswife.
ThefourofusleftGracelandandheadedtowardTupelowithbodyguardsfollowing.Wehadbeenridingonthehighwayfor
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quiteawhilewhenElvistookanexitbeforeHernando,Mississippi,andproceededthroughasmalltown.
IlookedbackandnoticedBillyandJowerenolongerbehindus.ItoldElvis,andwecircledbackaroundtolookforthem.Theywerestandingbytheirmotorcycleatthesideofthehighway.Whenwepulleduptothem,wesawtheirmotorcyclehadanoilleak.Jowassplattered
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withmotoroil.Elvissuddenlydecidednot
tocontinue.“We’llgoanothertime,”hesaidasweheadedbacktoGraceland.IsowishedElvishadwantedtogoonthatnight,andsadly,weneverwouldgetthechancetomakeittoTupelobeforeElvispassedaway.
•••
MoreandmoreIlearnedthat
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Elvislikedpampering,aswealldo.HeoccasionallyaskedmetoshavehiminbedorrequestedthatIhelphimwithhissocks.Hissocksweren’talwayseasytogeton.OnenightwhenIwastryingtohelphimdress,Igotdownonthefloor,rolledasockinmyhand,andbeganpullingitontohisfoot.IhadsuchatoughtimethatIstartedtolaughandElvisdid,too.
“Here,letmedoit,”he
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said,finallymanagingtopulliton.
IsawpamperingastryingtodolittlethingsforElvisthatwouldnotonlyfeelnicebutcouldbegoodforhimatthesametime.Ibroughthimdriedfruit,thinkingthatwouldbeahealthysnack.Sometimes,Elvispickedatit,whichwasastepintherightdirection.
Onoccasion,Ihadmentionedwantingtoplay
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racquetballorgohorsebackridingwithhim,buthe’dmadethesameexcuseshesometimesgaveifIaskedaboutridinghismotorcycle:Hejust“didn’twanttodoitrightnow”orfelttootired.
Undeterred,Ikepttrying.IknewGracelandhadaswimmingpoolononesideofthehouse,butinallourmonthstogether,Ihadyettoseeitupclose.ThinkingthismightbeawaytogetElvis
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out,onenightImentionedthatI’dlovetoseehispool.
“I’llshowittoyou,”hesaid.Yes!Westeppedoutside
thebackdoorofGraceland.Luckily,itwasanicespringevening.Elvistookmyhandandledmedownawalkway.Wesooncametoakidney-shapedswimmingpool,butElviscontinuedrightpastitandtookmetoanareahecalledhis“meditation
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garden.”“Ihadthisbuiltafew
yearsback,”hesaid.“Thisissobeautiful,
Elvis,”Iobserved,lookingaround.
Itwasalovely,peacefulplace,surroundedbyacurvedbrickwallwithstainedglasspanelsinsetintoitsarchedopenings.Inthegarden’scenter,watersplashedinacircularfountainpoolenclosedbyanornate
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wrought-ironfence.Elviswalkedmeoverto
somechairsbythepool,wherethetwoofussatdownamidthetranquilsurroundings.
Afterafewminutes,Elvisbrokethesilence.“I’dreallyliketoperforminEurope.CanyouimagineifIwenttoEngland?I’dhavetosingfromacage.I’dneedmoresecuritythanthepresident!”
Ithadneverdawnedonme
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beforethatElvishadn’teverperformedinanothercountry.Ithoughtofhimassowelltraveled,andhewassobelovedworldwidethatitseemedimpossiblehe’dneversunginEurope.Ihadbeengazingatthepool;nowIlookedupandcaughtElvislookingoveratme.
“Youknow,”hesaidsoftly,“mydaddytoldmethat,sincewemet,itwasthefirsttimehesawthelittleboy
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heputoverallsonbackinEastTupelo.”
Isawthewarmthinhiseyesandfeltovercome,knowingthiswasElvis’swayofsayinghisfatherapprovedofus.
“Mymotheralwaystoldmetomarryabrown-eyedgirl,”hewenton.“Shesaidthey’dbemorefaithful.”
ThiswasthefirsttimeElvisreallytalkedaboutGladysPresleywithme.I
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wasgladtohearhimbringherup;IwaseagertolearnmoreaboutElvis’spast,particularlyhischildhood.
“IreallywishIcouldhavemether,”Isaid,hopingtoencouragehimtotalkmoreabouthismother.
“Shewouldhavelikedyou,”Elvissaid,thenfellsilentagainforamomentbeforeadding,“Ireallywanttohavemorechildren.I’dlikeustohavealittleboy.”
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“Aboywouldbegreat,”Iagreed.Mybrotherwasquiteabitolderthanme,soIwasusedtogirls,havingsistersandnieces;I’dalwayswonderedwhatitwouldbeliketohavealittleboyaround.IwasmainlyhappytoknowthatElviswantedchildrenwithmeasmuchasIwantedtohaveachildwithhim.
Elvisbroughtupanamehelikedthen,mentioning
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Jesseforaboy.Irememberedthiswasthenamethathadbeengiventohistwinbrother.
“HowaboutGraceLynnforagirl’sname?”Iventured.
Helikedthatname,too.“Whenthetimeisright,Godwillletmeknow,”hesaidwithasoftsmile,asifwantingtoreassuremeonceagain.
Wereturnedtothehousea
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littlewhilelater,whereElvissaid,“I’dliketochangesomethings.Hasyourbrothersaidanythingtoyouaboutworkingforme?”
ItoldElvisthatleavingthefiredepartmentwasadifficultdecisionformybrothertomakerightnow.IexplainedthatMikehadtwodaughterstotakecareofandapension.Iknewhecouldn’tjustjumpship,becausethedecisionwouldaffecthiswhole
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family.“Tellhimtheofferstands
andhe’llbetakencareof,”Elvissaid.
•••
OurtranquildaysandnightswereoccasionallyinterruptedbyElvis’smoodswings.Onenight,ElvisandIwerewatchingtelevisioninLisa’sbedroomwhenaprogramcameonthatElvisdidn’tcare
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for.Hestartedmakingcommentsaboutit,thensuddenlylefttheroom.Hereturnedwithagunandshotthetelevision.Whydidn’thejustchange
thechannel?Ithoughtinexasperation.
Quicklylookingoveratme,asiftosayoops,Elvisstartedlaughingandcursingabouttheprogram.Atleastherecognizedthatthiswas
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somethingIwasn’tcomfortablewith.Still,IwonderedwhatIshoulddonow.
WalkingoutonElvislasttimehadn’tproducedthedesiredresult,soIdecidedtostay.Ifthiswasatest,Iwashanginginthere.
Onanotheroccasiondowntheroad,heshotthephoneinLisa’sroomwhenitbuzzedanddisturbedhim.Again,Ididn’tleave.ButIdidbegin
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tothinktheremustbeashedsomewhereoutback,stockpiledwithtelevisionsetsandtelephones.
Ididn’tlikethisbehavior,butIlovedElvis.ThebigquestionwashowIcouldfindawaytomakehimseethatheshouldn’tdothissortofthing.
Luckily,thephone-shootingincidentwouldbethelastonethathappenedwhileweweretogether.As
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timewenton,IbegantothinkthatmaybeI’dgottenthroughtohimafterall.
•••
Fromthestartofourrelationship,Ihadwillinglygivenupmyjob,myhobbies,andspendingtimewithfamilyandfriendstoaccommodateElvis’sscheduleanddesires.Ihadlovedbeingcaughtupin
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Elvis’smagical,whirlwindworld,andIwaspassionateaboutbuildingournewlifetogetheratGraceland.Now,asourrelationshipcontinuedtogrowandstrengthen,IbeganfeelingmorecomfortableandabletoexpressmyselfandIwantedtoincorporatemyownpassionsintoourlifetogether.ElvishadshownhowhefeltaboutmeinhiswayandnowIhopedtouse
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mytalenttohelphimseeevenmorehowhewasinmyheartandmind.
ElvisandIhadreadsomuchaboutnumerologythatIwasnowintriguedbythepossibilityofnumberscorrelatingtocertaineventsinourlives.Ialsolikedtheideathatcertaincolorsorgemstonescouldbeluckyforus.
IwantedtodesignanecklaceElviscouldwear
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onstage,onethatwouldincorporateournumbers,fourandeight.Elvislovedtheidea,soIbeganafewsketches,keepingthematGracelandtoworkonperiodically.Itfeltgreattobedoingsomethingartistic;Ihadn’thadtimetodomuchdrawing,andIstilllovedit.
Havingalwaysbeeninterestedinkarate,IaskedElvistoteachmesomebeginningstepsandstances.
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Hewashappytoobligemeonenight.Ipesteredhimalittleashewasteachingme.Iwantedtolearnfancier,moreadvancedmoves,butElviskepttellingmetostartatthebeginning.
Wefinallystoppedtorestatonepoint.HesatonthebedandIputmyfeetupagainstthebottomsofhis.
ThenextthingIknew,Iwasonthefloor.Ithinkhisstrengthactuallyshocked
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him,becauseElvisburstoutlaughing.“Areyouallright?”heasked.
Ihadtolaugh,too,asIstoodupandrubbedmyhip.“Yes.”
Withaknowinglook,Elvissaid,“Ginger,alwaysstartatthebeginning.Bepatientandlearn.”
Impressedbythissimpledisplayofskill,Idecidedtotakehisadvice.Ialsofeltitwastimetogettoknowhis
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familysomemore,astheywouldbemyfamilytoooneday,soIbeganextendingmyselftothem,startingwithDodger.
Elvislovedhisgrandmother.IalwaysfollowedhimintosayaquickhellotoDodgerwheneverthetwoofuswereenteringorleavingGracelandtogether.Onetimeafterwe’dstoppedintoseeherforafewminutes,hesaid,“Weshould
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visitwithhermore.”Oneafternoon,Elviswas
asleepandIdecidedtovisitDodgeronmyown.Iwenttoherroomandknockedonherdoor.WhenDodgerinvitedmein,Ifoundherseatedinbed.
“Ijustwantedtosayhello,”Isaid.
Rightaway,Dodger’sconversationturnedtohergrandson.“I’msoproudofElvis,”shesaid.“Youknow,
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Gladyswasastrongmother.SheworriedaboutElvis.Whenhewassmall,shesawhimandanotherlittleboyfighting,andGladysranoutwithabroomtochasetheotherboyaway.GladysevenhadRedWestupagainstthewallwithakitchenknifeonce,forsayingsomethingaboutElvis.”
Iwasn’tfamiliarwiththisnameatthetime,soIpolitelynoddedandencouragedherto
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goon.DodgertoldmethatGladyssometimescookedfishinthehouse;Elvishatedthesmellofitandthat’swhyhehatedfishnow.Ihadlearnedthisearlierontour,too,whenanaideaskedwhatIwantedfordinnerandItoldhimfriedshrimp.Asthebodyguard,Sam,broughtElvisandmeourfoodthatevening,hehadsaidtome,“GoodluckeatingthatinfrontofElvis.”
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Elvisdidn’tsayawordwhenIfirstbegantoeat,butthenheaskedmetopropthecontainer’stopupsohecouldn’tseemyfood.WhenItoldSamthislater,hesaid,“Ican’tbelieveyouatethatinfrontofhim.”
ItwasnicetalkingwithDodger.Shewassweet,opinionated,andfunny.Bestofall,sheseemedaseagerformetomarryElvisasIwas.Dodgertoldmethatsheloved
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meandhopedElvisandIwouldhavealittleboy.“Iwastiredofseeingthatblondstuffcomedownthestairs,”shesaid.
Iwasn’tsurewhoshewastalkingabout,butDodgerwasthefirstpersontoreallymakemefeellikepartofthefamily.
ImusteredupthecouragethatsamedaytogooutbackandvisitVernon,too.WhenIwalkedintohisoffice,hewas
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athisdeskandPatsyGambillwasathers.
“Hello,”Isaid,andweexchangedafewpleasantries.Iwasthereforjustafewminutes,becauseVernonlookedbusyandIdidn’twanttointerrupthim.Itwasn’talongvisit,butatleastitwasastart.
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CHAPTER22
BynowitwasthemiddleofMayandgettingclosetothenexttour.Asbefore,Elvisseemedanxiousabouthisupcomingperformances.Hestartedagainaskingformoremedicationtohelphimgetbacktosleepwheneverhe
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wokeup.Forthefirsttime,Ilearned
fromhisnurse,Tish,thatshesometimesgavehimplacebos.ThismeantElvishadunknowinglybeengoingtosleepattimeswithoutasmuchhelp,whichIfoundcomfortingtohear.Onceagain,IwonderedifElvis’sdependencyonmedicationtofallasleepwasmoreinhishead.
Ontheotherhand,Ialso
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sawthatElviswassometimeswakefulaftertakingapacket.Itwasdifficultformetoknowwhetherhisinsomniawassochronicthatthemedicationdidn’tworkwhentheygavehimaregulardosage,orwhetherhe’djustbeengivenaplacebothen.ThiswassomethingIdefinitelywasn’tqualifiedtojudge.
Ihadanotherconcernaswell.Iwonderedifthis
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medicationcouldbeharmfultoElvisinthelongrun.Afewtimes,itseemedcleartomethatithadaffectedhismoodandbehaviorinnegativeways.
SometimesanursenamedMarianCockealsovisitedandwoulddispensemedicationstoElvis.Itwasn’tcleartomewhysinceTishwaslivingonthegrounds.IwouldlearnafterElvispassedaway,thatshe
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wasaprivate-dutynurseandfriendlywithDr.Nichopoulos,whocontinuedtostopbyGracelandtocheckonElvisaswellandsometimesadministeredmedicationstoElvishimself.Onoccasion,therewouldbegive-and-takebetweenthetwomen,theresultofElvisexpressingwhathewantedforsleepandwhatDr.Nichopoulosthoughtheshouldhave.Therewere
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timeswhenthedoctortoldElvishedidn’tneedanymore,whichIagreedwith.
Icontinuedtowonderhow,withnursesandDr.Nichopoulostendingtohimbothathomeandontour,Elvishadgottentoapointinhislifewherehewassodependentonthissleepmedication.BecauseIhadonceseenElvisforgettotakeapacketandfallasleep,Ithoughtitwouldhavebeen
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greatforhisdoctortodoanexperimentandjustnotgiveElvisanymedicationforanightortwo.Iwouldhavehelpedhimwiththat.
Butthisneverhappenedinmypresence.Dr.Nichopoulosseemedtobetryingtomanagethesituation,ratherthancreateafinalconfrontationorintervention.
Once,shortlyafterDr.Nichopouloshadleft
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Graceland,Elvismentionedtomethatthedoctorowedhimalotofmoney.Hedidn’tgointoanydetailatthetime,asifitwasjustanotherthinghewantedmetoknow.However,athoughtcrossedmymindthen:WasthiswhyDr.NichopouloshadnotdrawnalineinthesandwhenitcametocurtailingElvis’ssleepmedication?WasheafraidoflosinghisjobwithElvis?
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•••
ThenexttourstartedonMay20inKnoxville,Tennessee,andwouldendonJune2inMobile,Alabama.Atonepointduringthetour,ElvisandIweresittinginacaronourwaytoanairporttotraveltothenextcity.AsongIlikedcameontheradio,andIsoftlybegantosingalong.
Oneofthelyricswas,“Makelovetometonight.”
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AsIsangthis,Elvistappedmeonthelegandmotionedtowardourdriver.Apparentlyhewasafraidthedrivermightoverhearme.
Embarrassed,Istoppedsinging.DidElvisthinksingingthatsongmademelooklessthanproper?Iwasawareoftheironyhere.Forsomeonewhoseimagewasbasedonsexappeal,Elviswassurprisinglyconservativeandprotectiveofhowothers
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sawme.Perhapsthiswasalsotheimageofmehepreferredtoholdontoforhimself:asyoung,innocent,andinexperiencedinmanyways,whichIcertainlywas.Hewasold-fashionedthatway,despitetherock-’n’-rollandHollywoodlifehehadpersonallyexperienced.
Elvishadcomeofageinthe1950sanditwasnowthespringof1977.Iwasjustoutofmyteens.Despitebeing
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somewhatofatomboy,Iwasnotafeminist.Iidentifiedmoreasasouthernbellewholikedcardoorsbeingopenedformeandotherchivalrous,gentlemanlygestures.Abouttheonlyfeministadvancethatdirectlytouchedmylifewasbeingabletowearpantsinhighschool.Isimplyhadn’tpaidmuchattentiontopoliticsatthattime,andalthoughElviswatchedthenews,hedidn’ttypicallytalk
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aboutpoliticseither.DespitebeingolderthanI
was,Elviswasstillstrikinglyhandsomeinhisveryearlyforties.Buthewashuman,likeweallare,andIsuspectedhewassensitiveattimes.IreallythoughtitwasunfairhowtabloidssometimesprintedunflatteringphotosofElvistakenfromcertainangleswhilehewasonstage.Mysuspicionsthathemightfeel
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sensitiveabouthislookswereconfirmedwhenBillySmithoncetoldmenottoevershowElvisanyunflatteringphotosofhimself.Iwouldneverdothat,butIwonderedifhewerespeakingfromexperience.
OneparticularnightcausedmetowonderwhatitmustbelikeforElvistobeconstantlyfacedwithhisyoungerselfinmoviesandmagazines.Hehadarrivedat
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myhouse,wherehewantedtogostraighttoRosemary’sroomdespitethelatehour.
“Let’sgetRosemaryup!”hesaidwithhisusualboyishenthusiasm,walkingdownthehallandflippingonthelightinherroom.ShewokeandblinkedhardasElvistookaseatonherbed.
Elvisstartedtalkingtoherandthenlaydownonhisstomach,askingmetomassagehisback.WhileIdid
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this,henoticedsomealbumssittingonthefloorbesideRosemary’sbedandstartedflippingthroughthem.
Whenhecameacrossoneofhisownalbums,Elvis:TheSunSessions,hestoppedandpulleditfromthestack.ThecoverwasillustratedwithapictureofayoungElvisstandingonhistoes,inmid-movement,microphoneinonehandandaguitarhanging
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fromastraparoundhisneck.Iwonderedwhatwas
goingthroughhismindasElviscarefullystudiedthealbumforafewmoments.Shortly,Igotmyanswer:“Ilikethat,”hesaid,thenplaceditbackamongtheothers.
Elvisdidn’tlookdrasticallydifferenttomeatforty-twothanhehadbackwhenhewasmyage.Hewassimplyolder.ButitwasstillhardtobelieveIwaswiththe
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samepersonasthatsingerrockingoutonthecoverofthealbum.Itwasalmostasiftherewerethreedifferentmen:thatyoungElvisonthealbumcover,themoviestarElviswho’ddoneallofthosefilms,andnowtheserious,spirituallycuriousadultElviswhowashereonmysister’sbed,sharinghislifewithme.
Elviswasfullyawarethathewasn’ttwentyyearsoldanymore.Acoupleoftimes
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hemadecommentstomeinreferencetothat.Afteroneshow,forinstance,hefelttheaudiencehadn’tbeenveryresponsive.
“Everyonewantstoseethe‘old’Elvis,”hesaid.
Ontheotherhand,healsowentontotellmeheactuallythoughthisvoicewasstrongernowthanithadeverbeen.Iagreed.I’dheardmanyofhisearlierrecordings,andIcertainly
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thoughtElvis’svoicehadgrownricher.Hisvoicewasatitspeak.
•••
IrarelyknewifElviswasgoingtointroducemeduringhisshows.HeknewIwasshyabouthavingthespotlightonme,buthegotakickoutofdoingitanyway.
Iusuallysatonstagebehindhissoundmen;
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however,onetime,Ihadtositfartheraway.Elvisintroducedmeandwantedmetocomeuponstage.Itwasalongwalk,butnosoonerhadIreachedthetopofthestepsontothestage,whenElvisimmediatelyaskedmetogositdownagain.Thecrowdgotalaughoutofthat.
Inourhotelroomafterward,Isaid,“I’llgetyouforthat,”andstartedtoticklehim.ThiswasthefirsttimeI
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hadeverdonethis,andIwasdelightedtodiscoverthatElviswasticklish.Ilovedtohearhimlaugh.
•••
Aboutaweekintothetour,wewereinElvis’sroomafterhisshowinBinghamton,NewYork,whenIstartedthinkingabouthow,inthemidstofmynewlifewithElvis,thecombinedforceof
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hispersonalityandmyownfeelingsforhimhadsweptmealongonthisemotionalriptide.Elvishadbecomemytotalfocus.Ihadbecomesoconsumedbybeingwithhim,andbytakingcareofhim,thatmyownneedsandidentityhadbeenpartlysteamrolledbytryingtokeepupwithhisfast-pacedlifeandbethebestpartnerIcouldbeforhim.Ilovedhimandwantedtobewithhim,butI
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alsowasstartingtofeelalittlelost.
IunderstoodthepressureElviswasunder,andIwaspreparedtoputanythoughtsofmyowncareerasidetosupporthim.However,Elvishadhisinterestsandpassions,andIbeganponderinghowIcouldintegratesomeofmine,likeart,intoourlifetogether.Iespeciallymissedpainting.
Thebreakupofmyparents’marriagewasalso
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weighingonmymind.Iknewmymotherandfatherwouldprobablybebetterofflivingseparately,yetIfeltadeepunderlyingsadness,surethiswouldbedefinite.Ijustwishedthingscouldbedifferentforthem.
ThatparticularnightinBinghamton,Iexperiencedacomplexconvergenceofemotionsbroughtonbymyownfeelingsofloss,coupledwithmyongoinganxiety
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aboutElvis’sdependencyonsleepmedicationandtheeffectsthedrugsseemedtosometimeshaveonhispersonality.Ireallywantedtohelphim.EverythingsuddenlyhitmelikeafreighttrainandIbegantocry.Ijustneededto,ifonlytorelievetheemotionalpressure.
Whenhesawmytears,ElvisthoughtImustbeupsetwithhim.“You’renothappywithme,”heventured.
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Ishookmyhead.HowcouldIbegintoexplain?Thenwordscamerushingout.“Elvis,Iloveyou,”Isaid.“It’snotthat.It’smyparents,myart,it’sallthesethings.”
Finally,perhapsbecauseIwasinsucharaw,vulnerablestate,Iadded,“Ialsoworryaboutyouandyourmedicationssometimes.”
Elviswasquiet.Iknewhedidn’tlikebeingconfronted
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aboutanyofhishabits.Thistimewasnodifferent.Still,hisresponseshockedmetothecore.“Ithinkyoushouldgohomeforafewdays,”hesaid.
Thisreallyhurt.Italsoseemedunfair.Ihadjustbeentryingtoreachouttohim,toreallycommunicatehonestlywithhimaboutmyfeelings.Ididn’twanttoleaveatfirst,butthenIreconsidered.MaybeElviswasright,andit
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wouldbegoodformetogohomeandsortthroughmythoughtsandgetsomerest.
Elvispickedupatourschedulefromhisnighttable,wrotesomethingonit,andhandedittome.WhenIlooked,hehadwritten“Comebackhere”anddrawnanarrowbeside“Baltimore,Maryland.”
IleftBinghamtonandflewhometoMemphis,stilluncertainaboutmydecision
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toleaveandfeelingemotionallyshaken.NowIwasembarrassedaswell.WhatwouldthosearoundElvisthinkaboutmeleavingsoabruptly?
ItriedputtingonabravefacewhenIshowedupathome.“I’mjusttakingalittlebreak,”Itoldmyfamily.“Ineededtorest,andElviswantsmetoreturntothetourinafewdays.”
Ididn’ttrytoexplainmore
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thanthat.Myemotionalturmoilwastoodifficult,toocomplex,andtooprivate,toexplain.
Fortunately,myfamilywasassupportiveasalways.Theydidn’tpress,andIdidn’tgointodetail.
OnceIwashomeandthingswerequieter,itwaseasiertosortthroughmyemotions.Elvismaynothavebeenfocusedonmypersonalinterests,Irealized,butwhen
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Ihadtoldhimaboutmygrandfather’shealthandtheproblemsmyparentswerehaving,hehadbeensensitiveaboutwhatwasgoingoninmylife.Infact,Elvishadjumpedintoactionanddoneeverythinghecouldtomakethingsbetter.Ibeganthinkingabouthismanyresponsibilities,especiallywhenhewentontour.NowIfeltguiltyandupsetaboutnotholdingthingstogetherbetter.
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IcouldonlyhopethatElvisknew,atleastonsomedeeplevel,thatI’dbroughtupthemedicationbecauseIcaredsomuchabouthimandhiswell-being.
IthoughtElviswouldcallme,butthenextdaywentbywithoutawordfromhim.Thefollowingdaytherewasstillnocall.NowIhadtowonderwhetherwewerebreakingup.Istayedathomeandrested.Ifeltabsolutely
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miserable.Finally,hecalledmeon
thethirdday.“Imissyou,”Elvissaid,addingthathewantedmebackonthetour.IwashappytohearhisvoiceandtoldhimImissedhim,too.Elvisimmediatelybeganarrangingmyreturn.
Thenextmorning,acarpulledupinfrontofmyhouse.IassumeditwasoneofElvis’saidessenttobringmetotheairport.But,asI
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walkedoutthefrontdoor,IsawthatElviswassittinginthebackseat.
Iwasstunned!Icouldn’tbelievehe’dlefthistourtopickmeup.
Itwasn’texactlyanintimatemoment,though.Abodyguard,BillySmith,andLarryGellerwerealsointhecar.IfeltembarrassedasIjoinedthem.ThelastthingI’dwantedwastoputanyoneout,ortocreatean
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inconvenienceforElvis.Elvissmiledatme,buthe
wasquiet.Icouldn’tsayanything,either,witheveryoneelseinthecar,soIleanedmyheadagainsthisshoulder,wantinghimtoknowwiththissmallgesturehowhappyIwastobewithhimagain.Inresponse,Elvistookmyhandandhelditasweheadedtotheairport.
OnceaboardtheLisa
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Marie,ElvisandIwentintohisbedroomandtalkedalittle.“Iknowyou’reupsetaboutyourparents,”Elvissaid,“andIwantyoutolistentome,Gingerbread.I’mgonnahelpwiththat.”
Irememberedhowhe’dtoldmethenightIleftthathethoughtIwasunhappywithhim.Icarefullythoughtthroughhowtoexpressmytrueconcerns.
Finally,Isaid,“Elvis,you
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mentionedthatyouthoughtIwasunhappywithyou.Iloveyou,butit’showthemedicationmakesyouactsometimesthatIdon’tlike.”
