Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, captivated the world with his music, charisma, and undeniable star power. However, beyond the stage lights and roaring crowds, he lived a complicated and often lonely life. One of the women who knew him intimately was Linda Thompson—a former beauty queen turned actress and songwriter.

Their relationship spanned from 1972 to 1976, a time when Elvis’s health and personal struggles were becoming increasingly evident. Now, decades later, Linda has opened up about their time together, why she left, and the heartbreak of losing him just a year after their breakup.

Who Is Linda Thompson? From Beauty Queen to Hollywood Elite

Before meeting Elvis, Linda Thompson had already built a name for herself. Born on May 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, she grew up just miles away from Graceland, unknowingly destined to become a major part of Elvis’s life.

Her journey into the spotlight began through beauty pageants. She won numerous titles, including Miss Memphis State University and Miss Tennessee. In 1972, the same year Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced, Linda earned national attention when she placed third in the Miss USA competition.

Little did she know that her life was about to change forever with a chance encounter with the King himself.

Meeting Elvis Presley: Love at First Sight?

Linda met Elvis in 1972 at a private movie screening. At the time, she was already an admirer of his music, but she never expected to cross paths with the legendary performer.

When Elvis saw her, he reportedly greeted her with his signature Southern charm: “Well, hello honey!” Linda, unaware of his divorce, was initially hesitant. However, once he assured her that he was separated, she found herself drawn into his magnetic presence.

As the night went on, Elvis made his move—using the classic yawn-and-stretch technique to put his arm around her. It was the beginning of a passionate relationship that would last for four years.

Life at Graceland: The Ups and Downs of Loving a Legend

Shortly after they started dating, Linda moved into Graceland. Life with Elvis was nothing short of extraordinary—lavish parties, spontaneous trips, and moments of undeniable romance. But behind the glamour, there were deep struggles.

Linda quickly became more than just Elvis’s girlfriend; she took on the role of his caregiver. She witnessed firsthand his health battles, the prescription medications, and the emotional pain he carried.

The Burden of Watching Him Struggle

Elvis, despite his worldwide fame, faced immense pressure. He suffered from insomnia, weight fluctuations, and dependency on medications prescribed to manage his energy and sleep. Linda, deeply in love, found herself constantly worried about him.

She later revealed in her book, A Little Thing Called Life, that she would often stay awake watching him sleep to make sure he was breathing. The emotional toll of witnessing his self-destruction was overwhelming.

“I loved him more than my own life,” she shared in an interview. “But watching him slowly self-destruct and not being able to do anything about it was exhausting.”

Why Did Linda Thompson Leave Elvis?

Despite their deep connection, Linda ultimately made the difficult decision to leave Elvis in 1976. But why would she walk away from the man she once believed she would marry?

The answer lies in Elvis’s worsening health and lifestyle choices. His reliance on prescription medications and his unpredictable behavior made it difficult for Linda to continue supporting him without sacrificing her own well-being.

“I had to walk away for my own sanity,” Linda admitted. “I knew if I stayed, I would be consumed by the chaos.”

Though their romantic relationship ended, she never stopped caring for him. She continued checking in, worried about his well-being even after moving to Los Angeles to pursue her own career.

Elvis’s Final Days: Linda’s Heartbreaking Last Call

On August 16, 1977, just a year after Linda left, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42. The news sent shockwaves across the world, leaving millions mourning the loss of an icon.

Linda, devastated, recalled that just days before his passing, she had tried to reach him. She called Graceland, asking Elvis’s best friend and guitarist, Charlie Hodge, to check on him.

“I had this haunting feeling,” she said. “I didn’t know if anyone else would take care of him the way I did.”

Charlie assured her that Elvis was asleep and doing fine. Linda left a message for him, saying: “Tell him I love him and was just checking in.”

It was the last message she would ever send to him.

Life After Elvis: Linda’s Journey Beyond Graceland

After Elvis’s death, Linda Thompson went on to build a successful career in Hollywood. She became an accomplished songwriter, working on hits like I Have Nothing, famously performed by Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard.

She also found love again, marrying former Olympic decathlete Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner) in 1981. The couple had two sons, Brody and Brandon Jenner, before divorcing in 1986.

Later, she married renowned music producer David Foster, though their marriage ended in 2005.

Linda’s Reflections on Elvis: A Love That Never Faded

Despite moving on, Linda never forgot the love she shared with Elvis. She continues to honor his memory, sharing personal stories and rare photos on social media.

On the anniversary of his death, she posted a heartfelt tribute:

“He was an original. A complex, brilliant, kind, and generous man. The world lost an icon, but Elvis still lives in the hearts of millions.”

She acknowledges that their love story was both beautiful and tragic. “Ours was a complete relationship,” she wrote in her memoir. “We were lovers, best friends, and everything in between. And Elvis was always everything to me.”

Conclusion: A Love Story Marked by Passion and Pain

Linda Thompson’s relationship with Elvis Presley was one of deep love, immense joy, and heartbreaking struggles. While their romance didn’t last forever, it left an indelible mark on both of their lives.

Her story serves as a reminder that even the greatest love stories can be bittersweet—filled with moments of bliss, yet shadowed by struggles too heavy to bear.

Though Elvis Presley is no longer here, his music, his legacy, and the love he shared with those closest to him continue to live on. And for Linda, his memory remains as vivid as ever—a love she once dreamed of as a little girl, and a man she will never forget