Venice, Italy – Priscilla Presley, the former wife of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, candidly discussed the age difference between her and the music icon during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival. The event focused on Sofia Coppola’s forthcoming biopic, “Priscilla,” which delves into their relationship, particularly when Elvis was 24 and Priscilla was just 14 years old.
Priscilla, an enduring pop culture icon, shed light on the unique dynamic that existed between her and Elvis during their initial meeting on a military base in Germany. Despite the significant age gap, she emphasized that Elvis always respected her age. Their connection was rooted in their ability to communicate and relate to each other on a deep level.
Contrary to common assumptions, Priscilla clarified that their relationship wasn’t based on physical intimacy. “People think, ‘Oh, it was sex.’ No, it wasn’t,” Priscilla explained. “I never had sex with him. He was very kind, very soft, and very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old. We were more in line in thought, and that was our relationship.”
She went on to reveal how challenging it was for her parents to comprehend why Elvis was so interested in her at such a young age. Priscilla believed that their connection stemmed from her role as a compassionate listener. Elvis confided in her about his deepest fears, hopes, and the enduring pain of losing his mother. She was the person he turned to for solace and understanding.
Priscilla elaborated, “Even though I was 14, I was actually a little bit older in life — not in numbers. That was the attraction.” She recounted how their relationship primarily unfolded in private, away from the public eye. Priscilla’s discretion was a source of great trust for Elvis.
Although they eventually went their separate ways in 1972, Priscilla stressed that their split did not stem from a lack of love. She described Elvis as the man she loved the most. However, it was the demanding way of life that posed challenges for her. Nevertheless, they remained close, raising their daughter, Lisa Marie, together.
During the press conference, Priscilla also shared her admiration for Sofia Coppola’s portrayal of her life in the biopic, though admitting the emotional intensity of watching one’s life unfold on screen. She commended Coppola for her dedication and meticulous research in bringing her story to life.
Coppola’s film stars Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny as Elvis and Priscilla, respectively, and is based on Priscilla’s memoir from the year 1985, “Elvis and Me.” Unlike Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film “Elvis,” which starred Austin Butler and featured the rock star’s music, Sofia Coppola’s project did not obtain the rights to Elvis Presley’s music from Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The international premiere of “Priscilla” was met with anticipation, with Priscilla Presley expressing nervousness about audiences experiencing her life story on the big screen. “The people who are watching, they’re living it with you, and you hope and pray that they get it. They get your feelings, your hurts, your sensitivity,” she remarked during a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
As Sofia Coppola’s biopic, “Priscilla,” continues to garner attention and anticipation, Priscilla Presley’s openness about her unique relationship with Elvis adds a deeper layer to the film’s portrayal of their enduring connection.