Puttinghishanduptohishead,Elvisbeganthumpinghistemplewithhisforefinger.“Ginger,youdon’tunderstandme,”hesaid.
“Elvis,I’mtryingto,”Ireplied.
IcouldtellElviswasfinishedtalkingaboutthis,
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becausehechangedthesubject.“Ifyoulikeart,”hesaid,“we’lldosomethingaboutit.We’llfindyouaplacewhereyoucandoyourart.”
IsuspectedElvismeantaroomatGraceland.Thismovedmedeeply,becauseitmeanthehadbeenlisteningtomeafterall.IthoughtmaybealittleofwhatIwassayingwassinkingin.Thatwastheimportantthing.We
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weremakingprogress.Anyconversationabout
medicationwouldhavetobeapproachedcarefullyandintime.IknewIcouldn’tchangethingsinoneday,butIwasdeterminedtokeeptrying.
•••
Elvisperformedinafewmoreshowsafterthat.Once,whenhewasseatedatthe
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pianoandsinging“UnchainedMelody,”afewaudiencemembersthrewsomecoinsonstage.ThisinfuriatedElvis.Hethoughtpeopleweretryingtohurthim.
Itriedmybesttocalmhimdownafterward.“Elvis,peoplepaytoseeyou,”Isaid,“andwhenyousitdown,theycan’tseeyouaswell.Youraudiencesloveyou.Youcouldprobablywalkonstage
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andjuststandthereforanhour,notsinging,andpeoplewouldn’tcomplain.Theywanttoseeyouthatbad.”
Vernon,however,wasmoreblunt.HeoncetoldElvis,“Son,theydon’tpaytoseeyousitdown.”
WereturnedtoMemphis,wherewewouldstayforacoupleofweeksuntilElvis’snexttour.ElvisaskedLarryandhisbackupsinger,KathyWestmoreland,toremainin
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town.Unbeknownsttothem,hehaddecidedtogiveeachofthemabrand-newLincolnContinental.
IwasatGracelandonJune4whenElvisinvitedthemtocomeoverthatevening.WithBillySmithandRickyinonthissurprise,ElvispresentedKathyandLarrywiththeirnewcars.
Elviswasinagreatmood.Hehadindulgedinthekindofgrandgesturethatheso
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loveddoingandlookedcontent.Beforelong,Charliecameoutside,too,toseewhatwasgoingon.
AsKathyandIlookedoverhercar,Elvisaskedmetotakeatestridewithher.Ididn’tknowKathybutsheseemedlikeanicewoman.Wecircledaroundtheneighborhoodandmadesmalltalk.
BackatGraceland,everyonewasgonebythe
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timewereturnedexceptforBilly.Hewasstandingontheporchwithasolemnlook,holdingthejugofwaterthatElvishadwithhimwhenIleft.Igotoutofthecar,sensingsomethingwaswrong.
Billyhandedmethewater,askedmetotakeituptoElvis,andwalkedaway.WhywasBillyactingsomysterious?Suddenlyfeelinganxious,Inearlyranupstairs.
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Elviswasn’tinhisoffice,soIwalkedintothebedroomandthenlookedtowardthebathroom.IsawElvisinsidelookingpensive,sittingintheblackchairwithonelegcrossedovertheother,shakinghisfoot.AsIsteppedintothebathroomdoorway,IsawCharlie.Hewasperchedonthetoiletseatwithhisbacktome.Neitherofthemwasspeaking.
IwalkedaroundCharlieto
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seehisfaceandgaspedinhorror.Hisnosewasallbloodiedandswollen!“Whathappened?”Iasked.
Withanervouslaugh,Elvissaid,“Well,Charliewasdrinkin’andmouthin’offaboutmegivin’carstoKathyandLarry,andsayin’somethin’abouthimgettin’aRolls-Royceandprices,andwasembarrassin’me.Itoldhimtoshutup.Hewasspoilin’themoment.”
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Shrugginghisshoulders,Elvisadded,“Heaskedmetohithim,soIhithim.”
IlookedatCharlie,tryingtoprocessthis.Itwasobvioushehadbeendrinking.Nowhelaughedstiffly,asifeverythingwasokayandhecouldpasstheincidentoffasinconsequential.
Thetwoofthemjokedaroundforafewmoments,butthemoodintheroomhungheavilyoverthetwoof
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them.Charlieleftsoonafterthat.
IcouldtellElvisfeltterribleaboutwhathadhappened.Shakinghishead,hesaid,“Charlieshouldn’thavedonethat.”Hekeptrepeatingthisoverandover,actingverydisappointedwithCharlie.Theywerebothinthewrong,Ithought.
Charliehadtohaveknownthatbig,gift-givingmomentswereimportanttoElvis.Of
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course,Elvisshouldneverhavepunchedhim.Howcouldhehavehithisgoodfriend?
Forsomethinglikethistohappen,IbeganwonderingifthingshadbeenbuildingupbetweenElvisandCharlie.IcontinuedtolistentoElvisandtriedtocalmhimdown.
“Charliewillcomebackaround,”Isaid,butCharliedidn’treappearandElviswasn’tabouttogodownstairs
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andseekhimout.Wefinallywenttosleepin
themorningandwokeintheafternoon.Charliedidn’tcomearoundtoseeElvisthenextday,either.Elviswasreallydown,andhestartedtalkingtomeabouttakingatriptoLasVegas.
WehadjustcomebackfromatourandIfeltElviswassimplytryingtorunawayfromwhathadhappened.ItoldBillythisin
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privatewhenIsawhimnext.HesaidIshouldn’tgotoLasVegaswithElvis,becauseElvis“wouldprobablygetsomethinghedidn’tneed.”
Whatdidhemeanbythat?Iwasconfused.
Ididn’tpressBillywithquestionsatthetime,butinretrospect,IwishIhad.
Ididn’twantElvistogotoLasVegas,soIboldlytoldhimheshouldn’trunawayfromtheproblem.“Charlie
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willgetoverit,Elvis,”Isaid.“WeshouldstayinMemphis.”Helookedglum,grewquiet,anddidn’tsayanymoreaboutgoingtoVegas.Icontinuedtryingtocheerhimupand,luckily,beforelong,Elvisactedlikehewasinabettermood.
Inthemorning,Ireturnedhome.Later,however,whenIcalledGraceland,IwastoldthatElviswasn’tthere.Iwaspuzzled.Didheactuallygoto
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LasVegasafterall?Unabletoreachhim,I
becameconcerned.Inthemiddleofthenight,Elviscalledmeathome.IsuspectedhewasphoningmefromLasVegas.Fromhisheavysoundingvoice,itsoundedlikehe’dtakensomesleepmedication.“Imissyou,”hesaid.
“Imissyou,too,”Itoldhim.“Whereareyou?”Therewassilenceonthephone.He
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didn’tsay.Iknewthat,inhiscondition,wecouldn’treallyhaveanysortofconversation.Wespokebriefly,saidwelovedeachother,thensaidgoodnight.Myheartsankaswehungup.IprayedElviswasallrightandwouldcomehomesoon.
Thefollowingafternoon,someonecalledfromGracelandtosayElviswantedtoseeme.Ithoughtitwasoddtheydidn’tputhim
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onthephone.ThisconcernedmeandIwasonedge.Whathadhappened?
Irushedover,andwhenIenteredElvis’sroom,IwasgreetedbythesightofElvislyinginbedonhisside,facingmewithhiseyesclosedandhookeduptoanIV.Scared,myheartsankagain.IhadneverseenElvislikethisbefore.
Charlie,Billy,andafewotherswerestandingaround.
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Dr.Nichopouloswassittinginachair.
“Whathappened?”Iasked.
CharlietoldmethatElvishadgonetoLasVegasandtakentoomuchmedication.
Ihadoneburningquestion.Why?
Itcrushedmetoseehimlikethis.Everyonestoodabouttheroom,quiet.Gradually,Dr.Nichopoulosandtheguysbeganslowly
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exitingtheroom.IlaydownbesideElvis.HowcouldhehavelettheincidentwithCharliedothistohim?Iwantedsobadlytounderstandwhathadbeengoingthroughhismind.
Istaredupattheceiling,brokenhearted,andmyeyeswelledup.Suddenly,IfeltElvismoveonthebedbesideme.Ilookedoverashebeganrollingoverontohisback.
Turninghisheadmyway,
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Elvisslowlyopenedhiseyes.Hedidn’tsayaword,butwithanunsteadyhand,hetookhisfingerandwipedatearfrommyeye.
Itookhishand.Itriedtosmileathim,but
itwasdifficult.AllIcouldthinkabout,overandoveragain,washowElviswasalwayssurroundedbypeople,sohowcouldsomeonehaveletthishappen?
Thequestionsswirledin
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mymindasconfusionandangerblurredmyvision.BillyseemedtohaveknownthatElvismightdosomethinglikethis.WhowenttoLasVegaswithElvis?Elviswouldneverhavegoneonhisown.DidothershavepriorexperiencewiththissortofbehaviorfromElvis?Ifso,whydidn’ttheystophimiftheythoughtitwouldbeabadthing?WhathadDr.NichopoulosbeenthinkingwhenhesawElvis
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likethis?Ittookmealongtimeto
fallasleep.Whenthetwoofuswokeupthenextday,IwasrelievedtoseeElvisactingmorelikehisoldself.Whateverhadbeentroublinghim,heseemeddeterminedtoputitbehindhim,behavingasifallwaswell.CharliewasbackaroundandsoIchosetoletthingsreturntonormal,buttherewasalotleftunsaidbetweenus.
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Inretrospect,Ican’thelpbutfeelthatElvis’splungeintothatkindofextremedepressionforthosefewdayswasexacerbatedbyElvis’sknowledgeofthescathinglynegativebookcomingout,writtenbyhisformerbodyguardsDaveHeblerandRedandSonnyWest.
•••
Elvissoonreturnedtohis
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usualupbeatmoodafterthisincident.Oneday,IwasgettingreadytogohometocheckonOdysseywhenhesaid,“YoucandrivemyStutzifyouwant.”
Thiswouldbecool,Ithought,butwhenIputmyhandsonthesteeringwheel,Ihadsuddenmisgivings.IfevertherewasatimewhenIwouldn’twanttoputdentsinacar,itwasthisone!
IdrovetheStutzhomeas
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cautiouslyaspossible.IplayedwithOdysseyforawhileandthendecidedtotakeTerrywithmeintheStutzovertoseeourfriendCindy.
Aswepulledintoherdriveway,Cindysteppedoutside.WhenTerryandIgotouttomeether,amanfromthepresssuddenlyapproachedus,wantingtotakemypicturebesidethecar.
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Ihadn’tnoticedanyonefollowingus,butthenitdawnedonmethatofcoursesomeonewouldnoticetheStutz.Itcertainlywasn’tthekindofautomobileonesaweveryday.MostpeoplewouldsuspectitbelongedtoElvis.
Ididn’twanttopubliclyflauntElvis’scaranddeclinedtoposeforthephotographer.HedecidedtoputCindyinthepicture.The
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photoappearedinourlocalpaperthenextdayalongwithasmallwrite-upreferringtomeasElvis’s“friend,”takingthecarforaspin.
Notlongafterthat,ElvistoldmeCBSplannedtodoaspecialonhim.Theywouldbefilmingsomeofhisperformancesduringhisnexttour.ElviswantedmetohavesomenewoutfitstowearandsentmetoLosAngelestogoshoppingwithRosemary.I
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wasexcitedtofinallyseeLosAngeles.ElvisputJoeinchargeofsettingthingsup.WestayedattheWestwoodMarquisHotelwithourownlimousineanddriveratourbeckandcall.
RosemaryandIstoppedbyJoe’sapartmentwhilewevisitedL.A.,whereheshowedussomephotoalbumswithpicturesofElvistakenthroughtheyears.IrealizedthatJoehadknown
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Elvisforalongtime.HealsohadsomeolderphotosofElvisandPriscillaonhiswalls.IknewJoe’sgirlfriend,Shirley,wasfriendswithPriscillaandnowIfiguredJoemustbe,too.
Elvishadforgottentogivememoneybeforeweleft,soJoecalledhim.ElviswiredthemoneytoalocalWesternUnionoffice.WhenJoesawthatElvishadwired$2,000,helaughed.
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“ThatwouldonlypayforoneofLinda’soutfits,”hesaid.Lindamusthavehad
expensivetastes,Ithought.Twothousanddollarswasmorethanenoughmoneytobuyclothesforme.
WewereinL.A.forjusttwodays,butRosemaryandImadethemostofit,notonlyshoppingbutvisitingUniversalStudiosand
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sightseeingaroundthecity.OuradventuregotevenmoreinterestingwhenwedepartedonanAmericanAirlinesflightanddiscoveredthatthesingersKennyRogersandBrendaLeewerebothonboardaswellastheactorDavidHuddleston.
IrememberedDavidfromthefilmBlazingSaddles.HehadfunwalkingaroundandtellingjokestoRosemaryandme.Rosemaryeggedhimon
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andaskedhimtorepeatsomeofhisfunniestlinesfromthefilm.
KennyRogerswasafriendly,down-to-earthmandressedinjeansandasportcoat.Hesatinfrontofus,andItoldhimthatElvisandIhadrecentlyenjoyedwatchinghimontelevision,singing“SweetMusicMan,”asongElvisloved.Kennygenerouslygavemeacassettetaperecordingofhisyet-to-
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be-releasedalbum,whichcontainedthesong.
BrendaLeewasfriendlyaswell.WhilesheandIweretalking,BrendanoticedastainonmytopandsaidshehadanewproductfromJapandesignedtocleanfabrics.Shewentbacktoherseat,thenreturnedtoeaseherselfbetweenRosemaryandme,whereshebeganapplyingtheproducttomytopandtryingtoruboutthespot.
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AsIwatchedBrendaearnestlydoherbesttohelpcleanmyoutfit,Iwonderedifshe,Kenny,orDavidwouldhaveevenspokentomeayearago.Iknewthatwasunlikely.BeingwithElvishadmadethispossible.Onceagain,hehadintroducedmetoanewandexcitingfacetofhiscelebrityworld—evenwhenhewasn’twithme.
BythetimeIreturnedtoGraceland,Lisawasintown.
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Itwasgoodtoseeher,andsheseemedhappytohavemycompanyaswell,evencallingme“Gingerbread”afterhearingElvisusemynickname.ElvishadyettotellLisaaboutourengagement.Hehadearliertalkedwithmeaboutthisandsaidthathewantedtowaituntiltherighttime,atimewhenhefeltcomfortabletellingher.Thiswouldrepresentasignificantchange
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inhisdaughter’slife,andhewantedtheannouncementhandledproperly.Hehadaskedmenottosharethenewswithheryet,either.ThiswassomethingIhadunderstoodcompletely.
LisawasusuallyoutandaboutonthegroundsofGraceland,playingwithfriendsorfamilymembers,orridingaroundonhergolfcart.Oneday,sheinvitedmetoridewithher.Igotonandshe
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tookofffast,bouncingaroundthegroundsandchasingthehorses,stirringupdustinourwake.Itwasgreatfun,andIlookedforwardtospendingmoretimewithherinthefuture.
•••
Oneafternoon,IwassittingatthefootofElvis’sbedandtalkingwithhimwhilehestoodathisbathroomsink,
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dressedinpajamasandarobe,andsmokingacigar.Thewindowwasraisedalittleinhisbathroom;suddenly,Isawhimturn,movequicklytowardthewindow,andlookout.
Hethenracedoutofthebathroompastme,grabbingamachinegunasIshouted,“Elvis,whatisit?”
IquicklyfollowedhimdownstairsasElvisranoutthefrontdoor.Hestoppedon
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theporchandlookedaround.“IheardscreamingandsawsomeonewithagunchasingLisaandtheothergirls,”hesaidbreathlessly.
Ifrozebesidehim,frightened,scanningthegrounds.
ThenInoticedhiscousin’skidsandtheirfriendsplayingofftoonesideofthehouse.Oneoftheteenagershadaplasticgunandwaschasingtheothers.
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ItoldElvisthisand,asreliefsweptoverhim,hestartedtolaugh.Idid,too.Iknewthefearofintruderswasalwayswithhim,andIwasgladthistimenothingwasamiss.
Elvisstoodontheporchwithmeforafewminutes,hisrobegentlyblowinginthewind,acigarbetweenhislipsandamachineguninhishand,aswecaughtourbreath.ThenInoticedoneof
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thepinktourjeeps,filledwithfans,slowlymakingitswayupthedriveway.
“Elvis,thejeepiscoming,”Isaid.
Heturnedaroundandquicklyheadedbackinside.Followinghim,Iclosedthedoor,knowingasthejeeppassedby,theynowhadapostcard-tranquilvisionofthemansion.
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CHAPTER23
Elvis’snexttourwouldstartonJune17.MysisterTerrywasrelinquishingtheMissTennesseecrownatthattime,andthedirectorofthestatepageanthadaskedhertoinviteElvis.Whenshementionedthistohim,he
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thankedherbutdeclined,sayinghedidn’twanttodetractfromthepageant.Hehadbeenunawarethathisowntourwasstartingonthatdateanyway,sinceothershandledhisscheduleandtravelarrangements.
IknewIwouldn’thaveanotherchancetoseeTerryinhercrown,soIaskedElvisifitwouldbeallrightifImissedthefirstdayofhistourtoattendmysister’s
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ceremony.HeunderstoodthatIwantedtosupportherandarrangedformetojoinhimafterthepageant.
WhileElvisflewtoSpringfield,Missouri,forthestartofhisten-daytour,ItraveledtoJackson,Tennessee,withmyfamily.WewatchedTerrygiveuphercrown,anditwasabittersweetmoment.
Afterward,IflewintoKansasCity,Missouri,ona
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Learjet,whichElvishadcharteredforme,tojointhetour.
TheCBSspecialwouldbeElvis’sfirstsincehisAlohafromHawaiisatelliteshow,andfilmingbeganonJune19inOmaha,Nebraska.
•••
AlSchultz,thehusbandofcomedianVickiLawrence,hadbeenhiredtodoElvis’s
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makeupfortheCBSspecial.IwatchedAlapplyitinthedressingareaofElvis’sbathroombeforedepartingtheLisaMarie.Ofcourse,IhadneverseenElvisinbasemakeupneededfortelevision,andwhenhesteppedout,Ithoughtitlookedalittlecakedon,pastyandthick.Elvislookedmuchbetterwithoutit.Ireallydidn’tknowmuchabouttelevisionandstagemakeup.Maybe
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thismuchmakeupwasnecessaryforthecamera.
Elviswasinagoodmood,butIcouldtellhewasquitenervous.Bythetimetheshowstarted,however,hismovementswereslowandheseemedhazyattimes.IguessedthatthedoctormusthaveprescribedElvissomethingtohelpcalmhimdown,whichwouldexplainwhyElviswasactingsosluggish.Irootedforhim,as
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always,butitwasn’toneofhisbestperformances.
ThefollowingshowinLincoln,Nebraska,wasbetter.Elviswasincompletecontrol.FilmingpickedupagainthenextnightinsidetheRushmorePlazaCivicCenterinRapidCity,SouthDakota.
VernonandSandywerealongonthistour.InSouthDakota,wewereusheredintoabackstagedressingroom.Thethreeofussatona
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couch,watchingwhileElviswasfilmedacceptingaplaquefromthemayor.Theplaquewasbeinggiventohiminhonorofthisbeingthefirstconcerteverheldinthecity’snewauditorium.
Elvisnormallydidn’tliketowaitbackstagelong.Icouldtellhewashotinhisjumpsuitbythewayhe’dstartedtoperspire.AyoungNativeAmericangirlthenpresentedElviswitha
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medallionoflifefromtheSiouxNationwhilewewereallwaitingfortheshowtobegin.
Inthedistance,IcouldhearthecrowdchantingastheyeagerlyawaitedElvis,buthisfocuswasontheyounggirl.Hisfacelitup.Hehadsuchasoftspotforchildren.Elviskeptcomplimentingthegirl,tryingtoputheratease,andgaveherakiss.
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WhenJoetoldElvisitwastimetogetreadyfortheshow,IcouldtellElvisfeltlikeJoewasrushinghim,whichhedidn’tlike.“WhenI’vegotsomethingtodo,”hesaid,“I’llbetherewhenIgetthere.”
Elviscouldhavesimplywalkedawayaftergettinghisaward,buthestoodthere,continuingtofocusontheNativeAmericangirl.Hewantedtoseethatshewas
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givensomethinginreturn,andfinallyaskedanaidetomakesureshereceivedoneofhisscarves.
Elvis’sshowwentwellthatnight.Atonepoint,hewalkedtothesideofthestageandintroducedhisfather.HementionedhowhehadmissedVernonnotbeingabletobeontourbecausehe’dbeensickforawhile.
Elvisthenbeganwalkingtowardme.Inoticedagleam
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inhiseyeandgotnervous.Raisinghisarm,hepointedhisfingeratme.
“I’dlikeyou...I’dlikeyoutosayhellotomygirlfriend,Ginger,”heannounced.“Ginger,standup,honey.”
Shyly,Istoodup,blushingfuriouslyamidtheclappingandwhistling.Elvisquicklysaid,“Sitdown,Ginger.That’senoughforher.”
Awonderfulfeelingswept
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overme.Hehadintroducedmetotheworld!
Elvisthenbrokeintothesong,“Hurt,”andIsilentlybeganpullingforhim,astherewerecertainnoteshelikedtoreachinvarioussongs.HehithisnotesthatnightandIthoughthedidamagnificentjob.
AfterElvis’sdeath,therewouldbesomefanswhowouldquestionwhyhedidn’ttakethisopportunityto
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introducemeashisfiancéeduringthistime,despitemyengagementring,butIunderstood.Firstandforemost,Lisadidn’tknowaboutourengagementyet,andhewantedhertobeprepared.ElvishadmadesomepeopleclosetohimawareofitbackinJanuary,butthatwastheprivateElvis.
Inaddition,Elviswasaprofessionalentertainer.Heknewourannouncement
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wouldhavehugepublicityconsequences,andbeingveryprotectiveofmeandourrelationship,Iknewhewasn’treadytohavethepressfocusonmeevenmore.Ididn’tthinktwiceaboutanyofthisthatnight.Iwassimplythrilledthathe’dintroducedmeoncamera.
Occasionally,thecrowdwasparticularlyrowdy,andIalwaysworriedthatafanmightgethurt.I’msuresome
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did,especiallythosewhopushedtothefrontoftheauditoriumstograboneofElvis’sscarves,butIwasneverreallyafraidformyownsafety.Iwas,however,worriedthatanespeciallyenthusiasticfanmightaccidentallyhurtElvis,sinceI’dseenhimgetscratchedbefore.Onetime,neartheendofaperformance,someonethrewsomethingontothestageandtheobject
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struckElvisinthehead.Stunned,Elvis
immediatelywentintoadefensivekaratestance.“Whatisit?Whatisit?”heshoutedtowardthoseofuswhowereseatedonstageandtohissecurity.
Everythinghappenedsoquickly,Iwasn’tsureiftheaudienceevenrealizedhewasupset.
Ithenheardsomevoicesyelling,“Frisbee!”
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Aftertheshow,Iracedtothelimousineandclimbedintoit.AfewminuteslaterIsawElvis,envelopedbyhisentourage,movingquicklytowardthecar.HehadjustreachedthelimowhenIheardaloudthudthatmademejump.
Elvishadhitthecarwindowwithhisfist.ThelimodoorsflewopenandeveryonequicklypiledinsideasElvisfumed,“Thatdamn
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Frisbeewassoclosetomyeye,andwhenithit,ithithard,man.Ialmostwalkedoffstage.”
Elvisandtheguysbegandiscussingwhathadhappened,andIlearnedthatthesecurityguardshadfoundateenageboywhothrewtheFrisbee.Theboyhadattachedanoteinsideit.
Felton,oneofthesoundmen,hadtoldElvisthattheboyapologized,butit
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wouldtakeElvisawhiletocalmdowninsidethecar.Althoughitwasaninnocentactontheboy’spart,IknewhowconcernedElviswasaboutsafety,andunderstoodhowsomethinglikethisreallyscaredhim.OnceagainIwasremindedofhowvulnerableElviswasdespiteallofhissecurity,andofhowawarehewasofthat,too.
AfterashowinDesMoines,Iowa,weflewinto
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Madison,Wisconsin,andlandedintheearlymorninghours.Elvis,Vernon,Sandy,andItookalimousinewithafewstaffmembersfromtheairporttoahotel.
Aswestoppedataredlight,weallsuddenlynoticedwhatlookedlikeafightbreakingoutatanearbySkylaneStandardgasstation.Twoyoungmenwerepickingonanotherman.Elvisloweredthewindowand
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watchedforamoment.Beforeanyofuscould
stophim,Elvisopenedthedoorandjumpedoutofthecar.Thebodyguardsfollowedinclosepursuit.Elvishadyettochange;stillwearinghisstagesuit,hewalkedsmackintothemiddleofthefight,assumedakaratestance,andsaidsomethingtotheyoungmen.
IwatchedanxiouslyalongwithVernonandSandy.Not
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surprisingly,themenlookedcompletelybaffledtoseenoneotherthanElvisPresleystandinginfrontofthem!Inaminute,everyonewassmilingandshakinghands.
WhenElvisrejoinedusinthecar,hewasstillkeyedupandtalkedaboutthefighthe’dprevented.Soon,though,hewentontotalkaboutotherthings,asifhehadjustdonehisgooddeedfortheday.Elvisknewhecouldaffect
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people,andIthinkhetrulyfelthisbestwhenhewashelpingothers.
•••
Elvisdecidedhe’dlikemyfamilytoseehislastcoupleofshows,soheflewthemintojoinusinCincinnati,Ohio.TerrywasbusywithourfriendCindyandcouldn’tmaketheflight.WhenmymotherandRosemaryarrived
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andElvissawjustthetwoofthem,heaskedwhereTerrywas.
“Shecouldn’tcome,”Itoldhim,andexplainedwhy.
Elviswasn’tpleasedbythis.DuetoTerry’scommitmentsasMissTennessee,hehadn’tbeenabletogettoknowheraswellashehadRosemary.HecalledTerryathomeandsaid,“GetyourgirlfriendandI’llhaveaplanebringyou.”
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HecharteredaLearjetoutofNashvilletopickupmysisterandCindyintimeforthemtoseehisshow.Iwastouchedthatseeingmyfamilymeantsomuchtohim.ButIwasn’tsurprised:Family,Iknew,meantalottoElvis.
