Priscilla Presley Shares Her Truth: Why She Stayed Single After Elvis

Priscilla Presley Reveals Why No One Could Ever Match Elvis and Her Enduring Reasons for Never Remarrying

Priscilla Presley, the esteemed actress and former wife of the legendary Elvis Presley, recently opened up about the profound reasons she never remarried following her divorce from the King of Rock and Roll in 1973, and even after his untimely death in 1977. At a captivating Q&A session held at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, November 3, the 78-year-old shared intimate details of her life, love, and enduring connection to Elvis, as reported by People. Her candid reflections shed light not only on her decision to remain unmarried but also on why she and Elvis chose not to have another child after their beloved late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

Priscilla’s marriage to Elvis, which spanned from 1967 to 1973, was a period of immense public fascination and personal intensity. Their union produced Lisa Marie, born in 1968, who became their cherished only child. Reflecting on the years after Elvis’s passing, Priscilla articulated a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans and observers of their iconic love story: the incomparable nature of her former husband. “To be honest with you, I never wanted to marry after him. I never had any desire,” she revealed to the audience. Her reason was unequivocal: “No one could ever match him.” This powerful statement underscores the unique and indelible mark Elvis left on her heart and life, setting a benchmark that, for Priscilla, remained unchallenged by any other individual.

Elvis and Priscilla Presley
Elvis Presley died four years after his divorce from Priscilla. (Kobal/Shutterstock)

The Unmatchable Aura of Elvis Presley

Priscilla’s assertion that no one could “match” Elvis Presley speaks volumes about the man who was not merely a rock star but a global phenomenon. Elvis possessed an almost mythical charisma, an unparalleled talent, and a magnetism that captivated millions. For Priscilla, who experienced this intimately, being married to such a larger-than-life figure meant living a life unlike any other. The intensity of their relationship, the constant public scrutiny, and the sheer scale of Elvis’s fame created a unique bond that, in her view, could never be replicated. His influence extended beyond music; he redefined pop culture, fashion, and performance, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to enthrall new generations. To have shared such a profound and extraordinary journey with him, from his meteoric rise to his deeply personal moments, instilled in Priscilla a sense of connection that transcended the conventional boundaries of marriage and partnership. This profound experience set an impossibly high standard for any potential future relationship, making the idea of remarrying feel irrelevant or even diminishing in comparison to what she had with Elvis.

Beyond the personal connection, Priscilla also implied a sense of respect when explaining why she chose not to remarry, particularly during Elvis’s lifetime. “I just don’t think that he could handle that,” she remarked, suggesting a deep understanding of Elvis’s personality and their enduring bond even after their divorce. This respect wasn’t merely about personal feelings but perhaps an acknowledgement of the unique family unit they had created, centered around their daughter, Lisa Marie. Even after their separation, their connection remained significant, characterized by a mutual affection and a shared history that few others could comprehend. This continued bond, even in the absence of marriage, underscored the strength of their relationship.

Family Dynamics and Life with “The King”

Priscilla also elaborated on another significant aspect of her life with Elvis: their decision not to have a second child. She attributed this primarily to Elvis’s “very busy schedule” and the unrelenting demands of his career. “He wasn’t around that much when Lisa was younger,” she explained, highlighting the challenges of raising a child with a superstar whose life was consumed by touring, recording sessions, and film productions. Elvis’s immense fame meant a constant barrage of professional commitments, leaving little time for the conventional domestic life. “With his scheduling and his touring, he just felt he wasn’t around enough to give a lot of attention to having another child.” This pragmatic decision, made under the unique pressures of their celebrity lifestyle, reveals a thoughtful consideration for the well-being and attention that a child deserves. It paints a picture of a couple navigating the complexities of fame while striving to provide the best for their daughter, Lisa Marie, despite the inherent difficulties.

While Priscilla never remarried, her life was not devoid of love and companionship. She shared a significant long-term relationship with Marco Garibaldi for an impressive 22 years. This partnership resulted in the birth of their son, Navarone Garibaldi, in 1986, who is now 37. This relationship highlights that while she chose not to enter into another marriage, she was open to deep, committed partnerships and the joys of expanding her family. Her bond with Marco, though not sealed by marriage vows, was a profound and lasting connection, demonstrating her capacity for enduring love and family life outside the shadow of Elvis, while still upholding her personal conviction about marriage itself. It also provided Lisa Marie with a half-brother, further expanding the Presley family circle in a new generation.

The Resurgence of Her Story: The *Priscilla* Biopic

In recent months, the upcoming biopic Priscilla has brought her unique story back into the spotlight, prompting Elvis’s ex-wife to speak extensively about her relationship with the late rockstar. The film, directed by Sofia Coppola, promises to offer an intimate, often unseen, perspective of her life with Elvis, based on her 1985 memoir, “Elvis and Me.” This cinematic exploration has reignited public interest in their romance, their struggles, and the enduring legacy they share. Priscilla’s willingness to engage in numerous interviews, including a poignant conversation on Piers Morgan Uncensored, reflects her desire to share her authentic narrative and clarify aspects of her life that have long been subject to speculation and public imagination. This renewed focus on her personal journey provides a valuable counter-narrative to the traditionally Elvis-centric stories, offering a deeper understanding of the woman who stood beside one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures.

During her interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Priscilla also revealed her deeply personal reason for still wanting to be buried next to Elvis Presley at Graceland. “I’ve never met anyone like him and I don’t think I ever will again, ever,” she stated, reiterating her profound sentiment about Elvis’s unparalleled nature. She continued to praise his character, describing him as having “the biggest heart. He had a great sense of humor. He had a lot of love.” This desire to rest eternally beside him at Graceland, the cherished family estate in Memphis, Tennessee, speaks volumes about the enduring spiritual and emotional connection she shares with him. Graceland is not just a landmark but a sacred family ground, a place where their history is deeply rooted, and where their shared daughter, Lisa Marie, also found her final resting place. For Priscilla, this choice symbolizes an everlasting bond, a continuation of their family unit beyond life itself, and a tribute to the man who profoundly shaped her existence.

Navigating Unspeakable Loss and Enduring Grief

In that same emotionally charged interview with Piers Morgan, Priscilla candidly addressed the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away in January. Her grief was palpable as she spoke about the unbearable pain. “It was unbearable,” she confessed, her voice heavy with sorrow. The interview provided a rare glimpse into the private anguish experienced by the Presley family, who have faced an unimaginable series of losses. She further articulated the cumulative weight of her personal tragedies: “I lost my mother. I lost my grandson, and I lost my daughter.” The mention of losing her grandson, Ben Keough (Lisa Marie’s son), who passed away in 2020, underscored the compounded grief that her daughter, Lisa Marie, had to endure. Priscilla emphasized, “Losing [Lisa’s son] Ben, that was the hardest thing for her.” This raw honesty about the depths of her sorrow and the enduring impact of these losses highlighted the strength and resilience required to navigate such profound tragedies, cementing her image not just as Elvis’s ex-wife, but as a matriarch who has faced immense personal challenges with grace and candor. Her public sharing of such private pain resonated deeply with many, reminding everyone that beneath the veneer of celebrity, the human experience of love and loss remains universally poignant.