Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” movie has sparked renewed interest in the real-life story of Priscilla Presley and her relationship with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. A central point of discussion, particularly highlighted by the film, revolves around their first meeting and the significant age gap between them. When they initially crossed paths in Germany, Elvis was a 24-year-old serving in the Army, while Priscilla was just a teenager. But just how young was Priscilla when she met Elvis?
Their story, recently brought to the screen and based on Priscilla’s memoir “Elvis and Me,” has captivated audiences and raised questions about the nature of their early relationship. The film adaptation offers a deeper look into Priscilla’s perspective, navigating the complexities of being a young girl entering into a relationship with a global superstar.
The Setting: Germany, 1959
The year was 1959, and Elvis Presley was stationed in Germany as part of his military service. Priscilla’s stepfather was also stationed there, which placed her family in close proximity to Elvis’s world. Elvis had already achieved immense fame with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” before his draft in 1957, making his presence in Germany a significant event.
It was at a party that fate intervened. Priscilla, then a young teenager, found herself at the Eagles Club, a place frequented by American servicemen. It was there that she was approached by Currie Grant, a man who would unknowingly change the course of her life. Grant, a friend of Elvis, inquired if she was a fan of the singer. Her enthusiastic “Who isn’t?” led to an unexpected invitation: to meet Elvis Presley himself.
“You’re Just a Baby”: Priscilla’s Age Revealed
Just two weeks later, after her stepfather’s careful vetting of Grant, Priscilla found herself face-to-face with Elvis. In her book, “Elvis and Me,” she recounts the moment vividly. Elvis, in conversation, casually asked if she was in her junior or senior year of high school. When Priscilla revealed she was only in the ninth grade, his reaction was telling.
“Ninth grade,” he laughed, “Why, you’re just a baby.”
At that moment, the age difference became starkly apparent. Elvis was 24 years old, a man in his prime, while Priscilla was a mere 14-year-old girl, still in the early years of high school. This ten-year age gap has become a focal point in discussions about their relationship, especially with the release of the “Priscilla” movie prompting fresh examinations of their history.
Elvis and Priscilla Presley Wedding Day 1967 – How Old Was Priscilla When She Met Elvis?
Courtship and the Nature of Their Early Relationship
Despite the age difference, a connection formed between Elvis and Priscilla. Priscilla described Elvis as incredibly respectful during their initial encounters. On their second meeting, he invited her to his private room, but reassured her, promising to treat her like a sister. They spent hours talking and cuddling, culminating in her “first real kiss” at the end of the evening.
Priscilla emphasized that their bond wasn’t initially physical. She became someone Elvis confided in, sharing his fears, hopes, and grief over the loss of his mother. This emotional connection, she believes, was the foundation of their attraction, not just physical desire. She clarified, “People think, ‘Oh, it was sex.’ No, it wasn’t. I never had sex with him. He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old.”
Elvis’s charm also won over Priscilla’s parents, who were initially wary of the older celebrity’s interest in their young daughter. He assured them of his good intentions, stating he enjoyed Priscilla’s company and found her mature for her age, needing someone to talk to during his time away from home.
From Germany to Graceland
Their relationship continued in Germany until Elvis’s military service ended. Priscilla recounted begging him to take their relationship further before his departure, but Elvis declined, citing her young age and promising “Someday we will, Priscilla, but not now. You’re just too young.”
Eventually, Priscilla did follow Elvis to the United States, initially living with his grandparents before moving into Graceland. Their relationship evolved, and they eventually married when Priscilla was 21. While their marriage later ended in divorce, Priscilla maintains that their connection was profound and enduring.
Priscilla’s Story and Public Perception Today
Priscilla Presley’s willingness to share her story, culminating in Sofia Coppola’s film, provides valuable insight into their unique relationship. She has consistently defended Elvis against accusations of impropriety, emphasizing his respect for her youth and the genuine emotional bond they shared.
However, the age gap remains a point of public discussion and scrutiny. Coppola’s film is being viewed by many through a contemporary lens, prompting viewers to consider the power dynamics and ethical implications of such a relationship, even if Priscilla herself views it differently.
Ultimately, “Priscilla” and the ongoing dialogue surrounding it encourage audiences to grapple with the complexities of their relationship, starting with the fundamental question: how old was Priscilla when she first met Elvis? The answer, undeniably, is that Priscilla Presley was just 14 years old when she embarked on a life-altering journey with Elvis Presley, a journey now being re-examined and understood by a new generation.