WewerestayingattheNetherlandHilton.Thatevening,afewhoursbeforeElvis’sshow,hismoodplummetedbecausetheair
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conditionerinhisroomwasn’tworking.Hewasn’thappywiththefoodhe’dordered,either.
Alittlewhilelater,Iwentintomyroomtogetready,andmymotherandRosemarycameintovisitwithme.Iwassettingmyhairandtalkingtothemfromthebathroomwhenthebedroomdoorsuddenlyflewopen.
“Where’sGinger?”Elvisdemanded.
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Quicklysteppingfromthebathroom,Iasked,“What’sgoingon?”
Elviswasgone.MymotherandRosemarylookedstunned.“Idon’tknow,butElvislookedquiteupset,”mymothersaid.
Iheardthevoicesofpeoplerunningdownthehall.Someoneshouted,“Whichwaydidhego?”
Ipeeredintothehallwayandsawthebodyguards
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running.Obviously,Elvishadsomehowescapedthem.Butwhy?Whatwashetryingtodo,andwhyhadhebeenlookingforme?
Isatinmyroomforalittlewhile,worrying.Beforelong,thephonerang.Itwasoneofthebodyguards.“Elviswantstoseeyou,”hesaid.Apparently,ElvishadlefttheHiltonandcheckedintoanearbyhotel.
Iwentdownstairs,whereI
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ranintooneofElvis’sfans.Heaskedmetoposeforaphoto.Iwasthenescortedtothenewhotel.
WhenIsawElvis,hesaidhappily,“Wehaveair-conditioningnow.”
Ihatedthinkingthathe’dgottenhimselfsoworkedupbeforeaperformance,andIwasrelievedtoseethatheseemedtohavecalmeddownandwasinabettermood.However,becausethenew
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hoteldidn’thaveenoughroomforallofus,ElvisannouncedthathewantedtoreturntoMemphisafterhisCincinnatishow.
Duringtheperformancethatnight,IleftmychairbehindthesoundmentoracequicklytotherestroomwithRosemary.Whenwereturned,wetriedreenteringthroughthedoorwehadexited,butithadlockedbehindus.
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IcouldhearElvisstarttointroducehisbandandbegantogetnervous.WhatifElviswantedtointroducemetotheaudience,butthistimeIwasn’tthere?Iwaspanicked,thinkingthismightthrowhim,surethathewouldbeconcernedaboutwhathadhappenedtomeifhesuddenlysawthatIwasmissing.
Luckily,RosemaryandIfoundanunlockeddoorandI
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madeitbacktomychairwithoutElvisnoticing.IwasgladIdid,too,becauseElviswentonthatnighttointroducehisfather,me,andmyfamily,aswellasaBritishfanclub.
OnourflightbacktoMemphis,RosemarytoldElvisaboutusgettinglockedout.Hewasrelaxedaftertheshowandjustthoughtitwasfunny.
“Iwouldhavestoppedthe
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G-damnshowandlookedforyou,”hedeclared.
AfterabriefstayinMemphis,Elvisdecidedtobringmoreofhisfamilyontourwithus,andPatsyandJoSmithboardedtheplane.Ihadn’tbeenaroundPatsymuchbecauseshewastypicallyworkingoutbackwheneverIwasatGraceland,andIhadrarelyseenherinthehouse.However,latermymothersaidPatsyhadknelt
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downinfrontofherontheplane,tellinghershewasgladtomeether,becauseshehadheardsomuchabouther.Thiswasnicetohear.
DuringElvis’sshowinIndianapolis,heintroducedhisfatherandthenme,saying,“I’dlikeyoutosayhellotomygirlfriend,Ginger.Sheissomethingtostareat.That’sit.That’senough,Ginger!”
IntroducingTerryasMiss
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Tennessee,hewentontopresenttherestofmyfamilyaswell,saying,“andhermotherandhersisterRosemary.And,Rosemary,yaknow,youjuststayput,”hejoked,referringtousbeinglockedoutduringhispreviousperformance.“They’reaverylovelyfamilyandIlovethem,”Elvisadded.
Heintroducedsomeofhisfamilythatnightaswell,
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callingJohis“assassin,”andsaying,“Patsyworksformydadandshe’sasnuttyasafruitcake.”
OncebackontheLisaMarie,mymothersaidPatsyhadchattedwithherontheshuttlebus.And,whenshesteppedfromittoboardtheplane,Patsyhadwalkedbesidemymother,puttinganarmaroundher.
Onceagain,Iwastouched
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bythesesmallgesturesofwarmthandacceptance.ItwasnicetothinkthatsomeofElvis’sfamilywasbeginningtorecognizeusaspartofhislifenow.
BackinMemphis,thinkingofmymotheronceagain,Elvisbroughtupthesubjectofherhome.Hewantedtospeakwithmymom,soIcalledheratworkandhandedhimthephone.
“Mrs.Alden,Iwantyouto
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callmyfatherandtakeyourhousenotes,paymentbooks,orwhateveryouhaveonthehousetohim.Hewilltakecareofitforyou,”hesaid.
AfterspeakingwithElvis,mymotherlatercalledVernon.HereiteratedwhatElvishadsaid,andaskedhertobringherpaymentbookandanypapersonourhomeovertohishousethefollowingday.
Thenextevening,Vernon
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wasvisitingwithElvisinLisa’sroomwhenIarrivedatGraceland.AsIwalkedin,Vernonsaid,“Yourmotherjustbroughtmeherpaymentbooks.Shedoesn’thavetoworryabouthermortgageanymore.”
IthankedbothElvisandMr.Presley.Iknewagreatburdenhadbeenliftedfrommymother’sshoulders,anditfeltwonderful.IcouldneverpayElvisbackfinanciallyfor
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thiskindofexpansiveness,butmyfamilyandIwouldbeforevergrateful.
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CHAPTER24
Myfavoritetimeofdayhadalwaysbeenearlyevening,justasthesunstartedtoset.Now,withthewarmerweather,ElvisandIsometimessatonthefrontporchatGraceland,whereheusuallybroughtacigaranda
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jugofwateroutsidewithhim.TheviewoverGraceland’s
rollingfrontlawnwasbeautiful.ElvisandIbothlovedhowpeacefulitwas.Sometimeswedidn’ttalkatall,justlistenedtothesoundsofnature.
Oneevening,asweweresittingquietlyontheporch,Elvistooknoticeofthecrickets.“Listen,”hesaid.“They’resinginginunison.”
Itoccurredtomethat,
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whenElvistalkedaboutmusicastheuniversallanguage,hewasn’tjustreferringtohumans.Heheardmusiceverywhere,inalllevelsoflife.Becausemusichadbeenabigpartofmylife,too,earlyon,watchingElvissingandhearinghimtalkaboutmusicmademewishIhadn’tbeentooself-conscioustocontinuesinging.
Once,ElvisaskedifI
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knewthesong,“SinceIMetYouBaby.”Aswesatinbedtogether,webegansingingitandharmonizingtogether.Ididn’tknowallofthewords,butIloveditwhenElvissaidwesoundedgoodtogether.IfsingingwithElviscouldn’thelpmegetovermyfearofdoingthisinfrontofpeople,probablynothingcould!
Anothernight,ElvisaskedBillyandJotocometohisbedroom.He’dbeentalking
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withmeaboutanewsongofhis,“WayDown.”HehadrecordeditinOctober1976anditwouldbethelastsonghewouldeverrecord.WhenBillyandJocamein,heputtherecordonthestereo.
Stillseatedinbed,Elvisbegantosingalongwithit.Whenitwastimetosingthewords,“waydown,”Elviswantedeachofustotakeaturn,pointingtoJo,Billy,andmeinturn.Whenitwastime,
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hepretendedtohitthelownotesthatJ.D.Sumnerreachedinthesong.
Weallchimedin,andIhadalotoffun.IfeltalittlemorelikepartofElvis’sfamilythatnight,singingandcuttingupwithhiscousins.
WhenIarrivedatGracelandonedayshortlyafterthat,Elvissaid,“Iwastalkin’withmydaddy,andheaskedme,‘Isn’tGingergonnausethatcreditcard?’”
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IthoughtVernonwouldbehappythatIdidn’t.IhadstartedtonoticeVernoncomingovermorewhenIwasthere;once,whenVernon’sattentionwasonsomethingelseintheroom,Elvistappedmyarmandmotionedformetowatchhim,ashehaddoneoncewithLisa.
Afterhisfatherleft,Elvisasked,“Didyounoticethatit’salmostasifmydaddy
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hatestoleavetheroomwhenwe’retogether?It’sgonnadomydaddy’sheartgoodtoseeusmarried,”hesaid.
IwasexcitedthatElvisfeltthiswayandhopedhewasright.
•••
Elvishadn’treallygoneoutanywheresincewe’dbeenofftour.Hetalkedaboutridinghismotorcycleorthethree-
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wheelers,buthehadcanceledwhateverplanshe’dmadeatthelastminute.
Oneafternoon,Iwasathomewhenmymotherdecidedtohaveabackyardbarbeque.Igotexcited,thinkingthiswouldbeagreatthingforElvistodo.Ihopeditwouldencouragehimtogetoutandvaryhisroutineforachange.
WhenIcalledandinvitedhim,however,Elvisdeclined.
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Ifeltstymied.Thiswasdiscouraging.
Shortlyafterward,myfathercalledandmyparentsgotintoaheatedargument.Mymotherwasupsetafterward,afraidthatmyfathermightshowupatthehouse.Shewasn’treadytoseehim.Shedecidedshe’dgotoahotelforthenightand,sinceIwasn’thappyaboutElvisnotwantingtocomeover,Iwentwithher.
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Somuchforthebarbeque.Thatnight,mymotherand
ItalkedaboutmydadforhoursandIdidn’tgetanysleep.Thephoneinourhotelrangaround5A.M.ItwasElvis’saide,Dean,sayinghe’dgottenthenumberfromRosemary.HeputElvisonthephone.
ItoldElviswhereIwasandwhymymotherneededmethere.Thenourconversationturnedbackto
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thebarbeque.ItriedtoexplaintoElvisthatIreallywantedtogethimoutmore.
“Ginger,youhavetounderstand,Ican’tdowhatnormalpeopledo,”hesaid.
Iwasconfusedbythisstatement.Elvishadbeentomyhousebefore.Whywasthissodifferent?Hadhethoughtourbarbequewasgoingtoinvolvemeetingawholebunchofpeople?Thisbarbequehadbeenforjust
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myimmediatefamily.MaybeIhadn’tbeenclearaboutthat;Iexplainedittohimagainoverthephone.
“Oh,well,Ilikehamburgers,”Elvissaideasily.“Maybenexttime.”HeaskedmetocometoGracelandthenandbringmymother.
Dawnwasbreakingwhenwearrived.IwassurprisedwhenIwentupstairsandfoundElvissoundasleep.It
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wasasifhefeltcomforted,knowingwewereonourway.
Itwasabeautifulmorning,soIdecidedtotakeawalkwithmymotheraroundthegroundsbehindGraceland,andendeduptakinghertotheracquetballcourt.Ihadyettoseeitmyself.Wetookaquickpeekinsidethecourt,thenwentbacktothehouse.
BecauseElviswasstillasleepandmymotherandI
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hadn’thadanyrest,ItoldhertogointoLisa’sbedroom.Meanwhile,IlaydownbesideElvis.BeforeIknewit,Iwasoutlikealight.
WhenIwokethatafternoon,Elvisaskedwheremymotherwas.“Lisa’sroom,”Isaidsleepily.
Elvisgotup,wentdownthehall,andbroughtmymotherbackintohisroom.Alwaysrespectfulofher,heapologizedaboutthe
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barbeque.Mymothertoldhimsheunderstood,andtheyhadanicevisit.Ifelthappy,satisfiedthatatleasttheywerespendingsometimetogether,evenifitwasn’tthetimeI’dhopedfor.
•••
Inasolemnmoodonenight,Elvisbroughtupthebookthathisthreeformerbodyguardshadwrittenabout
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him.Ihadnoideawhotheywere.
“JustbecauseI’mapublicfigure,”hesaidadamantly,explainingwhytheguardshadwrittenthebook.“Everyonehasdonegoodthingsandbad,butmostofit’suntrueanyway.”
Elvislookedatmequiteseriouslythen.“Iwanttomakeitclear.It’snotthecontent,buttheprincipleofthethingthathurtsme.”
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“IhelpedmakeDaveHebleraseventh-degreeblackbelt,”hesaid,shakinghishead.“Redgotonanelevatoronceandpunchedaguy.Ithinkthatwentonalot.Theguywasgoingtosueme,”headded.“Ihadlotsoflawsuits.Ididalotforthesepeopleandtheirfamilies.Iboughtthemhomes,helpedputtheirkidsthroughschool.Thefactthattheywouldturnanddothistome...”Elvis
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paused,noticeablyupset.Thenhismoodlifted.“I
knowthegeneralpublicwillstandbehindme,”hesaid.“I’mgonnaletitpassandnotsayanything.”Hefellsilentforanothermoment,thenbecamemorecontemplative.“You’vegottokillitandgetitbehindyou.Ifsomethingeverbothersyou,Ginger,you’vegottokillitandgetitbehindyou.”
“Don’tworry,”Isaid,
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tryingtosoothehim.“Mostpeoplewillseethroughwhat’sinthebook,andyourfanswillstandbehindyou.”
IwouldlearnonlyshortlyafterElvisdied,thatVernonhadfiredthesemenbeforeElvisandIevermet.Atthetime,IhopedonlytoreassureElvis,andIthoughtithelpedbecausethingsreturnedtonormal.Elvisseemedtohavearrivedataplaceinhismindwherehehadfiguredouthow
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tohandlethisseriousbetrayalbypeoplewhohadworkedforhim.Fromthatdayon,Iwouldneverhearanotherwordfromhimaboutthebook.
•••
AsoftenasElvisrefusedtogoout,hewouldsuddenlydecidehewasinthemoodtogooutmoreagain.Sometimeswe’dtakearide
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onhisthree-wheelersandElviswouldevenletmedriveone,whichIlovedtodo.
Elviswouldusuallyracehisthree-wheelerdowntotheSouthlandMallparkinglot,buzzaroundsomehedges,comebacktoGraceland,drivefastbythepool,andjumpthewalkwaytotheracquetballcourt.
Onenight,afterlettingmerideoneofhisthree-wheelers,Elvisgenerously
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offeredtogiveittometokeepatourhome.Ishookmyhead,bemused.Likethehugeself-portraitElvishadoncegivenme,Ihadnospacebigenoughtokeepit.ItoldhimIwouldleaveitatGraceland.
Elvisloveddrivingfastsometimeswhetherhewasonathree-wheeler,amotorcycle,orinacar.Once,IwasheadinghomefromGraceland,ridinginmyCadillaconMt.MoriahRoad
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withElvisatthewheel.Asweapproachedastoplight,itturnedyellow.Elvisgunnedtheacceleratortomakeitthroughtheintersection.
Lookingback,Isawthebodyguardsstuckattheredlight.Elvisdroveon,unaware,andforthenextfewminutes,Ithoughtabouthowniceitfelttobealonewithhim.Iunderstoodheneededextraprotectionbecauseofhiscelebrity,butIdidwish
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therecouldbemoretimeslikethis,whenitseemedliketherewerejustthetwoofusontheroad.
•••
WheneverLisawasatGraceland,hercompanybroughtoutElvis’splayfulside.ElvisandIweresittingonthefrontporchoneafternoonwhenLisabuzzedbyinhergolfcart,askingthe
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twoofustoridewithher.Elvisgotbehindthewheeland,withmeathissideandLisainback,tookoff.
Stillwearinghispajamasandarobe,acigarclenchedbetweenhisteeth,Elvisbarreledclosetothegates,jumpedafewcurbs,thenbuzzedupthedrivewayandtoreoutthebackentrance.Wepassedachurch,thenracedthroughthebackgate,whereElvisstoppedbyhis
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officetotalkwithhisdad,thengotbackonandspedawaywithusagain.Icherishedtimeslikethis,becauseElviswassoclearlyrelaxedandenjoyinghimself.
WhileLisawaswithus,IremindedElvisthatmynieceAmberwasclosetoLisa’sage.IwashappywhenElvissuggestedbringingAmbertoGracelandsothetwogirlscouldmeet.Happily,thetwoofthemhititoff,andLisa
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startedinvitingAmbertoplayandforsleepovers.Thishelpedmefeellikeourtwofamilieswerestartingtoblendatlast,andledmetoknowLisaalittlebetter.
BesidesplayingwithAmberortearingaroundonhergolfcartorElvis’sthree-wheelers,Lisalovedtosing.Sometimes,I’dfindhersittingonthestairwayatGracelandwithAmber,singingFleetwoodMactunes
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like“Dreams.”Shealsolovedtoplaythepiano;someofthefewtimesElvissatdownstairsatGraceland,wastowatchLisaatthekeyboard.
Iplayedpianoalittlebyearmyself.Occasionally,ElviswantedLisaandmetoplaytogetherontheorganinhisofficewhilehelistened.Once,Lisawastalkingonthephonewithhermotherandaskedmetoplaysomethingontheorgan.Sheheldthe
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phonemyway,tellingPriscillatolisten.Embarrassedbymyso-soability,butwantingtopleaseLisa,Ichosesomethingshort.
OneafternoonIarrivedatGracelandtofindElvisinhisroom,seatedinbed.Heshookhisheadinwonderatmeandsaid,“Lisacameintomyroomearlier,walkeduptome,andasked,‘Daddy,youloveGingermorethanyouloveLinda,don’tyou?’I
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toldher,‘Yes,butnowdon’tforgetthatLindawasnicetoyou,shetookyouplacesanddidalotofthingsforyou.’Shesaid,‘Iknow,I’mjusthappy.’”Elvismadeawalkingmovementwithhisfingers,andadded,“Sheskippedoutoftheroom.”
ItwasniceofElvisnottowantLisatothinklessofLindajustbecausehewaswithme,Ithought,andIcouldseehowrelievedhe
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wasthatLisaapprovedofme.Iwasglad,too.I’dbeenhopingthatmanyofthepeoplearoundElvis,especiallyhisfamily,wouldcometoacceptme,butnoonewasmoreimportantinthisregardthanLisa.
IhadyettotellanyoneoutsidemyfamilyandclosefriendsaboutourengagementandElvishadstillyettotellLisa.Iworemyengagementringmostofthetimeat
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Graceland,rarelytakingitoffbuttowashmyface.However,becausetheringwassovaluable,sometimesIfeltsafer,whengoinghome,toleaveitinthejewelryboxElvishadgivenme.
Severaldayslater,however,IhappenedtobeinLisa’sroomwhenshecameuptomeandaskedifherdaddyandIweregoingtogetmarried.
Myanswernearlygot
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caughtinmythroat,thinkingsomeonemusthavetoldheraboutourengagement.“Ihopeso,”Itoldher,completelycaughtoffguard.IknewhowmuchElviswantedtotellheratthe“righttime,”andIdidn’twanttojumpthegun.
Rightaway,shecalledmeher“secondmommy.”Lisa’sinnocent,pureacceptanceofmemademefeelreallygood.Later,Ilearnedthatthe
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reasonLisahadaskedmeaboutourmarriagewasbecauseshe’dbeenplayinginmybathroomwithoneofherfriendswhenIwasawayandshe’dseenmyengagementringinmyjewelrybox.Herfriendhadbeentheonewho’dexplainedtoherwhattheringmeant.
Asafather,IknewElvishadbeenanxiousabouttellingher,butIalsoknewthatLisaknowingaboutour
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engagement,andacceptingit,wouldsurelymakethingseasierforElvisasithadnowforme.IwentintothebedroomandtoldhimaboutwhathadjusthappenedwithLisa.Hislook,amixtureofsurpriseandrelief,seemedtosay,“Okay...thecat’soutofthebagnow,I’lltalktoLisa...herewego.”
Shortlyafterthat,Lisajoinedus.CallingmeMommy,shegiggled,and
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thensaidthatshewasgoingtocallmeMommyeveninfrontofhermother.
ElvisandIexchangedlooksthatsaidexactlythesamething:“Thatwillgooverwell.”Ididn’tliketothinkabouthowPriscillamightrespondtothis,andI’msureElvisdidn’teither.ButatleastourconcernaboutwhateffectthiswouldhaveonLisahadbeencompletelyunnecessary.Lisaclearly
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seemedfineabouttheideaofusgettingmarried.
•••
TherewasafairlynewamusementparkinMemphiscalledLibertyland,andonedayIdecideditwouldbefuntotakeLisaandAmberthere.
“CanLisago?”IaskedElvis.
Hesaiditwasfineanddidn’tmentionanything
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abouthavingabodyguardwithus.Iassumedthiswasbecausehefeltmorerelaxedaboutsecurityinourhometown.
Terrywasaway,butIinvitedmymotherandRosemarytocomealong,astheyhadyettomeetLisa.WedrovetoGracelandfromourhousetogether.Lisawasreadyandwaitingforus,sittingonthefrontporchandwearingaswimsuit,flip-
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flops,andashirtwrappedaroundherwaist.
AfterparkingatLibertyland,wewerewalkingtowardtheentrancewhenacouplestoppedus.“IsthatLisaPresley?”theyasked.
Iwasstartled.ItstillamazedmethatLisawassoeasilyrecognizedbythepublic.Wehadagreattimeontherides,andonthewayhome,westoppedatalocal7-Elevenstore.
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LisaandAmberjumpedoutofthecarbeforeIdid,butthenLisastopped.Shehadtohaveanolderpersonwithher,shesaid,andIwasrelievedtoseethatshe’dalreadydevelopedasenseofcautionthatmostkidsheragelacked.Shewasalwaysgoingtoneedtoprotectherselfinwaysmostofusneverhavetothinkabout.
Afewdayslater,IwasleavingGracelandtogohome
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whenLisaaskedifshecouldcomewithmetoseeAmber.Itookherwithmeandthetwoofthemplayedalittle.
WhenshesawOdyssey,myGreatDane,Lisadecidedonthespotthatshewantedapuppy.Ihesitated.Iknewthiswouldbeabigundertaking,especiallybecauseLisawasatGracelandonlypart-time.
“You’llhavetoaskyourfatherfirst,”Isaid.
“It’sokay,”shesaid.“I
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don’thavetoaskhim.”Iwasalittletakenaback,
butamusedbyherattempttoswayme.“Well,thestoresareclosedrightnowanyway.”
Shegavemealookofbewilderment,andnowonder:WhenElvisshopped,peopleopenedstoresespeciallyforhim.
“Westillhavetoaskyourfather,”Irepeated.
Shesmiled,butIcouldtell
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mywordsdidn’tsittoowellwithher.Shethentookanearbypenandapieceofpaper,writing“comeon,”andafewchoicewordsofprotest.
Ibeganticklingherandshestartedtolaugh.Everythingwasgoodagain.Later,whenItookLisabacktoGraceland,sheseemedtohaveforgottenallaboutwantingapuppyandnevermentionedittoElvis.
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ThemoretimeIspentwithLisa,themoreawareIbecamethatLisaknewfullwellwhataspecialplacesheheldintheworldasElvis’sdaughter.Shehadthequalitiesofaleaderandgenerallytookchargewhenevershewasplayingwithotherchildren,includingAmber.
Once,oneofthechildrenLisahadbeenplayingwithcameupandtoldElvisthat
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Lisahadcalledhisnurse,Tish,aninappropriatename.ElvisimmediatelyaskedLisatoseehiminhisbedroom.
Ashegentlybeganreprimandingher,Lisastartedtocry,andElvislookedhurt.Ididn’tknowwhowasmoreupsetbythescolding—LisaorElvis.
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CHAPTER25
Asthesummerprogressed,ElviscontinuedtospendhistimerelaxingatGracelandandeverysooften,atmyparents’home.Duringoneofhisunannouncedvisitstoourhouse,Elvissteppedintoourfoyerandourpoodle,which
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he’dnicknamedMudFacebecauseofthedog’smarkings,beganhumpinghisleg.
WithMudFaceclingingtohim,Elvisstartedlaughingandproceededtowalkintoourden.“Getoffme,MudFace,”hesnapped,stillsmiling,“orI’llknockyourdickstiff.”
Mymotherandafriendofhersweresittingintheden.IwasusedtoElvis’soff-color
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languagebynow,whichhetypicallycurtailedabitinfrontofmymom,butnowtheybothstaredathim.
“Elvis,thisistheminister’swife,”mymothersaid.
Withasheepishsmile,heimmediatelyapologized.
Mymotherlaughed.“Iwasjoking,”shesaid.
Reliefsweptoverhisface.Elvisvisitedwithusforawhileandwasniceenoughto
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gointothemusicroomtoplaythepianoandsingforus.
Afewnightslater,Elviswantedtotakemeintohistrophyroomagain.Therewassomuchtosee,andIwassuretherewouldbeevenmorenewthingsnow.Hegavemeateddybearfromoneoftheshelvesandaframedblack-and-whitephotoofhimselftakenwhenhewasyounger.Aswewerelookingatacolorphototaken
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ofhimonthesetofthemovieCharro!,IcasuallymentionedthatIlikedwesterns,whichI’doftenwatchedwithmydad,andElvisgavemethatphotographaswell.
“Youknow,”Elvissaidaswecontinuedthroughtheroom,“ifanythingeverhappenstome,IwantyouandLisatotakepeopleontoursthroughthetrophyroom.”
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Ididn’tthinkmuchaboutthestatementatthetime.Itwasjustanoffhandremark.Elviswasayoungman.InallthetimeIknewhim,henevertalkedaboutdeathorseemedtoactlikehewasworriedthathemightnothavealonglife.Thatnight,Iknewhewasreferringtoatimeinthedistantfuture,andthatthiswasElvis’swayofsayingthathesawushavingalifetogether.Ittouchedmethat
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hewantedtoinvolvemeasoneoftheguardiansofhislegacy.
Beforeleavingthetrophyroom,Elvisalsogavemehisninth-degreeblackbeltkaratecertificate.IthadbeenpresentedtohimonhisbirthdayandwassignedbyEdParker.
Anothernightthatsummer,thetwoofusweresittinginElvis’sbedwhenhegotuptousetherestroom,
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suddenlyturnedaround,andannounced,“I’dlikeustohaveourpicturetakenprofessionally.”
Ismiled,thinkingthiswouldbegreat.MyfamilyandIhadalwaysrespectedElvis’sprivacyandrefrainedfromphotographinghim,otherthanthefewsnapshotsI’dtakeninHawaii.Ihadveryfewpicturesofthetwoofustogether.
“I’dreallylikethat,too,”I
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replied.Elvissmiledbackand
said,“Ineedtolosesomeweight,”thencontinuedintothebathroom.
