Losing a child is the worst pain a parent can ever feel, but losing the most famous son in the world while millions of strangers watch makes it even harder.
In January 1978, Vernon Presley broke his silence. His son, Elvis Presley, had passed away just five months earlier. The world was filled with nasty rumors and gossip about how the King of Rock and Roll died. Heartbroken and very sick, Vernon sat down for a rare interview to defend his boy and show the world the real, private Elvis.
Vernon wanted everyone to know that behind the bright stage lights, Elvis was just a loving son who cared deeply for his family. He explained that Elvis was actually born as a twin, but his brother sadly died at birth. Because of this, Vernon always believed that God had a special, miraculous plan for Elvis.
As a boy, Elvis was sweet, well-behaved, and incredibly close to his parents. To Vernon, he wasn’t a global superstar; he was just his precious child.
Vernon Presley Reveals the Truth About Elvis in Rare 1978 Interview
During the emotional talk, Vernon bravely answered the tough questions that were hurting his family. He defended Elvis against stories about drug abuse, explaining that his son only took medicine prescribed by real doctors to help him sleep and stay healthy.
He also opened up about Elvis’s love life. He confessed that the constant traveling ruined Elvis’s marriage to Priscilla, but revealed that, right before he died, Elvis hoped to marry again and have a baby boy.
The most heartbreaking part of the story was the day Elvis died. Vernon recalled the terrifying phone call and rushing to his son’s side, wishing he could have done something to save him. He spoke about the total shock of the funeral and his anger at the people who tried to use his son’s death to make money.
Vernon Presley passed away about a year and a half after giving this interview, making it his final message to the world. He didn’t care about the fame, the money, or the golden records. He just wanted people to remember Elvis as a kind, generous, and faithful man. It reminds us all that to the rest of the world, Elvis was the King, but to Vernon, he was simply his son.