Iwassurprised.ThiswasthefirsttimeI’deverheardElvismentionanythingdirectlytomeabouthisweight.
Whenyou’rewithsomeonealmosteveryday,youdon’treallynoticethatperson’sweightfluctuations.
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Although,onoccasion,IdidnoticethatElvisappearedtolookalittlethinnerafterashowfromlosingfluidbyperspiring.BecauseElvisstruggledwithfluidretentionandoccasionallygotcortisoneshotsforpain,Ihadneverlookedathimasbeingthatoverweight.Therewerejustsomedayswhenheseemedabitbloated.Ifhewantedtolosesomeweight,Iwantedtohelphim.Iknewit
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wouldbebetterforhishealthinthelongrunifheprobablydidloseafewpounds.
Laterthatnight,Elvishadsomeicecreamsentuptotheroom.AsIlookedatthesmallmountainsoficecreaminthebowl,Iwondered,Whataboutlosingweight?IknewthemaidswereunawarethathewantedtoshedafewpoundsandIfeltcompelledtosaysomethinghere.
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“Elvis,youjustsaidyouwantedtoloseweight,”Ipointedout.“Youdon’tneedtoeatthaticecream.”
Withoutsayingaword,hethrewthebowlagainstthewallandthenglaredatmewithanger.Thishurtme,andalthoughIfeltmyangerrising,too,Ikeptmycool,gotdownonthefloor,andbegancleaningup.Asdifficultasthatmomentwas,IwasstillgladI’dchosento
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speakupratherthanremainsilent.Ilookedattheicecreamonthefloorasanothersmallwin,ifonlybecausenowElviscouldn’teatit.
Elvissulkedforabit,andcontinuedtoremainquietasIcalledoneofthemaidstocomeupstairsandhelpfinishcleaningup.Icouldonlyimaginewhatshethought.Iremainedquietaswellforalittlewhileafterthemaidleft,andElvisfinallysaidthathe
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wassorry.Iacceptedhisapology.Iknewitwashardforhimtoadmittoanyweakness.Becausehe’dsaidhewassorry,Ididthinkthat,deepdownatleast,herecognizedIhadspokenupbecauseIwastryingtodosomethinggoodforhimoutoflove.
•••
BythemiddleofJuly,the
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weatherhadturnedveryhot.Elvisbegantalkingabouthowmymother’shomewasnowtakencareofandhowthenextstepwouldbetoputinapoolandsomelandscaping.HeaskedmetoinvitemymotherandRosemaryoversothathecoulddiscussthis,butdidn’twantmetotellthemhisplanyet.
Elviswasinalighthearted,funmoodthatday,whichled
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himtowanttoplayasmalljokeonthetwoofthem.HeaskedAlStradatorunouttoMcDonald’sforsomegiftcertificates.
WhenmymotherandRosemaryarrived,Elvisinvitedthemuptohisofficeandgavethemahug.Theytookaseatononeofthecouchesintheroom.
IfollowedElvisovertohisdesk.HesatdownandwebeganwaitingforAl.
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Meanwhile,tryingtocreatesuspense,Elvisoccasionallywhisperedafewthingstome.IcouldbarelysuppressagigglebecauseIcouldtellbytheirfacesthatmymomandsisterwerewonderingwhatintheworldwasgoingon.
IttookAlalongtime.ElviswasgrowingimpatientwhenAlfinallyreturned.“Wherewereyou?”Elvisdemanded.
“Igotaspeedingticket,”
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Alconfessed.HehandedElvisthecertificates.
OfcoursemymotherandRosemarycouldn’tseewhattheywere.Elvismadeabigshowofwriting“fiftycents”oneachgiftcertificate,thenaskedRosemaryandmymothertostandup.Hewalkedtowardthem,hidingthecertificatesbehindhisback.
“Holdoutyourhands,”hesaidsolemnly.
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Whentheycomplied,Elvisplacedacertificate,facedown,ineachoftheirpalms.Thecertificateslookedlikechecks.
WhenmymotherandRosemaryturnedoverthecertificates,theyburstoutlaughing.
Elvisgotthebiggestkickoutofhisjoke.Afterafewminutes,though,hesaid,“ThosearejusttheFrenchfries.HereareyourBig
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Macs.”HethenhandedagenerouschecktomymotherandanotheronetoRosemary.
Overwhelmed,theyhuggedandthankedhim.Myjawdropped.Elvishadn’tletmeinonthispartofthejoke.HemusthavewrittenthechecksoutbeforehandbecauseIneversawhimdoit.
Reassuringmymotherthatshewouldn’thaveanymorefinancialworriesnow,Elvis
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toldherthatherhomehadbeentakencareofandallhehadlefttodowasputinthepoolandlandscaping.“Iwanttosetupabankaccountforyou,too,sothatyouwon’thavetoworkfull-time,”hesaid.
Then,lookingatRosemary,Elvisadded,“I’mgoingtohaveJoeputyouonthepayroll,toaccompanyGingerontours,toassisther.”
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Thethreeofuswerestunnedintosilence.Whatcouldwesaytothis?
Shortlyafterthat,Elvismentionedthathethoughthisthroatmightbegettingalittlesore.
Mymothersaid,“Letmefeelyourforehead,”andheleanedtowardher.Puttingherpalmuptohisforehead,shesaid,“Youdofeelalittlewarm.”
Fromhissmile,Icouldtell
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heappreciatedmymother’ssincereattentionandconcern.Isurehopedhewasn’tgettingsick.
Thephonebuzzed.Elvisansweredit,thensaid,“Let’sgodownstairs.”
Wefollowedhim,wonderingwhathehaduphissleevenow.
Sureenough,Elviswasn’tfinishedastoundinguswithhisgenerosity.Parkednexttotheporchwasabrand-new
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greenTR-6convertible.“Thisisforyou,Ginger,”hesaid.“IboughtthelastoneinMemphis.”Ihaveanewcar?Iwas
blownawayandecstatic.Lookinginside,though,Isawthatthecarhadamanualtransmission.ThenIwasconcerned.Myfatherhadoncetriedteachingmehowtodriveamanual,butIwasnoexpert.
Determinedtomastermy
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newcardespitethisobstacle,IgaveElvisahugandjumpedintothedriver’sseat,askingRosemarytojoinmeforaspin.Ibeganinchingmywaydownthedriveway,lurching,braking,andpraying.
Lookingbackafewminuteslater,IsawElvisstandingbesidemymotherontheporch,thetwoofthemlaughing.Imadeitoutthebackentranceandthen
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lurchedtoastop,momentarilybaffled.Iwasunabletofigureouthowtomakethecargoforwardorinreverse.
Afansuddenlyjumpedoutofnowhereandsnappedourpicture.Iwasfinewithhavingmypicturetaken,butembarrassedabouthavinganyoneseemejerkupanddowntheroadinthisnewcar.Onethingwasforsure:Iwasn’tabouttomakeahasty
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getaway.Whenwereturnedtothe
house,itwasstartingtogetdark.LisawasatGracelandandhadbeenridingaroundonhergolfcart.Shezoomedoverandstoppedwhenshesawus,askingmymotherandRosemarytojoinher.TheyclimbedintothecartandIlaughedasshetookoffwithmymotherandsister,whosefacesbetrayedmorethanahintoffear.
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Whiletheyweregone,ItoldElvishowmuchIappreciatedthemoneyhe’dgivenmymotherandsisterandthenewcar,too,butremindedhimthathedidn’tneedtokeepbuyingmethingstoshowhecared.Healreadyhadmyheart.Worriedabouthisthroat,Iaskedhimhowitfeltandhesaidhefeltbetter.Iwasglad.
Beforelong,mymotherandRosemaryjoinedus
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again.Theywerelaughingandsaidthey’dhadquitetheexperience,chasingthehorsesaroundoutbackonLisa’sgolfcart.ElvisthendecidedhewantedtoshowusatapeaboutPresidentKennedy’sassassination,whichhesaidthecomedianMortSahlhadgivenhim.
“Mortdidn’twantitbecausehetoldmehewasgettingdeaththreats,”Elvissaid.Iwasintriguedand
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rememberedElvisoncementioningKennedy’sassassinationtome,aftercomingbackfromour“firstdate”toLasVegas.
Thatnight,ElvisshowedusatapethatcontainedstillshotsofwhatlookedlikeagunmaninabushbythegrassyknollinDallas,Texas.HestartedtellingusaboutsomethingcalledtheGemstoneFile,aconspiracytheorysurrounding
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Kennedy’sdeath.IwasfascinatedasElvistalkedaboutthistheory.HewasconvincedthatLeeHarveyOswalddidn’tactaloneonthattragicday.IfoundmyselfwonderingifwhatElvissaidwastrue.
•••
ElviscontinuedtopresentmewithonesurpriseafteranotherthatJuly.Lateone
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nighthesuddenlyannouncedthathewantedtogolookatweddingdresses.IgotexcitedasElvisphonedBillySmith,toldhimwhatwewantedtodo,andaskedhimtocomeup.
ElvisandIweresittingonthebedinhisroom.WhenBillywalkedin,Elvispointedhisfingerathimandstartedtalkingtohimaboutourwedding.“Thisisthebigone,Billy.Afterthis,therewon’t
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beanother.Thistimeit’sgonnaberight,man.It’sgonnablowsomepeopleaway.”
HeaskedBillytogetJo,too.IneversawElvischangeclothessoquickly.ThenthefourorusclimbedintoElvis’sStutzandcruisedthemostlyemptystreets.IwasnearlytremblingwithexcitementafterhearingElvistalksoopenlyaboutourmarriage.Hadhefinallyhad
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asignthatthetimewasrighttosetadate?
Beforelong,wedroveovertoUnionAvenue,whereJothoughttherewasabridalshop.Wepassedaboutiqueand,whenhenoticedsomebridalgownsinthewindow,Elvispulledover.
HeandIgotoutwhileBillyandJooptedtostayinthecar.“Whichonesdoyoulike?”Elvisaskedaswestoodinfrontofthewindow
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andadmiredthegowns.Wetalkedaboutthe
dresses,tryingtogetsomeideasforadesign.Afterward,wedrovearoundabitmore,hopingtoseesomemoregownsinstorewindows.Unabletofindanymore,wereturnedtoGracelandbeforelong.WesaidgoodnighttoBillyandJo,thenwentupstairs,whereElvis’sgoodmoodexpandedashecontinuedtotalkaboutour
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wedding.“I’dliketohavethe
ceremonyperformedinanondenominationalchurch,”hesaid,“achurchshapedlikeapyramid.Charlietoldmesomethingaboutachurchshapedlikeapyramiddownbytheriver.Whatdoyouthink?”heasked.
RememberingthatElvisthoughtpyramidscontainedaspecialenergy,Ithoughtthechurchsoundedmagical.
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“Thatsoundsreallynice,Elvis,”Ireplied.Myheartwaspoundinghard.Thiswasforreal!Elvishadachurchpickedout!He’deventalkedtosomeoneelseaboutit!
ElvismentionedanotherchurchonSummerAvenue,thensaid,“WecouldhaveourreceptioninVail,Colorado,oratGraceland.”
IhadneverbeentoVail.“Thatwouldbeamazing,”Isaid.“I’dlovetogotoVail.”
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Heaskedmetostartmakingoutaninvitationlistforthewedding.Ifoundapenandpaperandbeganwritingdownthenamesofsomefriendsandfamilymembers.Stillalittlegiddyfromtheconversation,mymindwasspinning.Itwasn’teasytothinkofeveryoneinthatstateofmind,soIputthepaperinthedrawerofmynighttabletoreturntolater.
Allalong,Elvishadbeen
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sayingthatGodwouldcomethroughandtellhimwhenthetimewasrightforustomarry.HisdeepspiritualitymadehimfeelthatGodwasworkingthroughhim,andIappreciatedhisbelief.Thisnighthadbeenarevelation,atimefilledwithpromiseandexcitementasweplannedourfuturetogether.Iwenttobedearlythatmorning,happilythinkingthatatlastElvisfelttherighttimeforustomarry
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wasdrawingnear.
•••
I’dbeenspendingsomuchtimeatGracelandortouringwithElvisforthepasteightmonthsthatIhadn’treallyseenmuchofmyfriends.Oneday,though,IdecidedtotakemyfriendDebbieovertoGraceland.Shehadacomicalsideandwasalotoffun.
WhenDebbiesaidshe’d
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lovetomeetElvisinperson,Ishookmyhead.“He’sasleep,”Isaid.
Shewantedtoseehimsobadly,though,thatIfinallyrelentedandledherupstairs.Debbiequietlytiptoedintohisroomandwentrightuptothebed.
Elviswasfacingtheoppositeway.Asmyfriendleanedovertopeerathim,Isuddenlyrememberedhisgun,lyingonthefloornextto
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thebed.“Becareful,”Iwhispered.
“Ifhewakesup,it’llscarehim,andnotellingwhatwouldhappen.”
Weretreateddownstairs,whereweranintoLisa.Shewantedtotakeusforarideonhergolfcart.ThetwoofusheldonfordearlifeasLisaspedmerrilyaroundthegroundsandthroughthepasturesofGraceland.
Anotherafternoon,oneof
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mydearestfriends,Peggy,askedmeifI’dgowithheronenighttolistentosomemusicatanearbyclub.Ihadn’tseenherinquiteawhile,soIwashappytogo.
WhenItoldElvisaboutmyplan,hesaid,“Idon’tmindifyougo,butdon’tstayouttoolate.”
PeggyandIbothhadacocktailattheclub.Afterward,IbroughthertoGracelandtomeetElvis.It
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wasn’tlate,butwhenwewalkedupstairs,Elviswassittinginbed,dressedasusualinpajamasandarobe.Isuddenlyworriedabouthowhe’dfeel,havingafriendofmineseehimthiscasuallydressed,butafterIintroducedthem,Elvispolitelysaid,“AnyfriendofGinger’sisafriendofmine.”
PeggysatdowninthechairacrossfromhisbedandIsatbesidehim.“Yousmell
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likeabrewery,”Elvissaid,lookingatme.
Myfaceflushedredwithembarrassment.I’donlyhadonedrinkearlierandfeltIhadn’tdoneanythingwrong.
Forasplitsecond,Peggyhadanexpressionthattelegraphed,“Oops,hopehe’snotmadatme.”Butshehastilytriedtosmooththingsover.“Congratulationsonyourengagement,”shesaid.
“Thankyou,”Elvissaid.
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PeggyhadtakenkarateclassesatMemphisStateUniversity,soshestartedtalkingwithElvisabouthisowninterestinkarate.Theyhadagoodconversation,andIrelaxed.
Elvisplayedtheorganforheralittlelater.Bythenitwaslate,sotryingtoactmorelike“theladyofthehouse,”IdecidedtoinvitePeggytosleepover.Weputherinoneoftheroomsdownstairs.Ifelt
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content,knowingshewasthere.PeggywasthefirstfriendI’deverhadstayovernightatGraceland.
•••
Iwasn’ttotallyonElvis’ssleepscheduleandsometimeswokebeforehedid.Oneday,whileElviswasstillsleeping,IdecidedtoventuretothepoolbehindGracelandandtakeaswimbymyself,just
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forsomethingtodo.Ihadn’tbeeninthewaterverylongwhentheguardHaroldwalkedby.
Lookingatme,heasked,“Excuseme,whoareyou?”
“I’mGinger,”Isaid.Haroldlaughedand
apologized.“Youlookmuchshorterinthewater.”
Ilaughed,too,butIwasalittlepuzzled.DidIlooktaller,sittinginthecar?
I’dspentsomuchtime
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withElvisthatI’donlyeverseentheguardsVesterandHaroldwhileIwasdrivinginandoutofthegates.I’dhopedtogettoknoweveryonewholivedandworkedatGracelandbetterbynow,butitwasn’talwayseasy,sinceIspentmostofmytimeupstairswithElvis.CertainlywhenIbecameElvis’swifeandlivedatGraceland,though,thatwouldchange.Ilooked
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forwardtoknowingthemallbetter.
AtGraceland,IusuallyleftmySevilleparkedoutfront.Oneafternoon,ElvisandIwerereturningfromadriveinhisStutzwhenIsawDeanwashingmycar.IknewElvismusthaveaskedhimtodothis,andIwassurprised,asonceagainitwasonlydusty.Itookgoodcareofmycars.However,IwasstartingtounderstandhowElviskept
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hiscarslookingsopristine:Itwaseasywhenotherswerewashingthemforyou.NowElviswasdoingthesameformewithmycar.
Deandidn’tsayanythingasElvisandIwalkedby.IknewElviswaspayinghim,butbythelookonDean’sface,Iknewhewasn’tenjoyingthisparticularchore.Ihopedhewouldn’tresentmeforElvishavinghimdothis.Deanwasanotherperson
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Iwouldhavetogettoknowbetterovertime,Idecided.
•••
Oneday,ElvisandIwerereadingthroughsomespiritualbookswhenhebroughtupascripthehopedtodoasafilm.“It’scalledTheMission,”hesaid.
Elvisdidn’ttalkindetailabouttheplot,butmycuriositywasaroused.Ashe
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continuedtalkingaboutthescript,IunderstoodthatElvissawitasanextensionofwhathehadbeentryingtodowithhismusic.Themoviewouldhaveaspiritualthemeandwouldparallelthebookshehadbeenstudying.ElvisevenmentionedthatthereweresmallpartsforTerry,Rosemary,andme.HethoughthehadacopyofthescriptintheatticandIfollowedhimtheretotryto
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findit.Theatticwasfilledwithracksofclothing,aswellassometrunksandboxes.Elvisbeganlookingthroughabox,buthewasunsureofwherethescriptwas,sowereturnedtohisbedroombeforetoolong.
“Wouldyouliketomakemoremovies?”Iasked.
Elvisfrownedalittle.“I’dreallyliketodoaseriousone,”hesaid,“anotheronewithoutsinging.”Ihadnot
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seenallofElvis’sfilms.“Whichonedidn’tyousingin?”Iasked.
“Charro!,”hereplied.Ihopedthatonedayhe
wouldlookforthisscriptagain,andthathisdreamtodothiswouldcometrue.
Anothernight,IwasinmybathroomatGracelandwhenthephoneonthewallabovethetoiletrang.ItwasElvis,askingmetocomeintohisbedroom.
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Islidthefoldingdooraside,walkedintothebedroom,andsawCharlie,hishandscoveredinblood,hoveringoverElvisasherelaxedinbed.
“Whathappened?”Igasped.
“Charlie’sbeendrinkingandsmashedhishandsthroughaglasswindow,somewhere,forsomereason,”Elvissaid,shakinghishead.“He’scuthis
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knuckles.”IrealizedthatElvis
wantedmetoseethis,butIhadnoideawhy.IhadcometoseeCharlieasajack-of-all-tradeswhowoulddoanythingforElvis,fromcoloringhishairtohelpingoutonstage.Whatwouldpossesshimtopunchoutawindow?Iwondered,andshudderedalittle,rememberingtheincidentwhereCharliehadbeen
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drinkingandaskedElvistohithim.
Withoutsayingaword,Charlieturned,wentoutthedoor,andstarteddownstairs.Suddenly,weheardathud.
ElvisquicklygotupandIfollowedhimtothestairlanding.Charliewaslyinginthefoyer,laughing.LookingdownatCharlie,Elvissaid,“Charlie,getup.Youlooklikeaworm.”
Twoaidesheardthe
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commotionandquicklycametoassistCharlietohisfeet.“I’msickofthisshit,”Elvistoldme,andspunonhisheeltoreturntothebedroom.
AsIfollowedhim,Ifiguredthenurse,Tish,wouldmostlikelybegettingalate-nightvisitfromCharlie.
Elvistookaseatonhisbedandpickedupabook.“There’sgonnabechangesaroundhere,Gingerbread,”hesaid.
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Isensedhewasn’tjusttalkingaboutredecoratingGracelandthistime.
I’dbeenatGracelandafewdaysstraightbythen.Thenextmorning,ItoldElvisthatIneededtogohometogetmoreclothesandcheckonOdyssey.Luckily,mymomandsistershelpedmeoutbytakingcareofmydogwheneverIneededthemto,butIwantedtotakemyshareoftheresponsibilityfor
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him.“Idon’twantyoutogo,”
Elvissaid.“I’llbealone.”He’dneversaidthistome
before.KnowingthatsomanyotherslivedandworkedatGraceland,IhadtowonderhowElviscouldfeelalone.“Elvis,youhavemorepeoplearoundyouherethanIhaveathome,”Isaid.
“They’renotmyfriends,”Elvissaid,surprisingmewithhiscandor.“Doyouthinkifit
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weren’tfortheirpaychecks,they’dstillbearound?”
Iwonderedwhohemeant.Washedoubtingtheloyaltyofsomeofthepeoplearoundhimastruefriends?Iknewthereweretimeshe’dbeendispleasedaboutvariousthingsandhe’dalsothoughtsomepeopleweren’tdoingtheirjobsontourandevenathome.Elvishadevenmentionedfiringafew.Heoncecomplainedtomethat
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someaidesweren’twheretheyweresupposedtobeandthencalledBillySmithup,askinghimtospeakwiththem.Goingdownstairslater,IsawBillyreprimandingafewoftheguysatthediningroomtable.
Iwantedtoallayhismood,soIdecidedtostayonemorenight.Thenextday,Elvisdidn’tprotestasIstartedtoleave.However,whenIwentdownstairsand
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outtomycar,Iwasshockedtoseethattheairinallfourofmytireshadbeenletout.
IwentbackupstairsandfoundElvishidingonthefloorbymysideofthebed,laughing.“Iwastryingtogetyoutostay,”hesaid.
Shakingmyhead,Igavehimalightkissonthecheek.Thiswasnowturningintoahumorousbattleofwills.Iwasreadytoplay.Well,
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watchthis,Ithought.Igotintomycar,drove
slowlythroughthegates,andmadeittothenearestgasstation.IthoughtofElvishidingandlaughing.Asanattendantputairintomytires,Icouldn’thelpbutsmile.
•••
BynowitwasAugust,andwithmyparents’divorcemovingforward,aspartof
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theagreement,Elvis’slawyerhadaskedmyfathertosignaquitclaimdeedturningourhomeovertomymother.Truetohispromise,Elvispaidmyfatherhisequityinthehousesothepropertycouldbelongsolelytomymother.NoneofusknewhowwecouldeverthankElvisenoughforsuchamagnanimousgesture.
OnAugust3,IwasatGracelandwhenmymother
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calledtoletusknowthatahugetruckcarryingtwolargepinoaktreeshadpulleduptoourhome.Thetreeswereplantedoneachsideofourfrontwalk.Acoupleofdayslater,landscapersarrivedtoplantthreemoretreesandfivecrepemyrtleshrubs.
Elviswantedtoseeournewlandscaping.OnAugust6,heandIleftGracelandandwenttomyhousewithCharlie.Whenwearrived,
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Elvisstoodonourfrontwalkforafewminutes,proudlysurveyingthenewgreenery.
Afterward,wevisitedwithmymotherandsistersatthehouseforawhile.“Now,Mrs.Alden,yourmortgageistakencareofandthetreesarein,”Elvissaidatonepoint.“Allyouneedisthepoolinstalled,andtheyshouldbestartingitsoon.”
Elviswasinagreatmood.Beforelong,hesaidto
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Charlie,“Let’sdoalittlesinging,”andwefollowedthemintoourmusicroom.
CharliesatdownatthepianoandElvisbegansinging“HowGreatThouArt”withsuchpower,itfeltliketheroofwouldblowoff.“Listentothis,”hesaidafewtimes,wantingmyfamilytowitnesshowhecouldhitcertaindifficulthighandlownotes.Afterward,hesang“UnchainedMelody,”andit
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cutrightthroughme.Thespellwasbroken
whenmybrother’stwo-and-a-half-year-olddaughter,Allison,whohadbeennappinginanotherroom,begantocry.
Elvisheardherandwalkeddownthehalltomymother’sroom.IfollowedhimandsawAllisonlyingonthebed,sobbing.Elviswalkeduptoher,bentover,andkissedheronthe
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forehead.Mymothercameinthen.
ShepickedAllisonupandcarriedherintotheden,whereshesatonthesofawithAllisoninherlap.Elvistookaseatbesidethem.HebeganticklingAllison,tryingtomakeherlaugh.Then,makingsomefunnymotionswithhishands,heplayfullysaid,“Whoopwoo,whoopwoo,Daddy!”
Allisonfinallystarted
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laughing.Elviscontinuedthisgameforafewminutes,clearlygettingakickoutofmakingmyniecesmile.AwarmfeelingcameovermeasIwatchedthisandimaginedhavingachildwithhim,thinkinghowwonderfulitwouldbe.
Later,wewentintoRosemary’sroom,wherewesatwithRosemaryonherbedandtalkedaboutnumerologyandlife.Elviswassobusy
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thinkingandtalkingthathequicklyaskedRosemaryforapenandpaper.
Shehandedhimacoupleofsheetsofyellowstationeryfromapadnearby.Elviswrotesomenumbersandlettersdownonthem,tryingtoexplainthingstousashewentalong.
Asalways,Elviswasenjoyingtheprocessoflookingforwordsinsidewords,andfindingaspecial
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significanceincertainthings.Hesharedsomeofhisdiscoveriesaboutnumberswithus,andwhathethoughtitmeantifthenumberswereinacertainorder.Forinstance,usingthemarkofthebeast,threesixes,Elvisaddedthenumberstogether,whichtotalednine,andexplainedthisnumbersymbolizedwaranddestruction.Meanwhile,thenumbersevenwasa“God-
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like”number,Elvissaid,becausewithinitwascontainedtheword“Eve.”
Elvisentertainedtheideathatnumbersinfluencedone’slife,andIwasfascinated,asalways,tohearwhatwasgoingoninsidehishead.
Later,Ibroughtinaphotoalbumthatincludedsomepageantpicturesofme.Aswewerelookingthroughthephotographs,Elvistookoneout,flippeditover,and
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wrote,“Godgavemetoyou,Godgaveyoutome,”onthebackofthephotograph.Itwouldbeoneofthemanyspecialthingsforeverdearinmyheart.
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CHAPTER26
AsmuchasElvislovedbeingathome,afewdayslaterheannounced,“I’vebeenofftoolong.”Iknewitwasinhisbloodtoperformandoneofthethingsthatmadehimthehappiest.
Hisfansobviouslywanted
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toseehimasmuchashewantedtoseethem.TherewereusuallyfansattheGracelandgates,andpeopletriedtofollowhimanywherehewentiftheyhappenedtospotElvisoutandabout.IneverheardElviscomplainaboutthisorturndownanautograph.
However,earlyoneevening,thetwoofuswentoutsidetositonthefrontporch.Theguardshadleftthe
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frontgatesopen,unawarethatElvisandIhadcomeout,andasmallcrowdwasgatheredatthefootofthedriveway.
Suddenly,afewfansbeganinchingtheirwaycloserupthedrivewaytowardus.IglancedoveratElvis,whowasdressedinhisrobeandpajamas.Helookedattheadvancingfanswithoutaword,thenstoodupandmovedhischairbehindoneofthecolumns.Afew
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minuteslater,hetookhisjugofwaterandcigarandabruptlystoodup.
“Let’sgobackinside,”hesaid.
Elvishadbeencaughtinaninternaltug-of-warbetweenhisinstincttoembracehisfansandhisownneedforprivacy.Hadthegatesbeenclosed,I’msureElviswouldhavestayedoutlongeronthatwarmsummereveningbutheacceptedthis
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aspartofhislifeandIacceptedthisaspartofmylifewithhim.
Anotherevening,ElvissaidhewantedtotakeLisaandmetoLibertyland.Iwasthrilled,especiallybecauseAmberwasalsoatGracelandthatnightandIknewhowmuchthetwogirlslovedtheamusementpark.TheygrewquiteexcitedwhenItoldthemourplan.
Anhourwentby,then
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another.Itwasgettinglate.Itookthegirlsintomybathroomtohelpthemgetready,whereIstyledLisa’shairinabunandthethreeofusgotdressed.Wewereallanxioustoleaveandhavefun.
WhenIwalkedoutofthebathroomtolookforElvis,however,Ifoundhimstillinhispajamasandinbed.“I’vedecidednottogo,”hesaid.
Ifeltreallyfrustrated.
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Elvishadcanceledourplanstogooutatthelastminutemanytimes,simplybecausehehadjustchangedhismind.Ihadbeendisappointedbythisunpredictablebehaviorbefore,butthistimeIwasmoreupset.Goingtotheamusementparkwouldbeagoodthingforhimtodo,andIknewhowmuchthegirlswerelookingforwardtoit.
RememberingsomethingElvishadoncesaidtome,I
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decidedtochallengehim.“Elvis,Ithoughtyouoncetoldmethatyoucoulddoanything,”Isaid,thensilentlywaitedforhisreaction.
“GetGeorgeKleinonthephone,”hesaid.
Victory!WecontactedGeorge.Myspiritsquicklysank,though,asIheardElvis’sendoftheconversationandrealizedGeorgewastellinghimtheworkersatLibertylandhad
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eithergonehomeorwerepreparingtocloseupthepark.
Theytalkedforafewmoreminutes,thenElvishungup.Georgecalledbackalittlelater,however,tosaytheemployeeswouldstaylateandkeeptheparkopen.Victoryagain!
Suddenly,Elviswasinanupbeatmood.Heaskedmetoinvitemysistersandmadeafewcallstoaskotherfriends
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andfamilytojoinus.ElviseventoldmeRosemarycouldbringherdatefortheeveningandTerrycouldincludeourfriendCindy.
WhenmysistersandtheirfriendsarrivedatGraceland,Elvisgotdressedinhisloosebluejumpsuitandblackstagebelt.Wewentdownstairs,joinedsomeoftheguys,anddecidedweneededmorecars.Asmallgroupofuscutacrossthebackyardto
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Vernon’shousesowecouldusesomeofthecarsparkedthere.
AtLibertyland,ElvisandIspentwelloveranhourontheZippinPippinrollercoaster.Wesatinthefrontcar,whichwasscarybutIlovedit.Elvisrodewithhishandsraisedhighintheair.Afewtimesheevenpretendedhewasgoingtostandupasthecoasterspedarounditsloopsandhills.Periodically,
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theridestoppedsoanyonecouldgetofforswitchpartners,butElvisandIstayedon.
WelaterrodethedodgemcarsandElvisplayedacoupleofarcadegames,winningafewstuffedanimalsforLisaaswellasastuffedpinkpantherandabigyellowbirdforme.
Rosemaryandherdateunfortunatelyhadtoleaveearly.ShethankedElvisand
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gavehimahug.Dawnwasbreakingbythetimetherestofusdecidedtoheadback.Elvisremainedingreatspirits,alongwitheveryoneelse,aswereturnedtoGraceland.ThetwoofussaidgoodnighttoeveryoneandElvisandIretiredupstairs.Ithadbeenawonderfulnight.
TerryandCindyremainedatthehouse,visitingwithsomeoftheguys,andthetwoofthemeventuallyfellasleep
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downstairsintheTVroom.Havingbeenontourwithusbefore,CindyhadgottenfriendlywithDavid,andheinvitedhertojoinusonthenexttour.Iwaspleasedtohearthis.Mytwoworldswerefinallybeginningtomergeasone.
•••
Acoupleofdayslater,mymotherwasshockedto
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receivewordthatshewasbehindonherJulyandAugusthousenotepayments.ShecalledBeecherSmith,Elvis’sattorney,forassistance,becauseshehadgivenhimallofthepaperworkdealingwithherhomeasElvishadrequested.
Beecherapologizedandsaidhe’dbeensobusy,hehadforgottentotakecareofeverything.Rightafterthat,hesentalettertomy
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mother’smortgagecompany,statingthatitwasanoversightandaskingforthefullpaymentamountowedonthehome,andwhethertherewouldbeaprepaymentpenaltyforpayingoffthemortgageentirelyinonelumpsum.MymotherwasrelievedtohaveBeechersortthingsoutforhersoquickly.
OnAugust12,ElvisdecidedhewantedtoseeamovieandrentedtheUnited
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ArtistsSouthbrook4theater.Hetookme,Lisa,andasmallgroupoffriendstoseethelatestJamesBondflick,TheSpyWhoLovedMe.
Afewdayslater,InoticedmoreactivityaroundGracelandasmembersofElvis’sentouragebeganpreparingforhisnexttour,whichwouldtakeustoPortland,Maine.ElvisreallywantedRosemaryandmy
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brothertocomealong,soIaskedthemandwasthrilledwhenmybrothersaidhecouldtakesomevacationtimeandbothofthemagreedtojoinus.
•••
Elvishadmentionedneedingtolosesomeweightbeforethistour,andIwaspleasedtoseethat,forthefirsttime,hewasshowingmoreawareness
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ofhisdiet.OnAugust15,hebeganhavingonlysmallamountsofyogurtanddrinkingalotofwater.
Lisawasstillwithus,butshewouldbeleavingthenextdaytoreturntoLosAngelesandgetreadyforthenewschoolyear,soElviswantedtospendtimewithher.Itwasacloudyday.Betweenperiodsofdrizzle,thethreeofus,alongwithmynieceAmber,tookashortride
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aroundonhergolfcartintheafternoon.
Thatevening,ElvisandIwatchedtelevision.MystomachbegantocrampandIrealizedmytimeofthemonthwasstarting.Myperiodswereoftenbad,especiallyduringthefirstfewdays.HopingElviswouldunderstand,Iventured,“CouldIjoinyourtourinadayortwo?”Embarrassed,Iwentontoexplainwhy,eventhoughI
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knewElviswouldwantmewithhim.
Hegavemeadispleasedlook.“I’dlikeyoutogo,”Elvissaid,thenwaitedabeat.“Seehowyoufeel.”
LaterElvismadesomecalls,tryingtoarrangeforaprivatescreeningofthenewmovieMacArthuratalocaltheater.Atonepoint,Elvistoldmehethoughtapieceoftoothhadbrokenoff.Hewantedtohaveitcheckedand
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filled.Heshowedmeasmallglassboxwithsometemporarycrownsinitthathecarriedontour,incasehechippedatoothwhiletraveling.
ElvissetupanappointmentwithadentistnamedDr.Hoffman.HeaskedBillySmithtocomeoverand,alongwithCharlie,weleftGracelandintheStutzaround10:30P.M.Wearrivedatthedentist’soffice,where
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Elvisgesturedatme,saying,“Isn’tsheugly?”
Smiling,Dr.Hoffmanreplied,“Yes.”
Elvislaterreappearedfromthedentist’sroom,theproblemfixed.Dr.HoffmanthentooksomeX-raysofmyteeth.Meanwhile,Charliesaidhe’dmadeaphonecalltoGracelandtofindoutifanyonehadmanagedtosetupascreeningofMacArthur,butdiscoveredtheprojectionist
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wouldn’tbearoundthatlate.WereturnedtoGraceland
around12:30A.M.,andIfollowedElvisupstairstohisbedroom.Elvismentionedthatheneededtospeakwithacoupleoftheguysforafewminutes,soIwentintoLisa’sroom.IwantedtoseeifLisaandAmberhadgonetobed.Theywerenowhereinsight.Eventhekidsoperatedon“Elvistime,”soIfiguredtheyweredownstairsplaying.
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Ashorttimelater,Elvisaskedmetocomebacktotheroom.Hewasnowalone.Wewatchedalittletelevision,thenElviscalleddownstairstohavethebedmade.
Mary,oneofthemaids,cameupstairstodothebed,soElvisandImovedintoLisa’sroom.Ilayonthecouchwhileheturnedonthetelevisionandsatdowninthechairacrossfromit,wherehelitupacigar.Whenhe
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mentionedwantingtoplayracquetballlater,Igotexcited.Thiswouldbemyfirsttimeseeinghimplay,andIthoughtitmighthelprelaxhimbeforehistour.
We’dbeenwatchingTVforalittlebitwhen,withoutanywarning,Elvissuddenlyturneditoff.Hiseyesquicklycutawayfromthetelevisionscreentomyface.
“I’vebeenthinkingalotaboutgettingmarriedlately,”
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hesaid,fiddlingwiththecigarinhismouthandstudyingme,waitingtoseemyreaction.
“Really?”Iwascaughtcompletelyoffguard.
“Really,”Elvissaid,smiling.
Again,hetalkedabouthavingourweddingceremonytakeplaceinanondenominationalchurch,likethepyramid-shapedchurchCharliehadtoldhim
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about.“Iwouldlikecertainpeoplethere,”hesaid,“publicofficialsandfriends.Andthereshouldbesomanypoliceofficerstoguardthechurch,sononewsmediacangettous.Idon’twantthistobeathree-ringcircus,”hedeclared.
Elvispausedforaminute.Then,usinghishandstoshowmeameasureoflength,hesaid,“Thelimousinesshouldbesomanyinches
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longerthananormal-lengthlimoandinblue.”
AsInodded,myexcitementmounting,hecontinued,meticulouslygoingovereverydetail.“I’vethoughtaboutyourgown.ThedressshouldhaveahighcollarandIwouldlikeittohavesmallrosebudswithgoldthreadsthroughit.I’mgonnahavesomeoneworkonitinLosAngeles.”
“Youdon’thavemy
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measurements,”Isaid,thinkingpracticallyforamoment.
Elvisgavemealook,asiftosayheknewexactlywhatthosemeasurementswouldbe.OnceagainIwassweptalongbyhisabilitytomakeanythinghappen.Thevisionofwhatthedresswouldlooklikeandtherealityoftheweddingdrewmoresharplyintofocus.Icouldn’tbelieveElvishadalreadygiventhis
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muchthoughttoeverything!Ontheotherhand,wasn’tthisthewayElvishaddoneeverythingwithmefromthestart?
“Youshouldwearclear,glass-lookingslippersandatiarainyourhair,”hesaid.Ilovedtheseideas.Thenhebroughtupbridesmaiddresses.“Ithinkpinkwouldbegood.Whatcolorwouldyoulike?”
“Lavenderwouldbe
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pretty,”Isaid.Elvissmiledandshookhis
head.“Thishasgottobetheweddingofthecentury.”Hesatquietlyforamoment,thenadded,“Weshouldpickadate.I’vebeenthinkingaboutmybirthday,yourbirthday,orChristmas.Whatdoyouthink?”
Ididn’thesitate.“Christmaswouldbenice,”Isaid.
Henodded,givingme
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anothersoftsmile.“ThatwillbeourgifttoGod.”
IfeltasElvisdid,thatGodwantedustobetogetherandwouldbepleasedtoseeusmarriedonsuchaspecialday.Iwassohappy,Istoodup,walkedovertoElvis,andkissedhimfullonthelips.
Hereturnedmykiss,thensaid,“I’dliketoannounceourengagementtotheaudienceattheendofthetourinMemphis.We’llputit
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inthelocalpapertoo,undertheregularengagementsection,nothin’fancy.”
Ismiled.HerewasElvis,goingwithhisownversionofthewowfactoroncemore.Heturnedthetelevisionbackonandwesettleddownagaintowatchit.
Alittlewhilelater,Elvislefttheroom,sayinghehadtotalkbusinesswithsomeoftheguys.Ifiguredthismusthavesomethingtodowithhis
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upcomingtour.Afterhe’dfinishedhis
meetings,IaskedElvisifhestillwantedtoplayracquetball,knowingsomeexercisewouldbegoodforhim.Hetoldmehedid.
Itwasafter4A.M.ElviscalleddownstairsandaskedBillyandJoSmithtomeetus.Ihatedtheideaofwakingthem.Bynow,however,I’dlearnedthat,whenElviscalled,mostpeoplejumped.
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Elvischangedintoawarm-upsuitandloanedmeonetowearthatwasn’toverlylarge.Iwasstillonahighfromourconversationaboutthewedding,andeagertobegoingoutsidetomovearound.WemetupwithBillyandJoandthefourofuswalkeddowntotheracquetballcourt.
Otherthanpeekinginsidetheracquetballcourtoncewithmymother,thiswasmy
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firsttimeseeingit.Elviswantedtoshowmearoundbeforeweplayed.ThecourtwasaslavishasmostofGraceland,withacustombathandspa,dressingroom,bar,pinballmachine,jukebox,andworkoutareawithweightequipment.Therewasevenapiano.
Elvisquicklytookmeuptotheroof,too,andshowedmeanoutdoorjoggingtrack.Itwasstilldarkout.There
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wasprecipitationintheair,butthatdidn’tseemtodisturbhim.Hisgazesweptovertheproperty,thenElvispointedtoanearbyareaandsaidifIwantedtopaintagain,he’dbuildanartstudioformethere.
Icouldn’tbelievethisnightcouldgetanybetter,butithad.IhadnoideaElviswouldoffersomethinglikethis!Whatreallytouchedmewasthathehadn’tforgotten
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ourlastconversationaboutmewantingtoreconnectwithartandnotlosethethingsthathadbeenimportanttomebeforeImethim.
“Thankyou,”wasallIcouldmuster,inadequateasIfeltitwas.
Backdownstairs,werejoinedBillyandJo.IwentontothecourtwithJobutIhadneverplayedracquetballbefore.Itriedtogiveitagobutunfortunatelydidn’tfeel
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likemovingaroundmuchbecausemycrampshadreturned.Weweren’touttherelongandthenElvisandBillywalkedontothecourtwhileJoandIsatbehindanearbyglasspartition.ThetwoofthembegantohittheballaroundandthenElvisstartedcuttingup.Hewaslaughing,beingsilly,andhavingagoodtime.Pretendingtohithimselfonthelegwithhisracquet
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sometimes,Elviskeptturningaround,makingfunnyfacestoseeifJoandIwerewatching.
Elvissoongottired,though,andheleftthecourttocomeoverandsitdownbesideme.WethenwatchedBillyandJoplayforabit.Whentheycameoffthecourt,Elviswentovertothepianoandstartedtoplay,singing“UnchainedMelody”andthen“BlueEyesCrying
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intheRain.”Whenhefinishedatthepiano,hewalkedovertooneofthestationarybikesandpeddledforabouttenminutes.
About6A.M.,ElvisandIwentbacktothehouse.Billycameupstairs,too,becauseElviswantedhimtohelpdryhishair.ElvisandIpeekedinonLisaandAmber,andIwasgladtoseethegirlswerebothinbedandfastasleep.
ElvisandBillythenwent
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intoElvis’sbathroom.Iwentintomine,changedintomysleepwear,thencameoutandlayonthebed.
Ilistenedtothehumofthehairdryerinthebathroomforabit.Shortlyafterthat,BillyleftandElviswalkedout,havingchangedintobluepajamas.Around6:45,Elviscalleddownstairs,askingforwhoeverwasondutytobringupapacketofmedicationtohelphimsleep.
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Iwasstillsufferingfromsharpmenstrualcramps.SeeingthatIwasinsuchdiscomfort,ElviscalledTishtobringmesomethingtorelievethepain.HeagainaskedifIwasgoingtocomewithhimatthebeginningofthetour.Ihatedtodisappointhim,butknowinghowIwasgoingtofeelforthefirstfewdays,ItoldhimI’dliketowaitjustoneday,ifnottwo,untilIfeltbetter.
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IhopedElviswouldunderstand.Hesatquietlyforafewmoments,thinkingthingsover.“IwantyoutobuysomethingspecialforwhenweannounceourengagementduringtheshowinMemphisthen,”hesaid.
Ismiled.Thiswasgood.Heunderstood.
“Allright,”Isaid,relieved.
TishsentupaTylenolwithcodeineforme.Right
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afterthat,RickyappearedwithElvis’smorningsleeppacketandwebothtookourmedications.Elviswantedtoshowmeacoupleofnewbookshe’dbeengivenrecently,sothetwoofussettledinbedandbeganlookingatoneofthem.Thebook’stitlewasAScientificSearchfortheFaceofJesusanddescribedtheShroudofTurin,whichhadsupposedly
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beenwrappedaroundJesusafterhewastakendownfromtheCross.ElvisandIwerebothintrigued.
Asweflippedthroughthebook,ElvisshowedmesomephotosofwhattheauthorclaimedwasthefaceofJesusimpressedonashroud.Then,puttingthatbookaside,ElvisshowedmeanotheronebyBettyBethardscalledSexandPsychicEnergy.Thisbook
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highlightedwaystotuneintoyourpartner’senergy,yourinnerself,andyourchakras.Elvispointedoutafewillustrations.
Wedidn’tlookatthebookverylongbecausewewerebothgrowingdrowsyfromthemedicationsandsoonfellasleep.Sometimelater,Iwasawakenedbymovementonthebed.Iwasstillgroggyfrommymedication,butIwasawareofElviscalling
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downstairsandaskingforanotherpackettohelphimsleep.
Iglancedattheclock.Itwaseighto’clockinthemorningbutIwasn’tsurprisedthatElviswashavingtroubleresting.Bynow,Iwasusedtoseeinghimkeyedupbeforeatour,andhe’dbeenoffalongtimebeforethisone.
Still,whenhehungup,IaskedElviswhattheproblem
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was.“Ijustcan’tsleep,”hesaid.
Hesoundedprettyalert,whichsurprisedme.Iwonderediftherehadbeenplacebosinthemedicationpackethe’dtakenearlier.
Rickybroughtupanotherpacketshortlyandthenleft.IhopedElviswouldfinallybeabletorest.Webothsettleddowninbedagain,andIquicklyfellbacktosleep.
Inalittlewhile,feeling
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somemovementagain,Iopenedmyeyes.Itwasnowcloseto9A.M.andElviswassittingonthesideofthebedwithhisbacktome.Imovedovertohimandputmyhandonhisback.“What’sthematter?”Iasked.
Elvissaidhestillcouldn’tsleep.Inafewminutes,hestoodupandtoldmehewasgoingtoread.Hepickedupthebookonpsychicenergyandheadedtowardthe
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bathroom.Onceagain,IwonderedifthecontentsofhismedicationpacketshadbeenalteredbecauseElvisseemedprettymuchunaffectedbywhateverhe’dtaken.
“Don’tfallasleep,”Isaid,rememberingthebedinhisdressingarea.
Elvisstoppedbeforegoingin,lookedatmewithalittleboypout,thensmiledandgavemealittlewave.“Okay,
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Iwon’t,”hereassuredme,andcontinuedintohisbathroom.
BetweentheTylenolwithcodeineandthefactthatI’dhadnorestsincethedaybefore,Ionceagainfellintoadeepsleep.
Justafter2P.M.,Iawokewithcramps.Elviswasn’tinbed.IwascuriouswherehewasbutunabletolookrightawayasmyperiodhadbegunandIwasbeginningtobleed
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heavily.Igotupandrushedtomybathroomtotakecareofthis.Whileusingthetoilet,IpickedupthephoneonthewallaboveitandcalledmyfriendCindy,knowingshe’dexpecttoseemeontheplanewheneveryoneleftforthetour.ItoldherIwasthinkingaboutcominginadaylatebecauseofthediscomfortIwasexperiencingwithmyperiod.
Ithenquicklycalledmy
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motheratwork.“Whereareyou?”sheasked.
WhenItoldherIwasatGraceland,sheaskedwhyIwasn’thomepacking.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutcominginadaylate,”Isaid.
Sheremindedmethatmybrotherandsisterweregoing.
Ihesitated.I’dcompletelyforgottenaboutthis.IknewElvishadreallywantedmeontourfromthestart.EventhoughIknewIwouldn’tbe
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feelinggood,Ichangedmymind.“Okay,IguessI’llgo,”Isaid,thentoldmymotherIneededtohangup,IwantedtofindElvisandtellhim.
“Whereishe?”mymotherasked.
“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.“I’mgoingtogocheckonhim.”
Iquicklyfinishedupinthebathroom,thenwalkedintoElvis’sbedroominsearchofhim.Iglancedattheclock
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andsawitwascloseto2:20.Thebathroomdoorwascrackedopenalittle.
Iknockedonthedoorandsaid,“Elvis?”
Therewasnoanswer.Slowlyopeningthedoor,IpeeredinandsawElvisonthefloorofftotheleft.IstoodparalyzedasItookinthescene.
Elvislookedasifhisentirebodyhadcompletelyfrozeninaseatedposition
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whileusingthecommodeandthenhadfallenforward,inthatfixedposition,directlyinfrontofit.Hislegswerebent,theupperpartofhischestandshoulderstouchedtheground,andhisheadwasslightlyturnedtotheleftwithhischeekrestingonthefloor.Hisarmslayontheground,closetohissides,backtowardhislegs,palmsfacingupward.
Itwasclearthat,fromthe
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timewhateverhithimtothemomenthehadlandedonthefloor,Elvishadn’tmoved.Ablowdryerwaslyingonthefloor,almosttouchingthetopofhishead.Billymusthaveleftittherewhenhe’dfinisheddryingElvis’shair.Thepsychicenergybookhadbeenplacedonthearmofthechair.Thechairsatagainstthewall,underhiswindow,facingthecounter.Thebooklayopen,undisturbed.
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Irushedover,bentdownbesidehimandsaid,“Elvis?”Ahorriblefearshotthroughme.
Hispajamatophadslidforwardalittlebecauseofhisinclinedposition.Itouchedhislowerback.Hisskinfeltcool.Saying,“Elvis!”again,Igentlyturnedhisfacetowardme.
Ahintofairexpelledfromhisnose.Thetipofhistonguewasclenchedbetweenhis
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teethandhisfacewasblotchy,withpurplediscoloration.Igentlyraisedoneeyelid.Hiseyewasstaringstraightaheadandbloodred.
Franticnow,Iquicklyreachedforthephonebythetoiletandcalleddownstairs.ThemaidNancyanswered.
IndenialofwhatIwasseeing,myonlythoughtwas,Don’talarmanybody,
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Ginger.He’sgoingtobeokay.ButIheardthetremorinmyvoiceasIaskedNancywhichaidewasonduty.
Shehesitatedamoment,thensaid,“AlStrada.”
“Sendhimuprightaway,”Isaid.
Alrushedtothetopofthestairs.Imethiminthehallwayandcried,“Ithinksomething’sreallywrongwithElvis!”
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Weranintothebathroom.WhenAlsawElvis,hementionedsomethingaboutabloodpressurekitandrushedtoElvis’snighttable,withmeonhisheels.Bendingdown,heopenedadoor.Whenweglancedinsidethecupboardandsawitwasempty,weracedbacktoElvis.
Alimmediatelycalleddownstairs,andIrealizedJoewasinthehousewhenAlaskedforhim.Momentslater,
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Joeappearedinthedoorwayofthebathroom.Notwantingtobeintheway,IkneltofftoonesideasheandAlturnedElvisoverontohisback.
Elvis’slegsremainedinabentposition,hisfeetnottouchingthefloor.AlandJoeliftedhimalittlemoretowardthecenterofthebathroomandlaidhiminfrontofthecounter.
ImovedincloserasJoelightlybegantoslapElvis’s
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face.“Elvis,breathe!”herepeatedurgently,whileAlpressedonElvis’schest.AlandIjoinedin,beggingElvistobreathe.
ThenJoementionedcallingDr.Nichopoulos.Hestoodupandwentovertothephoneonthewall.GlancingbackatElvis,Joefirstcalledforanambulanceinstead.HethentriedDr.Nichopoulosbutdidn’treachhim.
Algotonthephone,spoke
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withsomeonewhoIassumedwasfromDr.Nichopoulos’sofficeandhungup,tellingJoethatthepersonintheofficewastryingtolocatethedoctorbycallinghispager.Joetriedcallingthedoctoragain.Dr.Nichopoulosfinallyansweredthepage,thenJoephonedVernonathisoffice.CharlieenteredtheroomandjoinedinourpleasforElvistobreathe.
Vernonarrivedminutes
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later,accompaniedbySandyandPatsy.“OhGod,son,don’tdie!”hepleaded.Helookedasifhemightcollapse,andsomeonemovedthebookfromthechairbythewindowandplacedthechairbyElvis’sheadforVernon.
Hesatdownandshouted,“Breathe!”withtherestofusasSandytriedgivingElvismouth-to-mouthresuscitation.
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JoeandCharliehadtriedtopryopenElvis’smouth,butitwasclenchedtootightlyshut.Feelingcompletelyhelpless,Icouldonlywatchandpray.IfeltasifIweretrappedinanightmare.
Itseemedlikealongtime,butI’msureitwasjustminuteslaterwhenIheardacommotiononthestairs.Lookingovermyshoulder,Isawacoupleofparamedicsandquicklymovedoutof
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theirway,backingintoElvis’sbedroom.
TheparamedicsbeganCPRonElvisasLisasuddenlyappearedinthebedroomdoorway.“What’swrongwithmydaddy?”sheasked.
Instinctively,Imovedtoprotecther.Ididn’twanthertoseeherfatherlikethis.“Nothing,Lisa,”Isaid,turningheraway.
AsIstartedtoshutthe
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bedroomdoor,Lisasaid,“Something’swrongandI’mgoingtofindout.”ShetookoffdownthehalltowardtheentrancetoElvis’sdressingarea.Racingtothebathroomdoor,IspottedAlstandingdownthatwayandshoutedtohim,“Lisa’stryingtogetin!”
Alquicklyshutandlockedthedoor.IknewtheywouldbetakingElvistoahospitalsoon;thinkingI’dberidingintheambulancewithhim,I
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rushedtomybathroomandhastilydressedintheclothesI’dwornthepreviousevening.Afterward,IhurriedtowardElvis’sbathroomjustintimetoseetheparamedicsandtheothermenliftElvisontoastretcher.
Imovedoutoftheirwayastheystartedtowardthestairway,withVernonandtheothersfollowingclosebehind.AsIwatchedtheparamedicscarryElvis
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downstairsandoutthefrontdoor,therealityofwhatwashappeningsuddenlyhitme.Ibegantocryastheambulancespedaway.Isuddenlyfeltveryaloneandneededtotalkwithsomeone.
Ireturnedtomybathroomanddialedmymother’snumberwithshakingfingers.Theminutemymotherheardthequaverinmyvoice,shesaid,“What’swrong?”
Grippedbyanxiety,Isaid,
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“IthinksomethinghashappenedtoElvis.”
“Maybeit’snotthatbad,”shesaid,tryingtocalmmedown.
“Mom,they’vetakenhiminanambulanceanditlooksbad.”Ibrokedown.
“I’llbethereassoonasIcan,”shesaid,stilltryingtoreassureme.
Ihungupthephone,relievedthatmymotherwascoming.Ifoundmyself
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wishingmorethananythingthatIreallyhadbeentrappedinabaddream,buttherehadbeenacrackintheuniverseandacoldrealitywascreepingoverme.
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CHAPTER27
Itwasshortlyafter4P.M.whenIturnedfromthewindowinthelivingroom.IwouldlaterlearnthatthiswasthetimeElvis’sdeathwasannouncedpublicly.
Amberwasapproachingme.“Where’sLisa?”Iasked,
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feelingamixtureofgriefandconcernaboutLisabeingalone.
AmbertoldmeLisawasinanotherroomwithsomefamilymembers.AfewotherrelativesofElvis’sweresittingonthestairway,soItookAmberoverthereandwesatonthefrontsteps,too.
Ihadneverfeltsocompletelylost.IsawGeorgeKleinwalkovertothetablebythestairsandtrymakinga
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phonecall.Ashehungupandsteppedintothemiddleofthefoyer,Iwalkeddownthestairsandhuggedhim.
Georgeembracedmeinreturnandwebothbrokedown.“Helovedyousomuch,”hesaid.
IunderstoodGeorgehadlosthisdearfriend,andIcouldonlyhopeheknewjusthowmuchhiscommentmeanttome.
Lisawalkeduptomethen.
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Wantingtocomforther,IbroughtherupstairswithAmber,whereIsatbesideLisaonthecouchinherroomandputmyarmsaroundher.Istruggledthroughmyownfogofgriefinsearchoftherightwordstosaytothislittlegirlwho’djustlostherfather.
“Youknowyourdaddylovedyou,Lisa,”Imanaged.“Hewasawonderfulfatherandhe’sgonetoheaven,buthewillalwaysbewatching
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overyou.”Shesatquietlybesideme.IwonderedifLisacouldpossiblygraspanyofthis.
Beforelong,ateamofmenarrivedfromthepolicedepartmentandledmeintoElvis’soffice,wheretheyaskedmeafewquestions.Afterthey’dgone,Iturnedeverythingoverinmymind.WhathadhappenedtoElvis?
Itwasimpossibletogetagriponthesituation.Iwas
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toofloodedwithemotion.IreturneddownstairsandsatatthediningroomtablewithAmber,knowingthatbynowmyfamilymusthaveheardthenews,alongwiththerestoftheworld.Ihadn’tbeenabletocallthem,andtheyhadn’tmanagedtoreachme,either,becausethephonelineswerejammedandsowasthestreetoutsideGraceland.
Everyoneinthehousewas
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grieving.Iwassurroundedbyallthesepeople,andyetIfeltalone.Theonlypeoplewhocouldreallychangethatformeatthetimewereinmyownfamily,andwaitingforthemwasdifficult.EventuallysomeonetoldmemysisterTerryhadmanagedtogetthroughandwasonthephone.
Itookthecallinthehallbythestairs,breakingdownagain.IcouldtellTerryhad
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beencrying,too,asshesaid,“I’msorry.”Sheletmeknowthatourmother,Rosemary,andmysister-in-lawwereontheirway.
AfterthecallIretreatedtothediningroomagain.EveryoneatGracelandwascrying,disbelieving,offeringorreceivingcomfortatvarioustimes.Justafterfive,myfamilymadeitthroughthefrontdoor.Wehuggedeachotherandtheybegan
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offeringtheircondolencestoVernonandothermembersamongElvis’sfriendsandfamily.
Awhilelater,AuntDeltaapproachedme.ShegentlyaskedifIhadanythingupstairsthatIwantedtoget,astheyneededtocloseitoffandlockit.IaskedherifIcouldborrowasuitcaseandsheloanedmeone.Rosemarysaidshe’dgowithmeandDeltawalkedupstairswith
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thetwoofus.UponenteringElvis’s
office,Iglancedtowardhisbedroom.IhadsleptwearingmyengagementringandtheTLCnecklaceElvishadgivenme.NowIconsideredmyphotosonhisnighttable,thenecklaceI’dtrieddesigningforhimbuthadyettofinish,andtheweddinglistinhisroom.SeizedbyanoverwhelmingdesiretostaylinkedtoGraceland,Ileftall
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ofthosethingsthere.Inmybathroom,I
gatheredafewitems,placedtheminsidethesuitcase,andpickedupmyjewelrybox.ItookonelastlookatElvis’sbedroombeforefollowingDeltabackdownstairs.
Elvis’sfuneralarrangementswerebeginningtobediscussedamongsomeofthepeoplegatheredthere.Someonetolduswewouldbecalledwhentheywere
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completed.Thingsweremovingquickly,andtheydidn’tseemtoneedmeortoconsultwithmeonwhatthoseplanswouldbe.ThepainthatIwasfeelingwaslikenothingI’deverexperiencedbefore.IfeltIneededaprivatehaventotrytoprocesswhatreallywasunfathomable,thatElviswasdead.
Thiswasthebeginningofmygrievingprocess.The
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onlysafeplaceIcouldthinktodothiswasathome,whereI’dbesurroundedbymyfamily.
Isaidgood-byetoVernon,Sandy,Dodger,Lisa,andothers.ItwasmoredifficulttoleaveLisabecauseI’dgrownclosertoher,butIfeltshewouldbeallrightasshewassurroundedbyherfamily.
Myemotionalpainwassogreat,ittookeveryounceof
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energyIhadtomakeitthroughthefrontdoor.Ihadtofocusonjustputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.ThepolicepartedthecrowdgatheredatthegatesofGracelandtoletusthrough.
Evenbackathomeandalonewithmyfamily,Icouldn’tshakethefeelingthatIwastrappedinanightmare.Myfatherreturnedtothehouseinanefforttolendmehissupport
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andtoldmehowsorryhewas.
Later,mymothertoldmethat,rightafterI’dcalledheratwork,shehadtoputherheaddownonherdesk.Anotheremployeeaskedifsheneededtogotothenurses’station.“ItoldhimIdidn’tthinkIcouldmakeitthere,”mymothersaid,andtoldhercolleaguethatElviswasinthehospital,butnottosayanything.Shethenwent
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tohersupervisorandsaidshehadtoleave.
Mysister-in-lawhadbeenworriedaboutAmber,naturally,somymotherhadheadedhometopickheruponthewaytoGraceland.Onherwayhome,mymotherhadheardontheradiothatElviswasdead.
ThetrafficwassocongestedontheirwaytoGracelandthat,whentheycametoaredlightatthe
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cornerofElvisPresleyBoulevardandWinchesterRoad,mysister-in-law,Carolyn,hadjumpedoutofthecarandstoppedtrafficwithherhandssomymothercouldmaketheturn.TheyhadthendriventhefewblockstoGracelandintheturninglanewiththeemergencyflasherson.
AtthegatestoGraceland,Carolynhadyelledtoanearbypoliceofficer,“Thisis
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Ginger’smother!”tomakehimclearapath.Thatwastheonlywaythey’dmadeitthroughGraceland’sgatestopickupAmberandme.
EverytelevisionchannelcarriedthenewsofElvis’sdeath,butIcouldn’twatchthereports.Atonepoint,someonetoldmethatJoeEspositohadbeeninterviewed;they’dheardhimsayhewastheonewhofoundElvis.
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What?Icouldn’tbelieveit!LittledidIknowthattheuntruthswerejustbeginning.
Thatevening,someonecalledourhousetosaytherewouldbeaprivateviewingofElvis’sbodyatGracelandateleventhenextmorning,onWednesday,August17.Idreadedthis.Iwasn’tsureifIcouldseeElvisthisway.
Laterthatnight,theShelbyCountymedicalexaminerruledElvis’scause
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ofdeathascardiacarrhythmiawithseverecardiovasculardiseasepresent.Howwasthispossible?Hewasonlyforty-two!Afterhearingthenews,Iaskedmymothertolieinbedwithme.Icouldn’tstandthethoughtofbeingalone.
Yet,oddly,thatnightIfeltElvis’spresenceintheroomwithme.Acomforting,peacefulsensationenvelopedme.MaybeIwasn’talone
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afterall,Ithought.MaybeElviswasstillwatchingoverme.
Itwasasleeplessnightforallofus.Myparentshadtotakethephoneoffthehookbecausewewerebeingbarragedbyreporterscallingfromallovertheworld.
ThereweremomentsduringthatnightwhenIfoundmyselfwishingIhadn’tbeentheonetofindElvis.But,asdifficultasit
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hadbeen,hadInotbeenthereandonlyheardofhisdeath,Ifeltitwouldhavebeenharderformetotakeinthenewsofhimpassingaway.
•••
AmassivecrowdhadgatheredinfrontofGracelandbythetimemyfamilyandIarrivedfortheviewingthenextmorning.Somepeoplelookedlikethey
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musthavesleptallnightbythegates.
AsIsteppedthroughthefrontdoor,IfounditwasstillnearlyimpossibletoimaginethatElviswasgone.Alittleovertwenty-fourhoursago,Ihadbeenupstairswithhimrightinthishouse,planningourfuturetogether.Therewasasurrealelementtoalmosteverythingunfoldinginfrontofme.
IsawLisawalkingabout,
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minglingwithvariouspeopleasshewenttoandfromthekitchen.Igreetedher,Vernon,andafewothers,thenwentintoDodger’sroomandgaveherahug.Shehadalwaysbeennicetomeandthiswassohard.
PriscillaPresleyhadarrivedwithherownfamily.OfcourseshewouldbeherebecauseshewasLisa’smother.Yet,asIwatchedPriscillagreetafewpeople—
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someofwhomIhadnevermetbefore—Ifeltstrangelydisplaced.Elvishadbeentryingtogetitthroughmyheadthat,asthefutureMrs.Presley,Iwastheladyofthehouse,butnowthatroleseemedfartherfromrealitythanever,andIfoundmyselfwithdrawingfromthosegathered.
WhenIsawJoealittlelater,hedidn’tapproachmewithanyexplanationasto
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whyhe’dsaidhewastheonewhohadfoundElvis.Thiswasn’tthetimeorplacetoaskhimabouthisversionofevents,butknowingJoehaddonethatfeltlikeasmallbutpainfulbetrayal.
Thefurnitureinthelivingroomhadbeenremovedandreplacedbyfoldingchairs,addingtothesurrealnatureoftheexperience.Somechairswerearrangedagainsttherightwall,facingthe
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fireplace,whileotherswereinrowslinedupinthecenterandfacingthemusicroom.MyfamilyandItookseatsinsomecenterchairs;fromthere,Iglancedaroundtheroomatthevariousfloralarrangements.
Flowerswerecontinuallyarrivingandbeingbroughtintotheroom.MyfamilyandIhadsentsomeearlier.Now,Iwonderedwhicharrangementwasmine.My
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flowerswereaslostasIwas.Beforelong,Inoticed
Priscillaandherfamilyenterandseatthemselvesagainstthewallfacingus.Alittlewhilelater,acoppercasketwasbroughtintothehouseandplacedattheentrancetothemusicroom.Itwasaroundnoonbynow.Whenthelidwasopened,itwashardformetolook.Charliestoodattheheadofthecasket,greetingviewersas
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theypaidtheirrespectstoElvis.Iwaitedawhile,steelingmyresolve,thenfinallywalkedtothefront.
Elviswasdressedinawhitesuitwithapaleblueshirtandwhitetie.Itseemedodd.I’dneverseenhiminasuit.Ascrazyasitmighthavelookedtosome,Ithoughtitwouldhavebeenmoreappropriateifhe’dbeendressedinoneofhisjumpsuits,oreveninhis
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pajamasandrobe.Absurdly,Ithoughthewouldhavefeltmorecomfortablethatway.Also,wherewashisgun?Wherewerehisjugofwaterandcigar?
WhileIwasstandingthere,Lisacameuptothecasketandstoodnexttome.IsmiledatherandshegentlytouchedElvis’shair.Ilightlystrokedthesideofhisface.
Fromhispostneartheheadofthecasket,Charlie
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said,“Helooksgood,doesn’the?”
ImanagedtolookupatCharlieandnod.
Inamystical,knowingway,Charliespokeagain.“Ginger,hehasn’tgoneanywhere,”hesaidsoftly.“He’sjustonanotherplanerightnow.”
IfeltcomfortedbyCharlie’swords.Whereareyou,Elvis?
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Icouldn’thelpbuthearElvis’svoiceinresponse,sayingthesamewordshehadwhisperedinmyearinthebackofthechurchatmygrandfather’sfuneral:“Son,you’reonyourown.”Onlythistimethewordssentachillthroughmeandcutmelikeaknife.
Ireturnedtomyseat,buteverysooften,IgotupagaintolookatElvis.Strangely,whathadbeensodifficultfor
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metodointhebeginningnowbroughtmepeace.Elvislookedlikehewasjustsleeping.
WhileIwasseatedinmychairbetweenvisitstothecasket,anunfamiliarwomantappedmeontheshoulder.“Priscillawouldliketoseeyou,”shesaid.
Surprised,Ifollowedheraroundthecorner.WeenteredthefoyerandIsawPriscillastandingnexttothe
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frontstairs.“Hello,”shesaid,andintroducedmetothewomanwho’dcomeforme,JoanEsposito,whoIwouldlaterlearnwasJoe’sex-wife.
IwasevenmorestunnedwhenPriscilladrewmeintoahug.“Ginger,IknowhowmuchElvislovedyou,”shesaid.
“Thankyou,”Isaid,embracingherinreturn.Isuddenlyhadthemostincrediblefeelingof
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acceptance,asPriscillaacknowledgedwhatElvisandIhadtogether.“Wouldyouliketomeetmyfamily?”
“Notrightnow,”shesaid,“butI’dliketolater.”
Iwalkedbackintothelivingroomandsatdown,relayingtomyfamilywhathadjusthappened.WhenPriscillaenteredtheroomagainlater,Igotupandintroducedmymothertoherandherparents.
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Afteratime,everyonewasinformedthattherewouldbeapublicviewingatthreethatafternoon.Ireallythoughtitwasawonderfulideathathisfanswouldbegiventheopportunitytopaytheirrespects,too.Iwassurethatwasacueformostofustoleave,soIdecidedtoreturnhomebeforeitbegan.AsIwasleaving,Iwastoldthefuneralwouldbethenextafternoon,August18,attwo.
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•••
Ofcourse,Elvis’sdeathmadeworldwideheadlines.EverythingElvishadeverdonebecamethesubstanceofstoriesrunineverymediaoutletimaginable.
IhadknownElviswasabigstar,ofcourse,butafterwefellinloveandbecameintimatelyinvolved,Ihadmostlystoppedpayingattentiontohiscelebrityand
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hadbeguntoseeElvistheman,ratherthanElvisthefamousentertainer.NowIrealizedthatthescopeofhisfamewasbeyondwhatIoranyoneelsecouldimagine.Theshock,loss,andinterestsurroundingthenewsofhisdeathwasn’tsomethingIhadseensincethedeathsoftheKennedysandMartinLutherKingJr.
Evenknowingthis,losingElviswasnothinglikethatfor
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me.Iwasexperiencinggriefonthemostfundamentalandintimatelypersonallevel.Ihadlostthemanwhohadturnedmylifeupsidedownandhadbecomemyfriend,teacher,protector,andlover—themanIhadloveddeeplyandplannedtomarry.
IwasnolongerthesameyoungwomanI’dbeenthatfirstnightIaccompaniedmysisterstoGraceland.Mywholebeing—physically,
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emotionally,andspiritually—hadbecomeintertwinedwithElvis.Tome,hisdeathwasnonewsstory.Thiswasmylifebeingtornapart.
Yet,myhousecontinuedtobefloodedwithphonecallsfromvoraciousreporterswhoinsistedtheyneededtogetastorynow.NomatterwhatIwasgoingthroughpersonally,theyallsawmeatthecenterofthestory.Itookcoverinmybedroomina
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futileattempttohide.Atonepoint,mymother
cameintothebedroom,lookingexasperated.Shesaidthattwomen,fromtwoseparatetabloids,wereonourfrontporchandalmostgettingintoafistfightoverwhodeservedaninterviewwithme.ThehungrylionsElvishadwarnedmeaboutwererightoutsidemydoor,andthistime,Elviscouldn’tflyoverinhiscartoprotect
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me.Ifeltsosorryshewashavingtodealwiththis.
Icertainlyhadnoplanstogiveanyinterviewandwashurtthattheywereevenoutthere.ThenmymothertoldmethatoneofthemenhadsaidLindaThompsonwasgivinghimaninterview,andthatLindawassayingshemighthavesavedElvisifthey’dstayedtogether.
ThishurtandIwashorrified.Howcouldanyone
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saysuchathing?Andhowcold,self-serving,andegotisticalitwouldbeifshedid!FromwhatI’dseen,noonecouldhaveclaimedtohavesavedElvisthatday.
Thereportertoldmymotherthat,ifIdidn’tgiveaninterview,theyweregoingtoprintLinda’sstory.Iwasfurious.ElvishadstoppedseeingLindaandshecertainlywasn’tthereonthedayhedied.Tome,ithad
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seemedthatElvishaddiedinstantly.Noteventheworld’sgreatestheartspecialistcouldmakeastatementlikehers!
Iaskedmymothertoturnthereportersaway.Oneofthementoldmymotherhe’dbebackinalittlewhiletoseeifIwouldchangemymind.Ifeltterrible.Inthemidstofthishorribletragedy,Isuddenlyhadthisgoingon?Ithoughtandthoughtabout
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things,slowlybecomingmoreconflictedandanguishedoverwhethertogiveaninterview.MymotherandIwerewayoutofourdepthandIwasextremelyupset.MyfamilyandIhadnoexperiencewiththissortofthing.
FeelinglikeIhadatigerbythetail,mytearsslowlyturnedintoangeragain.ThiswaswhatIwasupagainstnow.Somekindofstorywas
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goingtobeputoutthere,andIcouldn’tletLindasaysomethinglikethiswithoutaresponse.Whenthereporterreturned,Iagreedtogivethetabloidaninterviewatanupcomingdate.
Isleptfitfully.Thenextmorning,everythinghitmehard.Extremelydepressed,Igotupandwentintoourkitchen.MymotherwasmakingbreakfastandIsatdownatourbreakfasttable,
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putmyheaddownonmyarms,andbegancryinginconsolably.
Later,turningonthetelevision,IlearnedthattwoteenagedgirlshadbeenkilledandanotherinjuredwhenadrunkdriverranhiscarintoacrowdgatheredonElvisPresleyBoulevard.Thistragedyonlyaddedtothehorrorofitall.Itseemedliketheentireworldwasspinningoutofcontrol.
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Thatafternoon,IslippedintoablackdressandheadedforGracelandwithmyfamilyandourfriendCindy.Wearrivedalittlebeforethefuneralserviceswerescheduledtobegin.Afewpeoplewerealreadyinsideandweexchangedhugsandhellos.
AllofthefoldingchairsthathadbeeninthelivingroomnowfacedElvis’scasket,whichwasagain
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positionedattheentrancetothemusicroom.MyfamilyandIsatinthediningroom,watchingpeoplearrive.
Beforelong,Irecognizedtheactress,Ann-Margret,whohadbeenromanticallylinkedwithElvisyearsearlierinHollywood,whentheyhadappearedinafewfilmstogether.Shewastherewithherhusband,RogerSmith.IalsonoticedtheactorGeorgeHamilton,whohadbeen
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friendswithElvis,andColonelParker,whowaswearingabaseballcapandpuffingonacigar.Dr.Ghanem,Elvis’sdoctorinLasVegas,wasthereaswell.
Closeto2P.M.,weenteredthelivingroom.Neveronetocallattentiontomyselfortotrytoputmyselffrontandcenter,IdecidedtositaboutsixrowsbackfromElvis’scasket.AuntDelta,Dodger,Vernon,andSandysatonthe
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frontrow.Priscillaandherfamilytookseatsbehindthem.
Afterawhile,Lisaappearedbyourrow,cameovertomeandsatinmylap,seekingherownkindofclosenessandcomfort.Iputmyarmsaroundherandshevisitedwithus,talkingwithAmberandSandy’sdaughter.
TheservicessoonbeganwithaeulogyfromthecomicJackieKahane.Rex
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Humbard,atelevisionevangelist,spoke,andthentheReverendBradleyledthesermon.KathyWestmoreland,theStampsQuartet,andafewotherssang.
Itwasabeautifulceremony.Afterward,eachrowofpeoplewasinstructedtofilepastElvis’scasket.AsIwalkedtowardthefront,Istruggledtoholdbacktears.
Ihadmadeitapointto
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neversaygood-byetoElviswhenleavingGracelandinthetimewehadtogether.Now,lookingathimforthelasttime,Iforcedmyselftowhispergood-byeundermybreath.
IturnedtoVernon,Sandy,Dodger,andAuntDelta,huggingthem,thenreturnedtomyseat.Whentheservicewasover,Joeapproachedmyfamilyandme,instructingusthatwewouldberidinginthe
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fifthlimousinebehindthehearse.IwantedtothinkthatJoewasjusttryingtodohisbesttogeteveryonetothemausoleumandputtingtheminwhichevercarhecould,but,whenElviswashere,hehadalwaysmovedothersaroundtokeepmeathisside.Nowthatseemedforgotten.Itwasasmallslight,butitstung.ItseemedIhadbecomeinsignificant,theexactoppositeofhowElvis
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mademefeel.WhenIwalkedoutof
Graceland,Isawmultiplewhitelimousinesliningthedrivewayandwouldlaterlearnthereweresixteenintotal.Ourlimousinedriveropenedthedoorstoourcar.Igotintothefrontwithmymother,whiletherestofmyfamilyandCindyclimbedinback.
Wesat,waitingforallthelimousinestofill.Then
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Vernon,Sandy,Lisa,andPriscillawalkedoutandgotintothefirstlimousine.Beforelong,thepallbearers,GeorgeKlein,GeneSmith,JerrySchilling,CharlieHodge,LamarFike,JoeEsposito,BillySmith,andDr.Nichopoulos,exitedthehouse,carryingElvis’scasket.
Asthementookafewstepstowardthehearse,suddenlyahugebranchbroke
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fromatreeandlandedintheyardnotfarfromthem.Ishuddered,thinkinghoweeriethatshouldhappenatthismoment.
Theprocessionslowlymadeitswaydownthedrivewaywithapolicemotorcadeflankingthehearse.Asthehearsepassedthroughthegates,nearbypoliceofficerssaluted.
TurningontoElvisPresleyBoulevard,webeganthe
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three-milejourneytowardForestHillCemetery.Elviswouldbelaidtorestinsideacryptthere,inthemausoleum.Thescenebeforemeplayedlikesomebizarretelevisionreel,withtensofthousandsoffansliningbothsidesoftheboulevard,manyofthemopenlycrying.
Thisgottome,andIturnedmyfocustothefloorofthelimousine.WhenIglancedupagain,forsome
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reason,myattentionsuddenlyfocusedononewomaninthecrowdasshequicklysnappedaphotoandthenputhercameradown.Thenithitmeaswepassedher.ItwasCarolineKennedy.Icouldn’tbelievethat,withthemultitudeofpeopleliningthestreet,Ihadlookeduprightatthatmomentandshewaspartofthecrowd,nodifferentfromanyoftheothers,itseemed.Andyet,atthat
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moment,wewereactuallyconnectedthroughexperiencingahistoricdeath:Carolineandherfather,andmeandmyfiancé.Hundredsofflowerarrangements,inallshapesandsizes,coveredthelawnatthemausoleum.Thehearsecametoastop,andmyfamilyandIwaitedinourcarwhilethepallbearersremovedthecasketandcarrieditinside.
WhenIenteredthe
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mausoleum,everyseatlookedfilledinthesmallarea.Vernon,Lisa,Priscilla,andafewmembersofElvis’simmediatefamilyhadbeensecuredseats.Ilookedaroundasotherscamein.Likeme,they,too,hadtostandwherevertheycould.
Again,Ifeltinvisible.Anicemankindlystood
andgraciouslyofferedmehisseat.Theceremonywasbrief,withtheReverendBradley
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sayingafewwords.AfterwardIfollowedtheothersoutside.Ididn’trealizethatVernonandafewothershadremained.Noonehadtoldmewhattodo.
EveryonewaitedoutsideuntilVernonhadexited.IhadanemptyfeelingaswedroveawayandreturnedtoGraceland,wherefoodandbeverageshadbeensetupinthekitchen.Whocouldeatnow?I
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wondered.ThenIsawPriscillawalkthroughthekitchen,aswellasLindaThompson.AfragmentofastoryElvishadoncetoldmesuddenlyflashedinmymind.Thestorywasaboutamanwhopassesawayandthenwatchesfromheavenasthenumerouswomenheleftbehindgatherathisfuneral.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkElvismustbegettingakickoutofseeingthis.
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IwalkedintothediningroomandsawVernonseatedatthetable.HemotionedformetocomeoverandIwentandsatbesidehim.
VernonshowedmeaphotosomeonehadrecentlygivenhimthathadsupposedlybeentakenatthetimeofElvis’sdeath.Thepictureshowedwhatlookedlikeafigure,wearingawhiterobe,standingamongtheclouds.Thefaceinthephoto
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wasindistinguishableandVernonseemedtobeponderingthesignificanceofthepicture,asifitheldsomehiddenspiritualmeaning.Iknewhowhefelt.I,too,wantedtobelieveinsomethingtomakesenseofthistragedy.
BythetimemyfamilyandIarrivedhomefromGracelandafterthefuneral,areporterfromoneofthelocalpapers,theCommercial
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Appeal,wascampedoutonourfrontporch.HewantedtoknowifIwouldgranthimaninterview.
AfterhearingthatJoehadsaidhewastheonewhohadfoundElvisandafterbeingtreatedasifIwerejustanothermournerthroughoutthecourseoftheday,Iwasalarmedthatthetruthwouldbetwisted.AsshatteredasIfelt,Idecidedtospeakwiththereporterforafewminutes
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sothathistorywouldnotberewrittenbyotherswhohadtheirownagenda.Afterward,thereporteraskedwhetherIhadapictureofElvisandmetogether.ThinkingofthenicepictureElvishadgivenme,theonetakeninHawaiiwiththetwoofussmiling,Igaveittohim.
Afewdayslater,myinterviewwasprintedintheCommercialAppeal.Joe,Vernon,andafewothershad
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alsogiveninterviews.VernonacknowledgedmyengagementtoElvis,andJoesaidthatIhadbeentheonetofindElvisinthebathroom.Theirstatementsmomentarilyrelievedmyunease.Theirhonestywasasmallcomfort,butitwasimportanttome.
OnAugust21,Elvis’swillwasfiledwiththeShelbyCountyProbateCourtinMemphis.HehadnamedLisa,Vernon,andDodgeras
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hisbeneficiaries,withVernonnamedexecutoroftheestate,alongwiththeNationalBankofCommerceandJosephHanks,theiraccountant.
PeoplelaterwouldaskmeifI’dexpectedtobeincludedinElvis’swill,butthathadneverenteredmymind.Yes,Ihadwitnessedhimsignit,butitlookedlikeawillfrom1976thatElviswasre-signingin1977withthenewdatejustbeforehehurriedoff
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onavacationwithme.Whywouldhehavealteredhiswilltoincludemebeforewewereevenmarried?
ElvisandIwerebothyoungandenjoyingeachother.Wethoughtaboutlife,notdeath.
Thesamedaythewillwasread,VernoncalledmyhomeandsaidhewantedmymotherandmetocometoGracelandsohecouldtalkwithus.Iwasnervous
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drivingover.IwasstillalittleintimidatedbyVernon.Ontopofthat,itwouldfeelstrangetowalkbackintoGraceland,knowingElviswasgone.
Oneofthemaidsgreetedusatthefrontdoor.Inside,Vernonwasseatedatthediningroomtable.Heleanedover,tryingtolookatmefromtheheadchair.
“Thesedamnchairs,”hegrumbledasmymotherandI
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joinedhim.“LindaThompsonpickedtheseout,andthey’resohighyoucan’tseeoverthebackofthem.”
Oncewewereseated,Vernontookadeepbreathandlookeddirectlyatme.“Ginger,IknowhowmuchElvislovedyou,”hesaid.“Iknowhewantedmorechildrenandyoutobetheirmother.”
MyeyesstungandIwashavingdifficultyswallowing,
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muchlessspeaking.Inodded,appreciatinghisacknowledgmentofmybondwithElvis.
Vernonglanceddownforalongpausebeforehecontinued.“I’msorry,butI’mgonnahavetoaskyouforyourcreditcardback,”hesaidthen.
Icertainlydidn’tmindhandingthecardover.Still,IwantedtomakesurethatVernonrememberedI’d
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hardlyusedit.IhadalwaysbeenwaryofspendingElvis’smoneyfreely.Thatwasn’thowIwasbroughtup.
“Mr.Presley,”IsaidwhenIfoundmyvoice,“youknowImainlyusedthiscardforidentificationwhenwritingacheck.”
“Iknow,Ginger,”hesaid,“butLindawentoutandchargedalotwhenElvisbrokeoffwithher.”
Enoughsaid.Iquietly
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handedovermycreditcard.“IknowtheCadillac
SevilleyouhaveisstillinElvis’sname,”Vernonsaidoncehe’dtuckedawaythecard,“butI’llgoaheadandhavethetitletransferredovertoyou.”
“Thankyou,”Isaid,startled.Havingdriventhecarallthesemonths,Ihadn’tgivenathoughtaboutitstillbeinginElvis’sname.
“Thecontracthasalready
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beensignedtohavethepoolputinatyourhome,”Vernoncontinued,“andwe’llgetthatunderwayassoonaspossible.”
Afteranotherpause,heturnedhisfocustomymother.“Mrs.Alden,IknowI’mgoin’againstElvis’splansandwishes,”hesaid.“Wedidn’tgetthemortgagepaid,soI’llhavemyattorneyBeecherSmithsendthepapersandpaymentbookon
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yourhousebacktoyou.I’msorry,butatthemomentofElvis’sdeath,mypowerofattorneywasstrippedaway.”
Iwasshocked.Icouldtellbythelookonmymother’sfacethatshewas,too.Shelookedasifabombhadbeendropped.
“Youarebehindontwopaymentsandyou’llhavetomakethoseup,”Vernonaddedflatly.
Mymothersoundednear
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tears.“But,Mr.Presley,thereisnowayIcankeepupthehousenotesbymyselfandpaythemortgagecompanytocatchup.”
“Well,whenwegetthepoolin,maybe,Mrs.Alden,youcansellitandgetmoremoneyforit,”Vernonsaid.
VernonhadjustadmittedthatElviswantedthehomepaidfor.AsIlookedatmymothersittingthere,myheartbrokeasecondtime,thistime
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forher.Iwasstilltryingtoprocess
whatwashappeningherewhenJoeappearedfromthekitchen,saidaquickhello,thentoldVernontheyneededtohurry,astherewasmorebusinesstobedone.
IthitmethatIhadbeenhereforafewminutes,yetnotoncehadanyofustalkedabouthowmuchweallmissedElvisandhowterribleitfelttobeatGraceland
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withouthimbeingthere.IfeltlikeI’dbeenstrapped
ontosomesortofconveyerbeltandJoewasmovingthingsalong.Ifthiswas“takingcareofbusiness,”itwasn’tbeingtakencareofintherightwaythistime.
Inastateoftwistedemotions—loss,confusion,anger—IstoodupinadazeasmymotherandIsaidourgood-byestoVernonandJoe,walkedouttothecar,and
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droveawayfromGraceland.Thehopes,dreams,andplansElvishadbeensharingwithmeupuntilfivenightsagohadvanished.ItwasbeingmadecleartomebymanyaroundhimthatIwasonmyown.
MymotherandIweresilentontheridehomefromGraceland.Ilookedoveratherfromtimetotime,myeyesgettingmisty.Elvishadbeentalkingaboutbuyinga
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newhomeformyfamilysinceJanuary,andhadpromisedmymotherthathewouldhelpher.Icouldn’tbelievethatsomethinghe’dwantedtodosobadly,somethingthatweallthoughthadbeentakencareof—includingElvis—hadn’tbeendoneatall.
Lookingatthepredicamentmymotherwasinnow,IwantedtoaskGodwhy,ontopofmelosing
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Elvis,wasthishappeningtoher?
Sincemyfatherhadbeenpaidhisequityinthehouse,sheheldthemortgageandhewaspayinghisownrentonanapartment.Thismeantthatmakingthehousenotepaymentsaswellaspayingherotherbillswouldbeaterriblefinancialburdenonmymother.Atthesametime,shedidn’twanttosellthehouse.Wehadtolive
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somewhere.Thenextday,mymother
calledthecollectionsdepartmenttoexplainhersituation.Shewrotealetterandsentinapayment,concernedaboutforeclosure.Anicemanwhoworkedtheretoldheriftherewasanythinghecoulddo,he’dbegladtotry.Hewaskindenoughtowaivethelatefeecharges.Themortgagecompanywasgoingtoletherpaypartial
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paymentsforafewmonths,untilshecaughtup.
•••
Mydepressiondeepenedasthedaysslowlypassed.Icriedoftenandwouldn’tleavethehouse.Mymothersleptwithmesomenightsasourfamilycontinuedtryingtoprocessthetragedy.
Wereceivedoddcallsduringthistime.Onelady
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toldmymothershewasGladysPresleyandwouldwatchoverLisaandme.Goingfromoneextremetotheother,Ievengotadeaththreat.Mymotherdidherbesttoprotectme,fieldingcallsorrefusingtoanswerthephonealtogether.
IbegantoheedElvis’slessonsandstartedmeditatingasIsearchedforanswerstothemanyquestionsIhadaboutmylife.WhyhadElvis
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andImet?WhatwasthemeaningofwhatI’dexperiencedwithhim?AndwhywouldIexperiencethisamazingrelationship,onlytohaveitdisappearalmostasquicklyasithadmaterialized?
ThebookwrittenbysomeofElvis’sformerbodyguardshadbeenreleasedearlierthatsummer,butImadeaconsciousdecisionnottoreadit.Iwasinseriousmourning,
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andthesewerepeopleIdidn’tknow,talkingaboutatimebeforeImetElvis.AllIknewaboutthebookwasthatithadwoundedhim,andthatwasenoughreasonnottotouchit.
EdParkercalledtoseehowIwas,whichIdeeplyappreciated,andsometimelater,GeorgeKleintookmeouttolunch.Duringourmeeting,Georgetoldmethat,aboutthreeweeksbeforeElvispassedaway,hehad
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thankedGeorgeforintroducingus.
Thismademefeelgood.“Thankyou,”Isaid.Ineededtohearthat.Itwasaglimmeroflightduringaverydarktime.
OnAugust26,IsawinourlocalpaperthatVernonhadmovedGladysPresley’sbodytothemausoleumtoresidenexttoherson’s.IknewElvishadbeenveryclosetohismotherwhileshewas
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alive,soIwasgladthatthetwoofthemwereinthesamerestingplace.IhopeditbroughtVernonsomemeasureofcomfortandclosureafterElvis’sdeath,too.
OnAugust29,therewasanattempttostealElvis’sbodyfromthemausoleum.Iwassaddenedbytheboldmove.Whointheworldwoulddosuchahorrible,insensitivething?Shortly
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afterward,VernonpetitionedtheMemphisShelbyCountyBoardofAdjustmenttohavethebodiesofbothElvisandhismotherbroughttoGracelandforburial.
Thatsameweek,mymotherreceivedherpaymentcardsbackfromBeecherSmith,alongwithaletterstatingthat,hadElvislived,thebalanceonourhomewouldhavebeenpaid.
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CHAPTER28
ThedaysfollowingElvis’sdeathblendedintooneanother.ThefewtimesIleftthehouse,Iworesunglassesandeventuckedmyhairintoaturbantodisguisemyappearance.Icouldbarelyfunction.
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Sittinginourdenonemorning,Iheardacommotionoutside.Largecraneshadpulleduptoourcurb.OhmyGod,thepool!PartofthegiftElvishadintendedtogivemyfamilyhadjustarrived.Theybeganworkand,byLaborDay,thejobwascomplete.
Vernoncalledmyhomeagain,thistimeinvitingmetohishouseonDolanStreet.He’ddroppedsucha
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bombshellonuslasttime,Iwasnervousaboutseeinghimalone.Iaskedmymothertoaccompanyme.
Whenwearrived,IcouldseeVernonwasvisiblydisturbed.HetookaseatinachairwhilemymotherandIsatonacouchandbegantalkingaboutthemorningElvisdied.Inapleadingvoice,heasked,“Ginger,doyourememberseeinganyoneupstairswhohadnobusiness
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beingupthere?Ginger,pleasetrytoremember.”
Iwasstunned.WashetryingtoimplythatsomeonecouldhavebeeninvolvedinElvis’sdeath?Thiswasthefirsttimethatthoughthadeveroccurredtome.ButIcouldonlyshakemyhead.“Iwasasleep,Mr.Presley,”Ireplied.
“Didyouhearanything?”hepressed.
“No,”Isaid.
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Vernonwasquietforamoment,thensaid,“IfIonlyknew.”
Ifheonlyknewwhat?IrealizedthatI’dneverhadachancetospeakwithhimabouthisson’sdeath.Iwasstillstrugglingtounderstandtheeventsmyself,butIcarefullyrecountedmymemoriesofthathorriblemorningasbestIcould.
WhenIwasfinished,Vernonsaidhe’dbeentold
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thatDavidStanleyhadrushedafriendoffthepropertythatdayforsomeunknownreason.VernonevenmentionedsomethingaboutasuspiciousshotthatcouldhavebeengiventoElviswithoutthedrugshowingupinElvis’sbloodstream.
Thissoundedcrazytome.Whowoulddosuchathing,andwhy?WasVernon,inhisowncloudofgrief,graspingatstraws?Itwasclearthathe
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wasagrievingfathersearchingforanswersandsomeonetoblame.
IsilentlyreflectedonwhatI’dseeninthebathroom.IstillfeltElvis’shearthadjuststopped.
“Ididn’trealizehowimportantElviswasuntilhedied,”Vernonwassaying,shakinghishead.
ItwasanoddstatementforVernontomake,butmaybe,likeme,hehadn’tbeen
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preparedforthemagnitudeoftheworldwideoutpouringofsupport.Inanycase,itwasobviousthatVernonwasastormentedasIwasaboutElvisdyingsosuddenly.Tobothofus,itseemedinconceivablethatElviscouldjustbetakenfromusatsuchayoungagewhenhestillhadsomuchtoliveforandwasactivelyplanninghisfuture.
Vernonthenchangedthesubject.“Idon’tknowwhat
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todoaboutCharlie,”hesaid.“IneedCharlielikeIneedabunchofweedsinmyyard.”
Fromthat,IfiguredCharliewasstillresidingatGraceland.VernonalsowentontosaythathehadtriedforalongtimetogetElvistofireSonnyandRedWest,thebodyguardswho’dwrittenthenegativebookonElvis.
Vernonsaidhe’dtoldElvis,“Can’tyouseethey’rehangingonforwhattheycan
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get?”Inresponse,Elvishad
replied,“Daddy,Iseebeyondthat.Youseetheirwants,Iseetheirneeds.”
Vernonadded,“Idroppeditthen.”
Vernonobviouslywantedtoopenuptous.MymotherandIlethim,butwecouldonlylisten.Wehadnoanswersforhim.
AsweleftVernon’shouse,theconversationleft
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meslightlyunsettled.IfeltitwaspreposteroustothinkthatsomeonehadpurposelydonesomethingtoElvis,butnowIwondered,CouldsomeonehaveaccidentallygivenElvissomethingthatwouldhavecontributedtohisdeath?
Whatevertheanswertothatquestionmightbe,IunderstoodVernon’sdesperationtoexplaintheincomprehensible.Atatime
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likethis,allyoucoulddosometimesiskeepaskingwhy.
•••
InearlySeptember,theinterviewIhadgrantedthetabloidcameout.ThecoveroftheissuefeaturedaphotoofElvisinhiscasket.
Iwashorrifiedbythisinvasionofprivacyandmortifiedthatmystorywas
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associatedwithsuchapicture.Whocouldhavetakenthatphoto?Asforthearticle,thewordsensationalismcametomind,andthatwasanunderstatement.Mystorywasnotfullytold,andtherewerequotesattributedtomethatIdidnotsay.
Iwasgettingacrashlessoninthewaysofthepress.Itwouldlatercometo
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lightthatacousinofElvis’shadbeenpaidtotakethephotoofElvisinhiscasket.ThethreatenedLindaThompsoninterviewwasnotintheissuebutwouldappearshortlyafterwardinanother.
Notlongafterthat,IdecidedIwantedtovisitthemausoleumagain.RosemaryandItookarideovertothecemetery.Itwasadesolateplacenowthatalltheflowersweregonefromthelawn;
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onlyasinglelargewreathhadbeenplacedonthelockeddoor.
Evenso,asRosemaryandIstoodtheretogether,itmadeusfeelinexplicablyclosertoElvis.Myownfaithandourdiscussionsofspiritualpossibilitiesnowfloodedmythoughts.Whetheroutofneedorrealtruth,Imomentarilyfeltasifhisspiritwasallaroundus.
Ibeganhavingstrange
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dreamsafterElvisdiedandwouldwakemanytimesduringthenight.EachtimeIwoke,IthoughtElviswasstillalive.Thenrealitywouldsinkinanddragmedownagain.
Inonedream,Elviswaswearingaturban.HeandIwereinsideahotel,walkingdownalonghall,whileapartywasgoingon.Peoplewerestandingindoorways,laughingandpartying.Then
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someofthembeganturningtolookatusinsurprise,asifasking,“IsElvisalive?”
Inanotherdream,IwaswithamuchyoungerElvisatacarnival.Wewereholdinghandsandrunning,lookinginsomeshopwindows.
IevendreamedthatElviswalkedintohisbedroom,naked,whileIwassittingonthebed.Itwasafterhisautopsyandhewasstitcheddownhisstomach,legs,and
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arms.Iwasfrightenedashesatbesideme,butElvissaid,“Everythingisgoingtobeallright.”
Inanevenmoreterrifyingdream,Elviswastrappedinalargecrowd.Istruggledtogetthroughtohim,hopinghewouldrecognizeme,butIcouldn’treachhim.
And,eachtimeIawoke,Imissedhimmore.
•••
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ThetragedyofElvis’sdeathbroughtmyfatherbackintothefamilycircle.Hesawwhatweweredealingwith,andinhiswaywantedtohelpwithallthatwasgoingon.
InlateSeptember,myfatherofferedtodriveustoLosAngelestohelpusescapeMemphisandthehauntingeventsthathadtakenplaceatGraceland,whichhungoveruslikeadarkcloud.Terryandmybrotherwereunable
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totakeoffwork,butmymom,dad,Rosemary,andIheadedwestintheLincolnContinentalElvishadgiventhem.
Itfeltgoodtobeaway.InLosAngeles,myfamilyandIjustdrovearoundforafewdays,seeingthesights.StarWarshadjustbeenreleased,andaswepassedafewtheaters,Iwasamazedbythenumberofpeoplestandingin
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linetoseeamovie.EdParkerhadcontinued
toreachouttousandtookmeunderhiswing.ItoldhimwewerecomingtoL.A.andheinvitedustohishome.Anotherevening,hetookustodinnerandatapingofTheTonightShow.Edevenmanagedtohaveoneoftheshow’saidesgetusbackstagebeforetheshowstarted.
Aswestoodinahallway,
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theaidedisappearedintoanearbyroomandthenreturned.Shortly,JohnnyCarsonsuddenlysteppedoutoftheroom,dressedinawhiteT-shirtwithtissuearoundhisneck,obviouslyinthemiddleofhavingmakeupapplied.Asifjustlookingtoseewhowewere,hesmiled,winkedatus,andwalkedbackinside.Theaidelatertoldusthathe’dneverseenJohnnydothatwhileinthe
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middleofgettingready.Wewenttowatchthe
show,whichIreallyenjoyed,andforamomentittookmymindoffthings.
OnourreturntriptoMemphis,wedecidedtostopinPalmSpringssomyparentscouldseeElvis’shome,sinceRosemaryandIstillhadsuchindeliblememoriesofbeingtherewithhim.WedroveupChinoCanyonDrivetothehouse,
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pulledtothesideoftheroad,andgotoutofthecartolookatitforafewmoments.
Asecuritycarslowlydrovepastus,thenstopped.Aguardgotout.WhenItoldhimwhoIwas,theguardkindlyofferedtoopenthelockedgateinthefrontyard.IfeltlikeElviswassmilingdownonusatthatmoment.Whatweretheoddsthataguardwouldshowupatthisexacttime?
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Astheguardopenedthegate,hetoldmeandmyfamilythathewassorryhedidn’thavethekeystothehouse.Thatwouldhavebeenwonderful,butjustbeingabletowalkaroundtheoutsideofthehouse,IfelthappytorevisitaplaceIhadsharedwithElvis.
Theguardwalkedwithustothepoolinthebackyard.ItfelteerilydreamlikeasIlookedoutoverthe
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landscape.Takingintheserenesurroundingswasrelaxing,asithadbeenthefirsttimeIsawthisplace,butIfeltsad,too,thinkingaboutthechangesElvishadwantedustomaketothishouse,likethekingandqueenchairsinhisscreeningroom.Nowwe’dneverhavethefunofmakingahometogetherhereoratGraceland.Therewasanawfulfinalitytothatrealization.
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Ithankedtheguardaswereturnedtoourcar.IknewIhadtocontinuemylifewithoutElvisandthathewouldwantmetobehappy.Forhissake,aswellasformyown,Iwasgoingtohavetobestrong.Ineededtofindawaytolivewithmyheartacheandleavethepastbehind.
•••
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OnOctober2,IwashappytohearthatVernon’spetitionhadbeengranted.ThebodiesofElvisandhismotherweremovedtoGracelandandplacedinthemeditationgarden.“Elvishascomehome,”Ithought—asentimentsharedbymany.
Thefollowingevening,CBStelevisedtheElvisinConcertspecialthey’dbeenfilmingwhileElvisandI
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weretouringtogether.Elvislookedheavieroncamera,asI’dsensedhewould,butoverallhehaddoneafinejob.Thespecialshowcasedhisuniquevoiceanditsoundedasstrongandrichasever.AsIwatchedthespecial,theexcitementandconcernI’dalwaysfeltduringElvis’sshows,asIhopedeverythingwouldgowellforhim,camerushingback.ElvisinConcertincluded
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filmfootageofElvisintroducinghisfatherandme.Then,inthemiddleofElvissingingthesong“Hurt,”animageofmyfaceappearedon-screenbesideElvis.Forafewmoments,throughthemagicofediting,ElvisandIwereconnectedagain.
Itwasveryemotionalseeingourimageslinkedinthatway,butIwasgratefulknowingthatourrelationshiphadbeenacknowledged,and
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evendocumented,insuchapublicway.
Iwaslearningthatthedeathofsomeoneyouloveissofinal,andsoterrible,thatyoutrytograspandholdontotheghostofthepersonyoulost.Youholdontighterandtightertowhateveryouhadtogether,becauseyoudon’twantanyofittodisappear.Yet,theharderyoutrytoholdon,themorerealitytakesitawayfromyou.
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Ididn’twanttoletthathappen,andso,astheweekswentby,IbegandevotingmytimetowritingdownmymemoriesofElvis.Itriedtocapturethewayhesounded,rightdowntohisexactwords;thewayhefelt;theeventswe’dexperiencedtogether;andmuchofwhathe’dtriedtoteachorsharewithmyfamilyandme.
Thingsremaineddifficultforalongtime,butI
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graduallybegantoheal,thankstothelovingsupportfromfamilyandfriends.IalsoreceivednumerouscondolencelettersfromElvis’sfans.Thelettersbroughtmegreatcomfort,andIansweredeveryoneIcould.Evenwhentheelectricitywentoutinourhomeonce,Igotaflashlightandcontinuedtoanswerthoselettersofsympathy.Knowingthatsomanycared
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aboutmegavemethestrengthIneededtogetthroughthefirstterriblemonthswithoutElvis.
•••
Iturnedtwenty-oneonNovember13.Notlongafterthat,VernondecidedtoallowfanstovisitthegravesitesofElvisandhismother.I’dreadearlierthatthedivorcebetweenVernonandDee
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Presleyhadbeenfinalized;rememberingElvisoncementioningDee,Ihopedeverythinghadgonesmoothlyforhisfather.
Thedaybeforethemeditationgardenwasopenedtothepublic,Vernonkindlycalledmeathome,askingifIwouldliketovisitElvis’sgravefirst.Itmeantagreatdealtomethathedid.Iinvitedmymothertoaccompanyme.
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DrivingthroughthegatesofGracelandfeltsostrange.Itwasalmostasifnothinghadchanged.Foramoment,IcouldimagineIwasjustdrivingtoGracelandtoseeElvis,thewayIhaddonealmostdailyforninemonths.
MymotherandIdrovearoundback,parked,andbeganwalkingtowardthemeditationgarden.IsawalargemarblestatueofJesusstandingofftotheside;later,
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IlearnedithadbeenerectedtomarkGladysPresley’sformerburialsite.
Elvisandhismotherhadbeenburiednearthefountain.TheirrestingplaceswerecoveredwithbronzeandgranitegravemarkerswithinscriptionsIwouldlaterlearnVernonhadwritten.OnthemarkerforElvis,werethewords:
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HEWASAPRECIOUSGIFT
FROMGODWECHERISHEDANDLOVED
DEARLY.HEHADAGOD-GIVEN
TALENTTHATHESHAREDWITHTHEWORLD.ANDWITHOUTADOUBT,
HEBECAMEMOSTWIDELYACCLAIMED;
CAPTURINGTHEHEARTSOFYOUNGANDOLDALIKE.
HEWASADMIREDNOTONLYASANENTERTAINER,BUTASTHEGREAT
HUMANITARIANTHATHEWAS;
FORHISGENEROSITY,AND
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HISKINDFEELINGSFORHISFELLOWMAN.
HEREVOLUTIONIZEDTHEFIELDOFMUSICANDRECEIVEDITSHIGHEST
AWARDS.HEBECAMEALIVING
LEGENDINHISOWNTIME,EARNINGTHERESPECTAND
LOVEOFMILLIONS.GODSAWTHATHENEEDED
SOMERESTANDCALLEDHIMHOMETOBE
WITHHIM.
WEMISSYOU,SONANDDADDY.ITHANKGOD
THATHEGAVEUSYOUAS
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OURSON.
MymotherandIstoodatthegraveforawhile.Icouldn’thelpbutfeelanenergy,asifElviswerenearus.
Itwashardtobelievethatjustalittleoverayearago,IhadgonewithmysisterstoGracelandforthefirsttimetomeetElvis.Thatnight,mylifewastransformed,myworldforeverchanged.
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Overthepastmonths,IhadbeentryingtoconvincemyselfthatGodmusthaveneededElvisinheavenmorethanhereonearth.Whetherthatwastrueornot,IwasgratefultohavebeenabletoshareapartofmylifeandlovewithElvis,andtobelovedbyhim.Ihadnoideawhatthefuturewouldholdforme.Icouldonlytakethingsonedayatatime.However,nowthatI’dknown
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andlovedElvis,mymindwasopentonewexperiences.Iwouldbeforevergratefultohimforthat.
•••
Mymotherhaddealtwithsomehealthissuesbefore.Theynowcaughtupwithheragain,forcinghertoquitherjob.Withsomeseverancepayshewouldbeabletopaythebillsforalittlewhile,butI
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knewthatwouldn’tlastlong.RosemaryandTerryhadgottenjobsandweallchippedintohelp.
IwasspeakingwithEdParkeronedaywhenhetoldmethathehadonceworkedonsomeindependentfilmsinNorthCarolina.EdmentionedamoviehewasgoingtobeincalledTheConcertaboutacountrywesternsinger.Theproducer
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waslookingforawomantoplayapart,andEdaskedifIwasinterestedinacting.
ThiswassoonformetothinkaboutwhatstepsIshouldtakenextafterElviswasgone,butEdwasprobablythinkingasIwas:WhatshouldIdowithmylifenow?ItoldEdthatI’dbeeninonecommercialwhenIwasyounger,buthadneverreallythoughtaboutacting.Beforehangingup,Itoldhim
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Ijustneededtimetothinkaboutit.
•••
MyfamilyandIweresittingathomeoneafternoonclosetoChristmaswhenourdoorbellrang.SandyMillerwasstandingonourdoorstep.
Iinvitedherinside,surprisedbutpleasedtoseethatshehadbroughtagiftformefromherandVernon.I
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hadn’texpectedanythingandapologizedforhavingnothingforthem.
“Thankyou,”IsaidasIopenedthepresent.
Insidethewrappingpaperlayahatandapairofgloves.Sandydidn’tstaylong,butIdeeplyappreciatedhergesture.
WhenChristmasDaycame,ItriednottothinkaboutitbeingthedayElvisandIhadplannedtoget
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married.Ithurttoomuch.Imadeitthrough
ChristmasandNewYear’swithmyfamily,hopingthattheNewYearwouldstartonamorepeaceful,joyfulnote.Iwasfeelingalittlestrongerandfinallygettingoutofthehouseabitmore.
Theyeardidstartonabetternote.InJanuary1978,Edcalledagain,andsaidthattheproducerofthemoviehewasgoingtobeinwasstill
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lookingforagirltobeinhisfilm.Actingwouldbeawholeotherworldforme,butIwasawarethatIdefinitelyneededtostartearningaliving,notonlyformyself,butalsotohelpmymother.Ididn’twanttojustreturntothedressshop;infact,IthoughtitmightbebetterifIstartedacompletelynewlife.Themovieproducerseemedlikeaniceman.Hehadtwosons,onenamedRhettand
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theotherElvis.Itookthisasagoodsign:IhadlovedGonewiththeWind,andIcertainlylovedElvis.Thefilm’snamehadbeenchangedtoLivingLegendandRoyOrbisonwouldevenbedoingthesoundtrack.AsIunderstoodthescript,itwouldbeabackstageviewoflifeontheroadwithacountrysingerandsomethingsthatwentonbehindthescenes.Iwaseven
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goingtogettosing!Thescriptwasstillbeing
written,soIreadsomethingelseandgotthepartofamodel/girlfriendtothecountrysinger.Theproducersaidhewouldalsodeveloppartsformysisters.Filmingwassupposedtobeginlaterintheyear.Finally,Ifeltlikemynewlifewasbeginning.
Assureasthingsinmylifewerelookingup,however,Imomentarilygot
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pulledbackdownagain.AshortwhileafterbeingbackinMemphis,onFebruary18,IwashandedasubpoenatoappearforasessionofagrandjuryinvestigationintoElvis’sdoctor,GeorgeNichopoulos.ThegrandjuryhadbeenconvenedtofindoutwhetherhehadactedresponsiblyincaringforElvisaccordingtothecodesandethicsofhisprofession.Afterall,whydidaforty-
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two-year-oldmandie?Thebottomline:Dr.NichopouloswasbeinginvestigatedforoverprescribingmedicationtoElvis.
BeingservedthesubpoenaonlyremindedmethatI’dhadthesameconcernsaboutElvisandhissleeppackets.Doctors,nurses,anddentistshadconsistentlycaredforElvis,andIwasatwenty-year-oldgirlwho’dexperiencedonlynormal
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interactionswiththemedicalcommunity,likecheckups.IhadlookeduptothehealthprofessionalscaringforElvisasresponsiblehealersandhadnoreasontothinkotherwise.
WhenIenteredElvis’samazingworld,wherehecouldhavethebestofeverything,Ihadcertainlythoughtthathisdoctorsmustbethebest.Theyhadtoknowwhattheyweredoing;this
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wasElvistheywerecaringfor,afterall.Ihadassumedhewasreceivingthebestmedicalcaremoneycouldbuy.
NowthatI’molderandsomewhatwiser,IhavemanylingeringquestionsaboutElvis’smedicaltreatments.However,atthetime,ElvisandthosearoundhimhadneverraisedanyquestionsabouthishealthcareorimpugnedDr.Nichopoulos’s
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capabilities.Thegrandjurywas
convenedonthethirdfloorat211PoplarAvenue.MymotheraccompaniedmeandthetwoofussawtheGracelandmaid,NancyRooks,intheladies’bathroom.WehuggedeachotherandshetoldmeAuntDeltawasafraidbecauseshehadgivenElvisathirdpacketofmedicationthemorninghedied.Iwassostunned,I
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didn’tevenknowhowtorespond.Thiswasamajorthingifitweretrue!IwastoofocusedonthegrandjuryinvestigationtostartaskingquestionsasIhadneverbeeninanythinglikethisbefore.MymotherandIwentoutthedoor,wondering,HadNancytoldthistoanyoneelse?DidVernonknow?Thiswashissister.IwasawarethatrightafterElvis’sdeath,Vernonhadstatedinourlocalpaper
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thathissisterhadjusttakenwaterandapaperuptoElvisthatmorning.Hadshealsobroughtathirdpacketup,whileIwassleeping?Ifso,whatwasinit?CouldthishavecontributedtoElvis’sdeath?
Nobodyaskedmeaboutthisduringthegrandjuryquestioning.IwouldgoontohearrumorsaboutthisthirdpacketovertheyearsbutIdon’tknowwhetheritwas
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everdeterminedthatonewasactuallybroughtuptoElvis.
Dr.Nichopouloswaseventuallyacquittedonallcounts,butmanyyearslaterhewouldultimatelylosehislicensetopracticemedicineinthestateofTennessee.
Februarydidn’tturnouttobeaverygoodmonthatall,asmymotherwasnowbackedintoafinancialcorner.Whenshehadagreedtoherdivorce,shedidn’task
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foranyalimonyfrommyfatherbecauseElvistoldherthathermortgagewasbeingpaidoff.Withherfundsnowatalowpoint,shesoughtlegalcounselandwastoldthatshewasentitledtothefullpaymentofhermortgage,thegiftElvishadpromisedherandthoughthadbeentakencareofbeforehepassedaway.Asdifficultasitwasforheremotionally,shedecidedtofollowtheadvice
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ofanattorneyandfilealawsuitagainsttheestateforthefullpaymentofhermortgageinanattempttokeepherhome.Atonepoint,Elvis’sstepbrotherDavidStanleyofferedtohelp,whichwasveryappreciated,butmymother’sattorneydecidedthathewasn’tneeded.
Somepeopleincorrectlysawthisasmymotherattackingtheestate,andtherebyattackingElvis.They
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werewrong.Mymother—myentirefamily—lovedElvisdearlyandwouldneverdoanythingtobesmirchhismemory.
Ofcourse,mymother’slawsuitrapidlybecamefodderforthetabloidsandnewsshows.Aroundthesametime,Ialsobeganseeingbitsandpiecesofinterviewswithsomeofthepeoplewho’dknownElvissayingthatIwasnolonger
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welcomeatGraceland.Thiswaspainful,asIknewnoneofthemhadaclueaboutthetruthofwhathadhappenedregardingthelawsuit.
OnMarch24,IwasastonishedtogetacallfromVernonPresley.AsTerryhandedmethephone,Iwasevenmorenervousspeakingtohimbecauseofthelawsuit.
“Hello,”Isaid.Itwasimmediately
apparentthatVernonhadalso
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heardsomeofthenegativecommentsinthepress,becausehesaid,“Ginger,you’realwayswelcomeatGraceland.Justletmeknowwhenyou’recomingandI’llmentionittotheguardatthegates.”
Vernon’swordswereextremelycomforting.“Thankyou,Mr.Presley,”Isaid.Outofrespect,IhadnevercalledhimVernon.
Wedidn’tspeaklongand
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asIhungup,IbelievedthiscallcameasaresultofVernonknowingwhathissonhadwantedtodoformyfamily,nomatterhowthingsturnedoutlegally.
•••
Lifemovesforwardnomatterwhatkindofemotionalstateyou’rein.Icouldfeelmyselfslowlycontinuingtoheal,andIwasfinallyuptovisiting
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Elvis’sgraveagain.IcalledVernontoarrangeit,andonJuly10,ItookRosemarywithmeafterGracelandwasclosedtothepublicfortheafternoon.
Itwasanovercastday.RosemaryandIwalkeddowntothemeditationgardenandIplacedapottedplantbesideElvis’sgrave.Asthesunmomentarilypeekedthroughtheclouds,RosemaryandIglancedateachotherand
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smiled,rememberinghowElvishadraisedhishandstopartthecloudsinPalmSpringsduringourvisitthere.
Justthen,IsawVernon’struckpulluptothefrontofGraceland.Afewminuteslaterhejoinedus.ItwasgoodtoseehimandIgaveVernonahug.
HewalkedaroundwithRosemaryandme,pointingoutsomeimprovementsthathadbeenmadetotheareaby
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thegraves.Beforelong,RosemaryandIpreparedtosaygood-bye.
Ashestartedtowalkaway,Vernonglancedtowardthepasturesandsaid,“Lisa’saroundheresomewhere.”IthadbeenalmostayearsinceI’dseenher.Itwouldbenicetoseeheragain.
RosemaryandIheadedtowardourcar.InthedistanceIsawLisaonhergolfcart,watchingus.I
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wavedtoherandyelled,“Hi,Lisa!”
Smiling,shecalled,“Hi!”backatme.
Rosemaryshouted,“Justwhatareyoudoing?”inateasingvoice.
Lisalaughed,tookoffonhergolfcart,loopedbackaround,andstoppedagain,lookingatus.
Rosemaryyelled,“Comeoverhere.”
“Ican’t!”Lisasaid.
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Inunison,RosemaryandIshouted,“Whynot?”
Lisareplied,“Iwastoldnottotalkwithanyone.”
Itwasastrangemoment.IunderstoodthefearforLisa’ssafetywhenshevisitedGraceland,butthiswascrazy.Ontheotherhand,nobodywasaroundtoaskifwecouldapproachher,andIdidn’twanttogobangingonanydoorslookingforVernon.
Intheend,wecalled
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good-byetoLisa.Asadfeelingcameover
meagain.IwishedIhadgottentoknowherbetter,Ithoughtwistfully.Drivingoutthebackway,IlookedinmyrearviewmirrorandsawLisaassheracedalonginthedistance.Shestoppedthegolfcartforamomenttowatchusdriveoutthebackgate.
IknewElviswaswatchingoverher.Lisalookedhappy,andIwasglad.Ihopedlife
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wouldbegoodtoherandkeepherthatway.
ThiswouldbethelasttimeIwouldevergobacktoGraceland.
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CHAPTER29
Mymother’slawsuitwasturnedonalegalityknownaspromissoryestoppel,andshelostbecausetherewasnowrittencontract.Weweredisappointed,butmymother’slawyerssaidtheywouldtakeittothecourtof
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appeals.WhenIsignedacontract
todothefilmLivingLegend,Ididsonaivelywithouthavingitreviewedbyanagentorentertainmentattorney.Therewasnoscriptapprovalclause,andnootherprotectionsformethatpeopleusuallythinkofasstandardintheindustry.Ionlyknewthescriptwasstillindevelopment.
Iwasexcitedtofinallybe
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doingsomethingonmyown.Whentheproducerhadmentioneddevelopingpartsformysistersaswell,theyhadthoughtitwouldbefun,andIwaslookingforwardtohavingachancetoworkwiththemonaproject.
Atonepoint,thescreenwriterandproducervisitedmysistersandmeinMemphistogetideasforcharacterdevelopment.Withthescriptstillintheworks,I
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traveledtoNorthCarolinaandstayingattheproducer’sstudiocomplexduringpreproduction,IwentintowardrobeandsawajumpsuitsimilartoonethatElvishadworn.
Mymouthwentdry.Whatwasthis?Acountrysingerwouldn’twearthisoutfit!Ifeltterribleandthensuddenlyunderstood:ThesingerinthemoviewasgoingtobelooselybasedonElvis.HadI
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knownoriginally,Iwouldhavedeclinedthepart.
Iwentbacktomymotelroom,whichwaspartofthestudiocomplex,andcried.Ihadsignedacontract;Ifeltlockedinanddidn’tknowwhattodo.Ipanicked,hopingthat,attheveryleast,theywouldn’thavethemaincharacterpassawayinthemovie.
Whenthescriptwascompleted,themaincharacter
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wouldlive,butoddlyenough,EdParkerwasn’tinthefilm,norwouldmysistersbewrittenin.IwonderedifEdhadbecomeawareofthechangesinthestoryandbowedoutgracefully.Ifso,hehadn’tthoughttowarnme.Imetagreatgroupofbrothers,though,whoweremembersofRoyOrbison’sband,andwebecamefriends.
Intheend,thefilmcertainlywasn’tElvis’slife
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story,butthereweretoomanysimilaritiesformetoeverfeelcomfortablewithit.IneverdidaskEdaboutitandeventuallylostcontactwithhim.
WasItakenadvantageof?Yes,butIdidfeelthattheproducerwasaniceman.Now,reflectingbackonthings,IthinkhejustgotcaughtupinhisadmirationforElvisandneverrealizedthat,byplacingmeinafilm
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withacharacterevenremotelylikeElvis,itcouldhurtme.Weremainedfriendly,andIwouldgoontohonortheobligationinmycontracttodoanotherfilmwithhim.
Unfortunately,notlongafterworkingonthefilm,atabloidwouldcomeoutsayingthatIwasbannedfromGracelandwithanegativeinterviewfromElvis’suncleVester,amanInevergotto
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know.Iwascompletelystunned.
IcalledVernonPresleyathome,tellinghimaboutthearticle.“Mr.Presley,amIbannedfromGraceland?”Iasked.Heinstructed,“Ginger,don’tbelieveanythingunlessyouhearitfromme,”andthenreferringtohisownbrother’scomments,hesaid,“Vester,thatredneck,Itoldhimnottodothat.”Onceagain,Ifound
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strengthinVernon’swords.VernonPresleywentinto
thehospitallaterintheyear.IsentacardtowishhimwellandreceivedaniceresponsefromSandy.
In1979,Iworkedforacoupleofmonthsonmynextfilm,LadyGrey,whichcalledformetoplaytheroleofayounggirlwhobecomesacountrysinger.Iwasgettingtosingagainandlearningnottobeasfrightenedaboutit.
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CountrymusicentertainerDavidAllenCoewasalsocast.Wefilmedsomeconcertscenesforthemovie,andmyfriendsfromRoyOrbison’sbandplayedtherolesofmybackupband.Anup-and-comingbandnamedAlabamaalsoperformedinthemovie.
Alabamawentontobecomeahugesuccessinthecountrymusicfield.Mysingingwasn’tbad—oneofmysongsevenbecamea
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Billboardpickoftheweek—butmyactingclearlyhadalongwaytogo.Iwaslearningtheold-fashionedway,bysimplyjumpingintotheentertainmentbusinesswithbothfeetanddoingit.
Inthespringof1979,Vernonwashospitalizedagain.ThistimeIsentflowersandreceivedanothernicereplyfromSandy.
Then,onJune26,1979,Iwasinthemiddleofdriving
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toFloridawithmyfriendTeriforavacation,whenweheardontheradiothatVernonPresleyhadpassedaway.Ihadn’tspokentoVernoninawhile.Hewasonlysixty-threeyearsold,buthisweakhearthadfinallyfailedhim.AssaddenedasIwasbythisnews,ItookcomfortinknowingthatatleastnowElvis,hismother,andfathercouldbetogetheragain.
Thefollowingyear,I
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decidedtogotoNewYorktopursueamodelingcareerandmakeitonmyown.Ididn’twanttouseElvis’snameorcontacts.NewYorkwasavastlydifferentworldfromLosAngeles,andfromMemphis,too,andhardlyanyonerecognizedmyname.Iwasjustonemoreyoungwomantryingtomakeastart.Nopaparazzifollowedme,andIwasnotinanyofthepapers.
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IsignedwiththeFordModelingAgencyand,whenmyagentaskedwhyIwasgettingsuchalatestart,IfinallytoldheraboutElvis.Iwasquitesuccessfulincommercialsandalsodidprintbookingsdaily.IbegantakingvocallessonsinNewYorkandlandedaCanadaDrygingeralespot,inwhichIgottheopportunitytosingagain.
InMayofthatsameyear,
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agrandjuryindictedDr.Nichopoulosforoverprescribingdrugstomanypatients.Thatsameyear,theTennesseeBoardofMedicalExaminersfoundhimguilty.Dr.Nichopouloshadhismedicallicensesuspendedforthreemonthsandwasonprobationforthreeyears.
Fifteenyearslater,Dr.Nichopoulos’slicensetopracticemedicineinthestate
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ofTennesseewouldbepermanentlyrevokedbythestateBoardofMedicalExaminers.IwouldalwaysquestionwhetherhecouldhavedonemoretohelpElvis.
Mymother’slawyerhadtakenherlawsuittothecourtofappeals.Thecourtdecidedshehadforegoneremediesavailabletoherinherdivorce,inrelianceonapromisemadebyElvis,andmovedthattheestateshould
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bestoppedfromdishonoringElvis’spromise.Mymotherwonthatbattle.
Ultimately,however,Elvis’sestatethentookittothesupremetrialcourt.ThejudgmentwasreversedwhenthecourtruledthatElvishadnotmade,initseyes,a“legalgift”ofthemoney(asignedagreementwiththemortgageholder).Averbalpromisewasnotenough.
Iwassaddenedthatthings
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hadn’tgonemymother’swaylegally,butinmyownlife,Ihadcomealongwayphysically,emotionally,andspiritually.Iwasstrongandindependent.Ihadbegunanewcareerandwassuccessfulatit.ItookactingclassesattheActor’sStudioinNewYork,studyingwithLeeStrasbergandthenwithhiswife,Anna.MyworkincommercialsledtoagentswhosuggestedthatIalso
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auditionforjobsinLosAngeles,sofrom1986to1991IshuttledbetweenNewYorkandL.A.,doingprintcampaigns,commercials,andguestspotsonshowslikeHollywoodBeatandLifeGoesOn.IalsospentsixmonthsonthesoapoperaCapitol.
ImetmyhusbandinNewYorkCity.Wemarriedin1991andhadoursonthree
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yearslater.Ihappilyquitmycareertodevotemyselftomotherhood,andalthoughitmaybeaclichétosaythis,mysonisoneofmyproudestachievements.Heisapassionateathleteaswellasaseriousstudent,andbiasedasImightbe,awonderfulyoungman.Throughouthischildhood,Iwenttohissoccer,baseball,andbasketballgamesasanardentsupporter,fan,andproud
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mother.Ididn’twantanythingtodiminishtheattentionIcouldgivehimormyexperienceoffullysharinginhischildhood.Ihavenoregretsaboutthischoice,asitbroughtmeimmensejoy.
Whenmysonwentofftocollege,therewasahugespaceinmydailylife,soIdecidednowwasthetimetoembarkonthejourneyoffinallywritingthismemoir.I
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knewthatitwouldtakeeveryounceofmyenergy,focus,andability.
Iamnotawriter,butIwantedtodothismyself,haveitbeinmyvoiceandnotthatofastorytoldtoaghostwriter.IhadwrittendownsomanyofmyexperiencesafterElvisdiedtopreservemymemoryofhimformyself.Ihadtominethedeeprecessesofmymemoryandbringmyself
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backtothoseninemonths,torelivetheuniqueexperiencesandthepowerfulemotionsofthattime.Itwasnoteasyandtheprocesswassometimesverypainful.ButIgavegreatthoughtandtimetotheeffortofbeingasaccurateaspossibleinsharingwhatIexperienced.
Writingthisbookwasalongandarduoustask.Noonecanexplainlove,butIhadanamazingstorytotell
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aboutoneofhistory’smostinfluentialperformersandacomplexandwonderfulman.Justasyoucan’tcapturelightninginabottleandjustasaphotoisonlyatwo-dimensionalrepresentationofamultidimensionalmoment,Iknewitwouldbealmostimpossibletoportraywhatitwasliketobeinlovewith,andlovedby,ElvisPresley,forhimandmyselfandforhistory.WhateverIwrote
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wouldsurelyfallshortofthemark.Yet,IfeltIowedittohim,tomyself,andtohisfanstotry.
Inwritingthisbook,Ihavegivenitmyverybesteffort,andinlifethatisallonecando.Inthisbook,Isurelydidthatformeand,withallhumility,forElvis,too,asawayofhonoringhimandtheloveweshared.
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Apicturetakenofmearoundagetwo
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andahalf.Whowould’veknownElvisPresleywouldonedayentermylifeandgivemethenicknameLittleTwo?
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Myfirst-gradepicturethatElvisrequestedandkeptinaframeonhisbedsidetableatGracelandalongsideanotherphotoofme.MypermedhairdoIcouldhavelivedwithout!
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Elvislisteningintentlytomyfatherspeaking,shortlyaftertheyfirstmetatKennedyVeteransHospitalinMemphis,Tennessee,onMarch24,1958.Littledidthetwoofthemknow
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thattheywouldbeineachother’slivesagaineighteenyearslater.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Mymotherproudlyservinghercountry.Thephotowastakenwhenshefirstenteredthearmyin1943.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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MysisterRosemary,Dad,Mom,mysisterTerry,andmeduringtheMissAmericapageantinAtlanticCity,NewJersey,inSeptemberof1976.Wecouldn’thavebeenanymoreproudofTerry!
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PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Mybrother,Mike,insideElvis’sJetStar,headingtoLasVegasonwhatwasmyfamily’sfirsttriptoseeoneof
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Elvis’sshows.PhotocourtesyofJoAlden
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Elvis’spersonalidentificationbraceletthatheworeformanyyearsandsurprisinglygiftedmewithonourfirstflighttogethertoLasVegas.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Elvis’swonderfulsenseofhumorshowsinacoupleofpersonalchecksmadeouttome.MyfatherhadgivenElvisadimesohecouldmakeaphonecallwhenheenteredthearmy.Icouldn’thelpbutsmileremembering
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mydad’sstorywhenElvisgavemetheChristmascheckfortencents.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Elvisandmeholdinghands,withEdParkerintheforeground,afterarrivinginPittsburgh,Pennsylvania,onDecember31,1976,beforehisNewYear’sEveshow.Usuallyshyaboutbeingphotographed,Iwasalsosadherebecausemygrandfatherhadjustpassedawaythedaybefore.PhotocourtesyofBobKleinMedia.com
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ElvisonstageduringhisNewYear’sEveshowinPittsburgh,Pennsylvania,onDecember31,1976.Itwasafantasticshow!IwassoproudofhisperformanceandhappythathewaswearingthecrossnecklaceIhadgivenhimforChristmas.TakenbyDonnaGaffin,fromtheRuss
HoweCollection
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Elvisandmewalkingtowardmyparents’LincolnContinental,leavingtheRamadaInninHarrison,Arkansas,onJanuary3,1977.WehadearlierreturnedtotheRamadaaftermygrandfather’sfuneral.PhotobyBillDoshierJr.,courtesyof
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HarrisonDailyTimes,Harrison,Arkansas
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Elvisenteringmyparents’LincolnContinentalaftermygrandfather’sfuneral.Hehadchangedintothejeweledrobethathesooftenlovedtowear.PhotobyBillDoshierJr.,courtesyof
HarrisonDailyTimes,Harrison,Arkansas
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Rightafteraskingmetomarryhim,ElvissurprisedmewiththisbeautifulengagementringatGracelandon
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January26,1977.PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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OneoffourValentine’sDaycardsElvissurprisedmewithontourinFebruaryof1977.Hisspecialpersonalnotetomeiswritteninside.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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TheCadillacSevilleElvisgiftedmewithafterhisfatherdidn’twantit.Isolovedthiscar!
PhotocourtesyofTerryAlden
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ElvissingingtomysisterRosemaryonthebeachinHawaii.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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MysisterTerry,Elvis,andmehavingagreattimewhilerelaxingonthebeachinHawaii.
PhotocourtesyofRosemaryAlden
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AnemployeecontactlistfromlateApril1977.Onthistour,Elvishadinvitedmanypeopletoseehisshows,includingmymother,mysisterRosemary,Elvis’scousins,andthewivesandgirlfriendsofsomeofElvis’sfamilyandstaff.
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PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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AhotellistonwhichElviswrote,
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“Comebackhere,”shortlybeforeIleftatourforafewdaysinMayof1977.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Elvisleavingourhotel,withmeinfrontfollowedbyJoeEspositoandSamThompson.WewereheadingfortheMaconColiseuminGeorgiaonJune1,1977.
PhotocourtesyofKeithAlverson
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MymagnificentdiamondTLCnecklacethatElvishadmadeforme.Itstoodfortenderlovingcare...
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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LisaPresleyandmynieceAmberinthesummerof1977inthemusicroomofmyparents’homeinMemphis.Lisaenjoyedplayingaroundonthepiano.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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MeandmyGreatDane,Odyssey,inJulyof1977atAudubonParkinMemphis.Hewasmy“gentlegiant.”
PhotocourtesyofTerryAlden
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Elvis’sninth-degreeblackbeltkaratecertificate,whichhepickedoutandgavetomefornospecialreasonwhilewewerewalkingthroughhistrophyroomoneday.Hetoldmehedidn’twanttotryfortherankoftenthdegreebecause“therewasnowheretogoafter
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that.”PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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ElvisandmeleavingtheMarketSquareArenainIndianapolis,Indiana,onJune26,1977.ThiswasthelastconcertElviswouldperformontour.
PhotocourtesyofKeithAlverson
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Elvis’sbeautifulwordsthathewrotetomeonthebackofaphotowhilevisitingmyparents’homeonAugust6,1977.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden
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Elvis,Lisa,andmereturningtoGracelandonAugust12,1977,afteraprivatescreeningofthemovieTheSpyWhoLovedMe.
PhotocourtesyofShantayWood
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ApoemIwrotenotlongafterElvispassedaway.
PhotocourtesyofGingerAlden